Childbearing Year

Pregnancy and H1N1

I am about 9 weeks pregnant and extremely hesitant to get the H1N1
vaccine.  I've heard that elderberries have great antiviral properties
even recently found against H1N1 too.  Do you have any thoughts about
taking elderberry extract/syrup while pregnant?

Thank you in advance for your insights.

 

Elderberry extract and/or syrup should be just fine and even a good choice
to use during pregnancy.

You might also consider nourishing herbal infusions, especially nettles
leaf, comfrey  leaf, and red raspberry leaf infusions, as well as including
in your diet both sauerkraut and garlic..

Susun has new videos online at youtube regarding ways to avoid H1N1..

http://www.youtube.com/user/wisewomantradition

You might also join our free health forum, where other wise woman could help
you, go to: http://www.susunweed.com/wisewomanforum.htm

An additional resource is our google email group with 800+ wise women
http://groups.google.com/group/herbal-healing

Blessings,
Wise Woman Team
http://www.wisewomanweb.com 

Herbs to avoid when conceiving

I have a question about a couple herbs.  I took milk thistle to clean my liver for two months. and then started taking dandelion root.  after taking the dandelion root for 2 weeks I became pregnant.  I have had two successful pregnancies without the use of herbs.  my question is it safe to take these right before or during pregnancy?  I stopped taking the dandelion root at about 4 weeks pregnant.  I found out I was going to miscarry early.  could it have been from the milk thistle detox or the dandelion root.  I need to know, as we are wanting to get pregnant again.. thank you so much for your time.

 
 

 
 
Both herbs are known to support and nourish the liver and body, there is no reason to believe the miscarriage was directly related to the milk thistle or dandelion.
 
Here is an article on ways to nourish your body during pregnancy, which includes tonics to nourish and those to use with caution
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm
 
Here is an article on herbal birth control methods, which includes a list of foods/herbs to avoid when trying to conceive or in early conception
 
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Herbal_Birth_Control.htm
 
The best thing you can do if you want to carry life is to focus on nourishment of your body, and understand the body is not in need to detox. Support your organs and they will do the cleaning as they are designed to do…
 
Sending love,
 
Justine
 
 

After-pain Brew to ease birthing pain

Hello,

 

I am due to give birth in 14 weeks and am wanting to make my own

tincture from some herbs for the after birth pains.I have used

'afterease' before but am unable to buy it in tincture form where I

live. I now live in the UK. I can get each of the herbs in dried form

and want to make my own tincture. the recipe you have up on the website

 is using one herb at a time. Could you please tell me how to do it with multi herbs? I have made it before but all my books are in the US at the moment so dont have access to them.

 

Thanks for your help

 

P.

 

 

P,

 

Hello... Here is the recipe from Susun Weed's “Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year”:

 

After-pain Brew

 

1 ounce dried Cramp Bark or Black Haw root bark

1/2 ounce dried Blue Cohosh root

1/4 ounce dried Hops flowers

 

Infuse herbs in a one quart jar filled with boiling water and sealed well. After eight hours, strain out herbs and refrigerate liquid.

 

Cramp bark (or Black Haw) is specific for relieving the pain of uterine contraction after birth or during the menstrual flow. Blue Cohosh helps the uterus regain its pre-pregnancy state quickly, thus reducing pain. Hops is a sleep-inducing, milk producing pain killer.

 

Reheat the brew and sip it throughout the day and night, or as needed, to ease pain aned encourage rest. (A little salt improves the taste.)

 

 

 

Susun also has a labor tincture (made with alcohol) in her book, she writes "this tincture can be used to initiate labor, strengthen contractions, unstall and stimulate labor, deal with exhaustion during labor, expel the placenta, and help control postpartum hemorrhage." Here is the recipe

 

 

Labor Tincture

 

1/2 ounce dried Black Cohosh root

1/2 ounce dried Blue Cohosh root

1/4 ounce dried Ginger

1/4 ounce dried Birthroot

1 cup (8 fluid ounces) 100 proof vodka

 

Place dried herbs in a pint jar and add vodka. Label and cap. Let it all steep together for six weeks or longer. Decant the tincture by running the mixture through a juice extractor or salad spinner. If neither of these are available pour the tincture and herbs into a cotton cloth and wring by hand. Store decanted tincture in a cool, dark place in brown glass. Be sure to label it.

