Childbearing Year

July 18, 2012 in herbal safety, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 16, 2012

Support Rather Than Cleanse

...was wondering if you knew anything about these herbs and breast feeding...worm wood, barberry root, Chinese rhubarb, marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, cloves, and black walnut. I'm seeing a chiro/functional medicine doctor and he recommended that I do a 28 day parasite cleanse followed by a liver cleanse. He knows I'am breast feeding and says it's safe, but I had a friend mention worm wood not being so awesome while nursing. Any input would help.

Thank you so much!

Hello,

Susun does not advocate the heroic tradition of cleanses. Very hard on your body and especially would not do while breastfeeding. Instead we find it far more conducive to good health to support and nourish.

From Susun: "The Wise Woman Way focuses on nourishing the wholeness and health of the unique individual. Cleansing ultimately damages the organs of detoxification and destroys the health of the body. A well-nourished liver will do its job - which is to remove toxins from the body - superbly. The liver is not an inert object like a car or a rug that needs to be cleansed. It is not a filter that gets clogged. It is a living organ that constantly replaces itself. The liver is so important that every cell in it is rebuilt every thirty days. Just think! You have a brand new liver every month. There is no need to cleanse it! Love it and nourish it and your liver will be well."

Drink nourishing herbal infusions daily, eat whole foods, move and love your body. Support rather than cleanse by eating leafy bitter greens, including dandelion and chicory, eat burdock root, eat seaweeds, take milk thistle seed tincture...

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

April 16, 2012 in Food and Drink, nourishing herbal infusions, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 10, 2011

Young and Infertile?

Hi,

I have been lurking on your website, and have always thought that "the herbal way" was the best way. I hope that you can help me. I am 23, and since starting my period when I was 13, I have always suffered from irregular cycles. Now that I am married, and hubby and I are ready to start a family, my body has turned against me. I have tried everything! I have charted, used ovulation microscopes, baby danced with pre-seed lubricant, pillows under my hips after sex, vitex, maca root, soy isoflavones, and the list goes on....

After using vitex for approximately 4-5 months, I did manage to get pregnant a couple of years ago, however, I miscarried at 6 weeks. I was devastated! and just "knew" that it wouldn't happen for a very long time again. This was the year of 2009. Afterwards, I continued to take vitex capsules (4 a day / 400 mg each), and I continued to have regular cycles, ranging from 30 - 44 days. After about 9 months of supplementing with vitex, my cycles just STOPPED. I started to feel emotionally unstable, hormonal, and out of wack, in general. I started to sink into depression, not from wanting a child, but just in general. This was odd to me.

My doctor advised me to stop taking vitex, and prescribed Zoloft to treat my depression. These only made my depression worse, so after a few months of using Zoloft, I decided that my body just needed a break from everything. I stopped both Zoloft and Vitex. Later on, I decided to start Vitex again and the exact same thing happened. Just recently, (earlier this year) I began supplementing with vitex again. After 4 months, my periods stopped. I began having pregnancy symptoms (nausea, sore breasts, extreme fatigue, extreme hunger). I could have sworn that I was pregnant!! But I was not. I was once again shattered.....

Since then, I have lost my faith in vitex... I have tried maca root as well to regulate my periods, as I was told that it increases fertility. It didn't help at all. I also tried soy isoflavones. It is nature's clomid, and works for everyone except me, I guess. I just don't know what else to do....A friend of mine just recently told me about false unicorn root tincture, and that it is great for increasing fertility. What do you think? I am ready to be a mom. I am settled down, married, about to graduate from college, and am ready to do the family thing. I just need help.... I even started acupuncture last week... Also, I am 118 lbs, and 5'6. I am on the thin side, and have an extremely hard time gaining weight. I take folic acid every day, I am a vegetarian, but not true vegetarian, as I do eat fish. I drink plently of water a day, and am otherwise healthy. I have just begun exercising as well to prepare my body for conception. During the months that I don't get a period, my body feels as though it will ovulate...I always feel nauseated, ovulation pains, cramping, but nothing ever happens.... What do you suggest? I know this passage is very long, but I do appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to read what I have to say....It means more than you know...

Hello…Susun suggests that you stop all supplements and abandon your vegetarian diet. In almost all cases Susun has found a vegetarian diet counterproductive to conception. She would also suggest the daily use of nourishing herbal infusions, including red clover infusion at least several times per week. Nourishing yourself well is the first step to creating a nurturing space for a new life.