 

The Blue Cohosh encourages the uterus to begin contracting and increases the force of contractions. The Black Cohosh helps the uterus to contract in a coordinated and effective way. The Ginger focuses energy in the pelvic area, and increases the energy available to the uterus. Birthroot (Trillium) adds its "prompt and persistent" influence on the uterus, speeding the action of the Cohoshes and joining with the Ginger to energize the uterus.

 

The tincture can be used to initiate labor, strengthen contractions, unstall and stimulate labor, deal with exhaustion during labor, expel the placenta, and help control postpartum hemorrhage.

 

The usual dose is 10 drops under the tongue.

 

Except from Susun Weed's "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year".

 

Birth Blessings,

 

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

 

 

 

Fertility Herbs - Red Clover, False Unicorn, Vitex...

I found your site and I had some questions about herbs that I was wondering if you had the answer to.  I have been trying to conceive for 11 years.  I am now 37 years old.  I've tried the medical treatments and they didn't work for me, so now I'm trying the natural route.  I have unexplained infertility though my doctor found very mild endometriosis, some fibroids and I had a burst ovarian cyst over 12 years ago, which might or might not have to do with my trouble conceiving.  I am doing research and I see some many herbs that can help, vitex, maca, red clover, false unicorn root and many more.  For unexplained infertility, which are the best herbs to try?  How many can I take at once?  Are there any that will interact with each other?   Thank you Simple is better.  This is the opinion of some, myself included.  The top herb I know for unexplained lack of conception is Red Clover blossoms prepared as an infusion.  Susun Weed writes in this article on herbs for fertility:

"One of the most cherished of the fertility-increasing plants is red clover (Trifolium pratense). Common in fields and along roadsides, it has bright pink (not really red) blossoms from mid-summer into the chilly days of fall. A favorite flower of the honeybees, the tops (blossoms and appending leaves) are harvested on bright sunny days and eaten as is, or dried for medicinal use. The raw blossoms are delicious in salads and nutritious when cooked with grains such as rice or millet.

"To make a fertility-enhancing infusion, I take one ounce by weight of the dried blossoms (fresh won't work for this application) and put them in a quart size canning jar. I fill the jar with boiling water, screw on a tight lid, and let it steep at room temperature overnight (or for at least four hours). Dozens of women have told me that they had successful pregnancies after drinking a cup or more (up to four cups) a day of red clover infusion.

"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!"

False Unicorn root might be helpful, and I don't know of contraindications with the Red Clover.  I consider it more of an herb to take as needed, whereas the Red Clover I see as a long term food-like herb.   Vitex berry tincture I think can be wonderful when unopposed excess estrogen increases ovarian cysts and fibroids and endometriosis.  Also, when conception happens or appears to happen but is lost as early as the first few weeks because progesterone levels do not stay high enough.  Again no contraindications that I know of with the above two herbs. Maca I consider an exotic plant that was food to a people and is now being marketed by drying a tiny piece of the root and stuffing into a capsule.  I would favor rich root foods that are grown close to home, even if Maca :), so long as it is prepared in your kitchen.  I do not recommend capsules of anything. You can read Susun Weed's thoughts on the importance of Simples. Let me know if I can help with anything further! Blessings, Karen Joy wisewoman@herbshealing.com www.wisewomanweb.com

Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy

Q: My daughter is pregnant, and struggling with insomnia due to restless leg syndrome. What can I suggest to her? Thanks for your help.   

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  Have you read this article yet?

Has she tried any of the ideas?  Is there anything there that appeals that I can help you further with?  I am very happy to help any way I am able.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Q: My daughter is not in menopause, she is pregnant. Does that count as the same kind of needs?   

   

A: Yes, these still apply.  I realize she is pregnant.  I apologize for not acknowledging that the article is an excerpt from Susun's menopause book. So much of that book applies to women from menarche on!

Karen Joy

Fertility After Chemotherapy

Q: Hello,

This may sound strange, but I am wondering how I can restore at least in part, some of the chemo induced menopause? I have your book, "Breast Cancer, Breast Health, The Wise Woman Way", but I have not seen any books that seriously deal with the subject of restoring fertility after cancer (in my case, early stage hormonally negative breast cancer at age 42) for the purposes of conceiving a child. My husband is 43 and as far as I know, healthy in terms of his fertility. His sperm count was tested around 2000 and it was at normal average range. 

I have had secondary fertility before 2002, was diagnosed with mild endometriosis at age 40. I had a successful birth and delivery at 33. Doors keep closing in terms of adoption so I am revisiting this as an option once again. I like foraging in my yard for green plants. I notice that when I eat salads of: dock weed, lambs quarters, primrose rosette leaves, sorrel, and dandelion leaves, that my nails grow in thicker and stronger. My mother says this is a genetic tendency--she has the same thing, but the bad upshot of not assimulating your minerals correctly is that your teeth enamel begins to mysteriously erode at the gum line. AS you said on the internet site, capsules really don't do it and I find it strange but true, even though I take calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, boron, etc. I have to admit that I just turned 48 so maybe this is all just a wild goose chase.

I noticed you mentioned chasteberry and I think you said rasberry leaf. I have noticed when I was perimenopausal (right before chemo eliminated that stage) that vitex helped to even out my hormonal cycles. I take it now, I think it's doing something--in capsule form. I also take Black Cohosh capsules. Without Black Cohosh, most likely, I would be suffering flashes 24-7. As it is, I seem to need more of it, as I have lost a little of the fat tissue around my hips from a few supplements I've been taking over this past summer. I'm still experiencing vaginal dryness more now, that I've lost the extra weight. Vitamin E doesn't seem to be helping any more.Still, glad that I did lose some of the stubborn fat, on an otherwise, slender frame--before, I looked a little like the woman that swallowed the doughnut on the billboard ads. Even though I am glad that I did lose the weight (and with it subsequent loss of even more residual hormones, paltry though they may be), I would like to see if the possibility exists that I could turn a seemingly cut and dried situation around, if not for fertility sakes, then perhaps at least for preservation of bone and teeth sake.

Conception After 40 and Seizure Disorder

Q: Dear Susun,

I have seen your article regarding childbirth after forty and plan to follow your advice. I thought I'd ask you a few questions specific to my situation to see if you have any other advice. 

I have recently had a yearning to have another child--I have two, five years old and almost 3. had no problem getting pregnant with them, though an earlier pregnancy was ectopic (they believe, never could find the baby on ultrasound--gave me methotrexate to expel any tissue remaining). I will be 44 in Dec but still feel very healthy and fit. My biggest vice of the past couple years has been 2 or 3 cups of coffee a day and I have for the past 6 months been working out vigorously. If I were indeed to start trying again, I would focus on doing all I can nutritionally to conceive a healthy child and would prob cut back a bit on the exercise. I will also take the herbs you recommend.

I have a seizure disorder and take one of the safest meds out there--lamotrigine. Both of my children are healthy and bright and I breastfed both--still am breastfeeding the almost 3 yr old once a day or so.

Question finally is, anything else you think I should take given my health issue (very well controlled--2 grand mal seizures with first pregnancy early on but forgot to take my meds, none with second and only one since bc of med lowering and other extenuating circumstances. I guess I am scared that I am "tempting fate" bc I already have 2 healthy children and worry my age will make another pregnancy more high risk somehow, though I look and feel young! My husband and myself would find a baby with challenges difficult to say the least, although I feel bad saying that. Any words of wisdom or advice for additional herbs to take? 