Also it might help to relieve yourself of the pressure of having to conceive, take this time now for you, being only 23 you have plenty of time, focus on self nurture and self nourishment, and in time your body will naturally conceive when the moment is right. Forwarding your email to Kim for her to send you info on diet and links to articles to read.

Love,

Justine

Hello,

Here are some links to follow up on what Justine has mentioned. Starting on daily infusions would be recommended. Not just for fertility but for overall health. These infusion are packed with minerals, nutrients, vitamins and are much easier to assimilate as opposed to supplements. As Justine mentioned, red clover blossoms is the one that is reached for time and time again in dealing with infertility issues.

Of course, being on the thin side can cause issues with cycles. Eating fish is good, making sure to get in good fatty ones such as sardines, salmons, mackerel, etc. Full-fat organic yogurt - Having plenty of good fats in your diet is important.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Optimum_Nutrition.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Nutrition.htm

We are not a one size fits all, and perhaps vitex is not the ally for you but I do wonder if you could possibly have better luck with vitex as a tincture. Susun does not recommend the use of herbs in a capsule form, as you have a higher chance of lower quality and unwanted side effects. http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm

Some other articles by Susun that deals with fertility. I know that one of them is titled Fertility after Forty, but the information would still be useful to you.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_After_Forty.htm

I know the need to start a family is urgent, but there is no doubt that creating a stressful environment over this can compound the problem. If you aren't already, I would really suggest a regular meditation practice. You've thrown a lot at your body and if you can find a quiet moment to really try and connect, you never know what your body may have to communicate back to you. Here is an article with some more info and a nice meditation at the end:

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/June10/body-soul.htm

Another place for further support and advice would be our forum at www.healingwiseforum.com. Just let us know if you have any further questions.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Jan-02.htm#article

November 10, 2011 in fertility, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 17, 2011

Red Raspberry Leaf ~ Ally in Pregnancy

Hello,

I am in my fifth week of pregnancy. This cycle I got pregnant I starting taking 2 Red Raspberry Leaf pills daily which comes to a dosage of 960mg of RRL daily. I read it could help tone the uterus. I am now uneasy about continuing it now for fear that it could actually in some cause problems but I am unsure if it is safe to suddenly stop it? I asked my OBGYN and he has no idea. Thank you.

Hello,

We would only recommend that you take red raspberry leaf in an infusion form. If you are unfamiliar with infusions, you can read more about them here: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

There seems to be more side-effects when using herbs as a capsule and we prefer to use them as infusions, teas, tinctures and vinegars. Here is a little from Susun in regards to capsules: "That said, any herb powdered and put into a capsule is dangerous (unless it is useless). Consider the herb ephedra. Chinese herbalists have used Ma Huang (ephedra) without ill effect for over 3,000 years. The Mormons made use of ephedra as a tea, again without harm. But powdered, encapsulated, and taken in high doses by women intent on losing weight, ephedra has caused so many fatalities that it has been banned in the U.S.A. What an ignoble end to a helpful herb! I never take herbs in capsules, and I warn my students against doing so. "

Feel free to drink red raspberry infusion throughout pregnancy as your own body dictates. You can read more about all the wonderful things it, along with other infusions can do for you during this time:

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

Thank you for your response. I dont know if I can get the infusion but would u think it safe to cut the pills down to one for a few days and than discontinue or are the effects of rrl too strong to just stop like that. Thank you...

Hi,

The infusions you do make yourself with dried herbs - much like making tea but with a higher amount of herb and with a longer steeping time. I don't know where you are located but usually the dried herbs can be found in the bulk herb section of your health/natural food store. You can also order online at various places such as Mountain Rose Herbs or Red Moon Herbs.

Since I have not used RRL in a capsule form, I really cannot address that. I don't see why it would be a problem for you to cut the pills down over a few days and stop but again, we just don't use RRL in that way. You may want to ask at our health forum - perhaps someone there will be able to answer that question. The forum is at www.healingwiseforum.com.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

October 17, 2011 in herbal safety, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 27, 2011

Avoiding Cleanses While Breastfeeding

Susun,

I've been interested in doing a cleanse by Dr. Clarke (parasite cleanse) with Black Walnut Hull, Wormwood and clove. According to Dr. Clark, you can give this remedy to a child at six months. But, online there are repeted warnings about using these herbs while breast feeding.

My Naturpathic doctor said that doing a cleanse would release lots of toxins in the body that may go to the blooodstream and then to the baby. But, my midwife says that this cleanse is safe and even good to do while nursing.

What are your thoughts?