Thank you,

A: Any of us at any age take that risk. If you are wishing a child I encourage you to consider what is too much to handle, are they things that can be tested for early in  conception, and if you found specific issues what would you two choose at that point? Besides what Susun writes in the article I do not have further herbal suggestions to change your percentage risk. I imagine this is a hard decision, I wish I could help more.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Q: I am 44 and in good health and am trying to get pregnant--have tried for only 3 mos. My naturopath who I trust and think is a great doctor--after talking with me today at my visit, "prescribed" 1 tsp of phytoest diluted in water 2 times daily on day 1-14 of menstrual cycle and 1 tsp twice daily of phyto progest on day 15-28 of cycle along with prenatal vitamins, omega 3's, lunaception and something called pregnenolone, to help me conceive. Was wondering if those supplements (specifically the phytoest and phytoprogest by Wise Woman Herbals which is what he sold to me) IN YOUR OPINION make sense for someone looking to get pregnant at 44. I have no known issues with fertility and have a 3 and a five year old currently, although periods seem lighter than before (when younger) and I have some spotting before it starts which I don't recall Also my premenstrual symptoms-sore breasts, irritability, etc. seem to have gotten "lighter" for lack of better word. Cycles are usually somewhere between 28 and 33 days I know you can't diagnose, treat, etc. My children took 3 (1st) and 1 mos (2nd) respectively to conceive so I'm now over that timeline but I am older!!

as I said, I do trust him very much but just remembered I had emailed you and thought I'd ask.......... any info would be helpful

Thanks

A: Hello again!

First, I am curious about the pregnenolone, after reading here:

Due to its antagonistic effects on the GABA receptor in the central nervous system, pregnenolone therapy may be contraindicated in people with a history of seizures. Pregnenolone may inhibit drugs used to increase GABA activity (i.e., neurontin); these drugs are frequently used in the treatment of epilepsy and depression.

I do not see any harm at first glance with the herbs listed in the Wise Woman Herbal product, HOWEVER myself feel odd about using things that are so vague, besides I like one herb at a time. I do not see online if these are tinctures, oils, etc. and how the are used. I myself like to know what plant, how and when harvested, exactly how prepared, etc. before even deciding if safe or not. Those products are as foreign to me as a bottle of vitamin tablets.

So you ask me if it all makes sense for someone looking to get pregnant. It makes sense understanding how some think about it, yes. To me and my approach to health, no. Especially as I see nothing "wrong" needing "fixing" as it sounds you are wonderfully fertile and healthy, just older. And even if I did feel you needed assistance this would not be at all the route I would go.

HOWEVER, part of helping one along one's path is following intuition, whether it makes sense or not. It feels good sometimes to trust someone and add things to our life, whether they make sense or not. I hear you trust this person. That means a lot in my opinion :)

I am not sure if this helps or not. I am glad you asked, and am happy to share my opinion any time. As well I am very happy to support you on the path you choose for yourself, whether or not it is the one I would choose for myself. We are all unique. Besides I will be curious to hear how you are doing.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Pregnancy, Red Raspberry and Nettle

Q: Dear Susun,

I'm 4 weeks pregnant and i'm very excited!!! I want to take red raspberry and alternate it with nettles, is that ok ? I want to prevent any chance of miscarriage. Is red raspberry ok to use in my 1st trimester? thank you so much for your time.

 

A: Congratulations!!  Yes, these are two wonderful infusions to drink through your pregnancy.  Red Raspberry is superb especially in the first trimester, and especially for those dealing with nausea.  Nettle is especially superb for the last trimester for its vitamin K content.  And, yes, do please alternate both through your whole pregnancy, do a little more of one or the other as your cravings dictate. :)
Please let me know if I can help further!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Herbs For the Last Trimester

Q: Hello Susun,

I am 39 years old and having my 3^rd and final child in March.  I won’t go in to major details of my past pregnancies but in short, they were all “medically” textbook. There were 2.  One at 19 and one at 35. I am lucky enough to have one more and very happy that I am able to do this. Since my 1^st child, 20 years ago, I have had nothing but trouble getting pregnant and horrible menstrual cycles.  The more I read from you the more I wished I knew of your info years ago. I have always believed in holistic medicine so this is right up my alley.