Hello,

We strongly advocate agains cleansing, at any time, and especially when pregnant, nursing, or when ill. Cleansing is extremely hard on the body, especially on the organs that naturally keep your body healthy and clean, such as your liver and kidneys.

Instead, we advocate for nourishing your body, so the body can do its work in a supporting environment. Our bodies are not places of filth, they are naturally clean, and the body is naturally designed to keep itself in optimal health, if supported with nourishment and love.

The best and easiest way to nourish your body is to eat a whole foods diet, exercise a different way each day, get plenty of rest, clean water for bathing and drinking, avoiding toxins (such as essential oils in body products, toxic home “cleaning” products, fabric softeners, and highly processed foods). The most nourishing herbs we can use to support our body is in the form of nourishing herbal infusions, safe enough to be considered food, and to be taken daily, at least two cups per day and even up to eight cups per day.

Personally, I have been drinking upwards of six cups of nourishing infusion for decades, through pregnancy and lactation, and my daughter started drinking infusions at four months as soon as she showed interest in mealtime at the table. Now, two and a half, she is a strong advocate for infusions like her mother and grandmother.

Learn more about nourishing herbal infusions at these links below:

to properly benefit from infusions, buy your herb in bulk, at local store or online.

Sending you love and blessings,

Justine

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Call our free herbal/health hot line (845-246-8081) Tuesday evenings, 7:30-9:30 pm EST, dates are April through October. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

August 27, 2011 in Nursing/Breastfeeding, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 10, 2011

Ginger Use in Pregnancy

I'm 39, had a miscarriage last year, pregnant again with low progesterone levels.. Is it safe to eat Ginger candies 2 times a day for morning sickness??

Thank you..

Hello,

Like most herbs, there are different opinions in regards to using ginger. Susun does use it for morning sickness but if you have a history of miscarriage, you may wish to avoid it during the first trimester. I would say that it is used sparingly most often and a couple of candies a day would seem quite low dosage. Susun suggests drinking ginger root tea by tablespoon dosages - so it is not something that you would want to drink a lot of. If you feel worried, you could try red raspberry leaf infusions. Not only does Susun use them for helping with morning sickness but as an ally in preventing miscarriage as it helps tone the uterus.

Here is an article of Susun's that you may find useful: http://childbearing-year.com/articles-Herbal_Allies_for_Pregnancy_Problems.php. There is also a number of articles and excerpts from Susun's book, The Childbearing Year. Would definitely be worth your time to peruse some of what is offered there as well. Just let us know if you need any further assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

July 10, 2011 in herbal safety, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 22, 2011

Wise Woman Wisdom for Fertility After Forty

Dear Susun,

I am 43 years of age, and will turn 44 in December. I have been tring to conceive since year 2007. I have had 2 clomid cycles, 2 Gonal F cycles, and stimulation for IVF too, however, the ovarian response was very poor.

The doctor had suggest I take the pill from July until Oct 2010, until I start the stimuation for IVF in December 2010. I had my last period on Jan 17th and have'nt had a period since then. I did a home pregnancy test and the same was negative.

I am fearing menopause and would really like to conceive.

Kindly guide me...

Hello,

Some things that Susun recommends would be regular use of red clover infusions, drinking 2-4 cups daily has turned around fertility issues for many women. "... It is especially helpful if there is scaring of the fallopian tubes, irregular menses, abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or "unexplained" infertility. It may take several months for the full effect of this herb to come on and pregnancy may not occurs until you have used it for a year or two. You can improve the taste by including some dried peppermint (a spoonful or two) along with the dried clover blossoms when making your infusion. Treat the father of the child-to-be to some red clover infusion, too!"

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_After_Forty.htm

"Red clover is the single best remedy for women over forty who want to conceive but can't -- even if there are medical reasons for not conceiving such blocked tubes, diabetes, ovarian cysts, internal scaring, endometriosis. There are many heart-warming success stories I could share about red clover! But suffice to say, drinking 2-4 cups of the infusion of the dried blossoms (neither tincture nor tea nor pills will work for this application) seems to do wonders for fertility, no matter what your age."

So no matter what your issues, I would start with incorporating red clover infusions into your diet. If you are unfamiliar with infusions and how to make them, here is Susun's website that goes into deeper detail: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Another herb to consider would be Vitex (chasteberry) - this would be used in the form of a tincture.

"Most importantly, chaste tree is a strengthening tonic for the pituitary gland, the master control gland for the endocrine system. Daily use of the tincture of the berries (1 dropperful/1 ml 2-3 times daily) had been shown to increase progesterone--the hormone of pregnancy--and luteinizing hormone--which promotes conception. Because it can lower prolactin levels, chaste tree is best discontinues during the last trimester of pregnancy."

Vitex is an herb that helps to regulate cycles and bring balance to the body in whatever form it needs.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm

Another thing of great importance is your diet. Vegan and vegetarian diets are not optimal for creating a fertile environment - nor is a low-fat diet. Eating whole grains, vegetables, whole-fat organic milk, butter, eggs along with fish such as salmon and sardines is best.

Susun also offers phone consultations if you want to go into more detail. They can be booked through our store here: http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/store_results.asp?Category=3&SubCat=1034&Section=Consultations

You may also wish to ask at our forum. Someone may be able to help you as well and we have a room set up specifically for childbearing issues.

Do remember it isn't uncommon for us to have babies throughout our forties, so stay focused on being positive and meditate on welcoming a new child into your life.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

May 22, 2011 in fertility, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 25, 2011

Herbal Infusions for a Healthy Pregnancy

Hi Susun,

I'm planning to take some herbal infusions during pregnancy. Hilary Jacobsen gave me a pregnancy protocol that you told her about and it says to drink infusions once a week of nettle, comfrey, oat straw, red clover, and red raspberry. I also ran across an article by you where you mentioned drinking nettle and red raspberry infusions at least 5 days a week during pregnancy. I had very low milk supply with my first child and am trying to do everything I can to change that next time.

Before I learned about infusions I was going to drink a tea of red clover, red raspberry, and alfalfa everyday to try to build more mammary tissue. Now I want to drink an infusion of the red clover and the red raspberry at least once a week as you mentioned, but I would like to do more than that to get the most benefit that I can. I was thinking of doing two infusions per week and then tea maybe three days a week, or one infusion per week and tea at least 4 times per week. Or more infusions if that would be beneficial. What are your thoughts on this?

Also I'm finding conflicting information about whether or not mullein leaf is safe during pregnancy. I have asthma and had a bad asthma attack during pregnancy last time and had to take prednisone because my rescue inhaler wasn't helping me. I would love to try the mullein leaf to see if it can help my lungs, but of course want to make sure it's safe.

Hello,

In terms of general health and well-being, we feel that herbal infusions are superior to teas. Along with the healing properties that you are receiving from the herbs, the large quantity of plant material and lengthy steeping time extracts the levels of vitamins and minerals our bodies need, especially during pregnancy. http://medherb.com/Materia_Medica/The_Mineral_Content_of_Herbal_Decoctions_.htm

During my pregnancy, I rotated herbs from day to day, usually 2 days of nettles, 2 days of red raspberry, 1 day of comfrey leaf and 1 day of red clover and 1 day of oatstraw - you can really divide it out however you feel drawn intuitively to do. And I drank usually 2 cups to 1 quart each day. Remember that the infusions are drank one at a time, not mixed together like you find in tea blends. This seems the best way to see how your body reacts to the herb instead of confusing the issue with too many signals.

The teas you are talking about are wonderful for milk production, if it were me, I would be drinking the infusions in a higher quantity than the tea to also be getting the minerals and vitamins. And there is also a lot you can do with the foods you eat to help with milk production during and after pregnancy. Here is an excerpt from Susun's book The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. You will find a lot of information to help as well. http://childbearing-year.com/articles-breast-feeding1.php

I am not aware of any problems with mullein during pregnancy. All I can tell you is that I would have no issue with taking it, but you will have to decide how you feel about it. Nearly any herb has conflicting information, especially when it comes to use during pregnancy - often simply because no one has bothered to do much testing with them. I have always found mullein safe and gentle to use.

Congratulations and a happy pregnancy to you.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

April 25, 2011 in Food and Drink, herbal safety, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 10, 2011

Healing Lyme Disease While Pregnant

Dear Susun

I have had your books for years and thought of you now as I am really needing immediate and wise advice. I am 7mo pregnant with a little girl and have celiac disease (found out just as became pregnant) Now at 7mo I found out i have lyme disease with a cd 57 count (the immune cells affected by lyme) of 28 which is very low.
I have joint pain, inflammation, fatique...but am also really well on many levels and surprised how low my numbers are(tests have been done a couple of times for accuracy)I was also muscle tested by wonderful ak person..and told certain antibiotics and herbs will help.

Lyme passes thru placenta and worse during breastfeeding. I work with women and children and am heartbroken to think of taking antibiotics or having to not breastfeed. I will test baby as soon as she comes out thru umbilicus.