Okay, on to my current pregnancy.  I struggle with lactation, and always have.  So I have begun to drink a raspberry, alfalfa and nettle tea I found at a coop.  Within a few days I began to leak.  Great, I hope it lasts and baby will benefit from this. I also have read that these 3 herbs are great for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, so I will continue. What I want to do is buy some in bulk and infuse them.  I know you recommend doing it in singles, however, I am looking at the time I have left, 62 days, and the fact that you can buy these as a combo, are they needing to be combined for optimal results, or should I alternate days, OR make all three at once and alternate teas during the day? 

I have also heard a lot about the cohoshes and I am not skeptical of their results, I am worried that I could miscarry or have a stillbirth.  Is this possible or just it just induce labor? I realize that starting the blue is good the last few weeks, when could I do the black?

I will be delivering in a hospital with access to an epidural!  I am not good with pain and as much as I love the idea of water birth, my husband protests delivery outside of a hospital because of precautionary reasons.  I also feel we have waited too long to decide this and being there is only 9 weeks left, it’d be tough to learn something new, on top of finding a midwife for delivery.

Thank you for your time Susun,

I hope to hear from you soon.

 

 

A: Thank you for writing.  I know you ask of Susun.  She does not have internet to be able to correspond through email.  I believe some herbalists or herbal companies combine herbs because they appear to work synergistically.  Moreso, I think they do it because if x, y, and z are all indicated for a situation, some feel the more the better, then do them all, rather than trusting that just x will be enough, for example.   I feel, as I have learned from Susun, that simple is better, one at a time.  Yes, please prepare them as separate infusions.  And alternate days or alternate through the day, whichever you prefer.  As separate infusions you get to know each more intimately, and know better how you respond to each.

Regarding the cohoshes, I am unsure of your question.  It sounds you have a doctor but no midwife, is this true?  It sounds you are not working in person with someone with experience with these herbs, is this true?  Are you anticipating some trouble in your birth?

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

 

Q: Thank you so much for getting back to me.  I will definitely search the forum.  I do not have a midwife; I am seeing an OB/GYN.  Since I am 39, I believe I am considered “high risk” however my other pregnancies were so normal, my Dr. said he is not concerned with my current pregnancy.  However, like I said, my husband is quite skeptical about delivering unconventionally and I do prefer being near the epidural in case I cannot handle the pain.

As far as the blue and black cohosh, sorry I made a typo. I have gotten some information an herbalist and she had mentioned using the blue the last several weeks and then the black during labor.  She also said the cohosh’s worked great for making her own pregnancy and labor smooth and less painful. 

My biggest concern is bleeding or miscarrying from these.  Although I have not heard of this, it’s my own concern.  I hear that many midwives use and recommend the blue and black cohosh. Any ideas?

A: For the cohoshes I would think it best you work with a midwife herbalist.  I would not want to steer you wrong and have little more than book knowledge on the use of them in a situation that was not acute.  Susun has a past apprentice who is now a midwife, perhaps you would wish to consult with her for some fee.  I do believe it may be worth it :)   

The term "high risk" is so generic, based on numbers and not on you.  There may be 20 year olds considered low risk because of their age who would have a more difficult time than you will! It is wonderful you know what is comfortable for you in your birth and are setting that up.

I would love to hear from you any time, with any questions or just to hear how you are doing!

Karen Joy

Safe Allergy Relief During Pregnancy

Q:  Dear Susun,

I am reading your "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" and have been taking the Red Clover and Red Raspberry infusions in preparation of conceiving, hopefully some time soon. I suffer from allergies (hay fever, dust mites, cockroaches) and am trying to ween myself off my current antihistamines (Zyrtec D). I've looked through your book and online and it looks like I could use Nettle safely before and throughout pregnancy, but I was unsure if this was the root or the leaf? Also, if you had any other suggestions for safe allergy relief (mainly to relieve sinus pressure and sneezing) during pregnancy, I would really appreciate it. I am having trouble finding information on this subject and most of the websites I've found suggest antihistamines, something you've mentioned as dangerous.

Thank you for all of your help.



A:  Yes you are right, Nettle leaf infusions are superb for this. Plus in your case they have added benefits of excellent mineral nutrition and vitamin K which is essential for the birth. It is the dried leaves we use, prepared as in the book you have.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com