Antibiotics are recommended full on daily now. I want to see if i can rotate them with herbs...no one I know can tell me which herbs are safe...and doses...if you can MUCH GRATITUDE. It is an immediate issue...decision needs to be made asap.

Herbs I know work and I test well for anti lyme are:

cats claw i test for 13 drops/day
resveratral (japanese knotweed) i test for 2/day olive leaf i test for 1
cap /day red root usnia

colloidal silver -
reishi turkey tail mushroom tea with dandelion 1 tsp per day

If ok, how high in dosage can I go? if you have any lyme knowlege around this pls feel free to share

THANK you...

Hello,

I am a lyme survivor and Susun's daughter. I would take antibiotics immediately, while pregnant....the baby will get her immunity from you, and you need to get rid of the lyme disease right away. As for herbs to take along with the antibiotics the following in any reasonable dose safe: reishi, dandelion, red root, Japanese knotweed.

Skip the rest, not safe for use. I had lyme for two years undiagnosed, and used a combination of Reiki, homeopathy, and teasel root tincture to cure myself, took three years for recovery from the damage. Use the antibiotics and support and nourish yourself through the process. And, let me tell you I
was raised in a very holistic manner, with no doctor visits, no immunizations, and no antibiotics. My mom and I both strongly advise antibiotics as soon after contracting lyme as possible, if you want even a few more months the antibiotics will not longer be an option, once the lyme morphs from bacteria to virus, the antibiotics no longer an effective remedy and damage really begins to occur.

Sending you and baby love.

Love,
Justine

April 10, 2011 in herbal safety, Pregnancy - General, Pregnancy, Diet and Nourishment, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 07, 2011

Fifth Disease in Pregnancy

Hello,

I am going to be a mother for the third time (praise God!) but have run into a few complications during this pregnancy.

My husband (naturopathic doctor) and I follow a very healthy, slow food, slow living lifestyle, and have increased our health since that last pregnancy, and were expecting this one to be glowing with health. I also love the book "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" and follow the same thought pattern, and heal with herbs.

Early in the pregnancy (11 wks) I began bleeding and contracting- we thought I was miscarrying. I used the herbs from the book and bedrest and love, and the baby stayed!!! After an ulstrasound diagnosis, we found that the placenta was covering the cervix, and had partially detached- so I was put on very limited activity, etc.

Again we have used healing herbs and common sense and things seem to be healthy again. (I am now 16 weeks along)

However, after a recent airplane trip across the country, my two young boys and I have contracted what appears to be Fifth Disease.

This scares me, as I cannot find any information on natural treatments that would help. We of course are staying exclusively at home now, and trying to overcome the sickness with herbs and rest.

But what I am worried about is the possible complications that could happen to my (unborn) baby. There is a 30% chance (more or less) that the baby will be infected as well, and could lead to a type of anemia in which she cannot produce red blood cells.

Do you have any experience with pregnancy and Fifth Disease, or can you recommend any herbs that would be helpful to 1) prevent the baby from becoming infected or 2) help her heal from it without complications

My first thought was to increase my own iron levels, but my husband said that if she cannot make RBC, then that would be useless.

The "standard" medical procedure (even among our local midwives) is wait and see- with weekly ultrasounds- which I am not a huge fan of.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and time!!

Hello,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I know that Fifth Disease can cause a great deal of worry but do try and believe that your body will do what is best for you and the baby. In almost all cases, there are no complications, but there is a small chance of miscarriage, especially if it is contracted in the early stages of pregnancy. Certainly everything that you have been doing, is wonderful.

It is true that there really is not much that you can do except relax and try to stay focused on having a healthy baby and remembering that is really is rare for issues to occur. There are, however, steps that can be taken. Take echinacea - Infusing dried Echinacea augustifolia root is best - One ounce of root steeped for eight hours in a pint of water is the daily dose for a person weighing 125-150 pounds. When infection is acute, full dose should be taken for a minimum of seven days. For tincture - dose is 1 drop for every 2 pounds of body weight, taken every several hours. After the seven days, you can drop the dosage down to 2-3 times a day.

Take care of yourself, rest as much as possible and support your immune system. Drink herbal infusions daily, make nourishing soups with powerful anti-viral components such as astragalus root, onion, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, ginger and tumeric. If you are not familiar with infusions, Susun has a new site that discussing method and herbs used: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Susun is not usually online, but she does offer phone consultations if you would like to go into deeper detail with her. I am including a link for you if you wish to book one. http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/store_results.asp?Category=3&SubCat=1034&Section=Consultations

Wishing you well and let us know if you need anything else.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team