Healing Wise

Chronic vaginal pain.

 Susun,

  I'm sure that you are going to tell me what the doctors have told me. There is no reason for me to have chronic, vaginal pain and burning. After having one severe bladder infection my test are "all clear"  and the pain must be in my mind.  My spirit is dying and I don't know where else to turn.  Can you help me understand this pain?  I'm desperate.

 

 

 

Hello,

 

Your pain is real.  No one can say different; what you experience is your experience.  The source of the pain is never easy to determine, but your experience is.  There are so many who feel all kinds of aches and pains and no answer is found.  I am not convinced we humans can understand this complex life of ours enough to have a label for everything. So I do not assume because someone does not find a label for it it is not happening.  Of course labels help give us direction to how to approach it.  This is nice.  Without labels sometimes we need to approach the situation more creatively, listening to our words.  Have you found anything to soothe the pain and burning?  What is your sense of what is causing it?  I assume you took antibiotics for the bladder infection?  If so, have you done anything to counter the damage to your good bacteria - probiotics, yogurt, etc.?  I hear you say your spirit is dying.  I would love to see you be able to care for this.

 

Have you heard of vulvodynia?  You can read some here: http://www.nva.org/.  and click here for some more information. I wonder if this sounds like what you are experiencing.  I also know think this has been addressed at the forum mentioned before.  Please write any time you would like.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

 wisewoman@herbshealing.com        

www.wisewomanweb.com

Peel Power

Dear Susun,

The New Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way is a godsend-just finished reading it.  Thanks for sharing your wisdom! 2 quick questions:

Must Peel Power be refrigerated; how long does it last?

1. I understand we need animal fats to fully utilize the minerals from green sources. I’ve started drinking lots of  herbal infusions; but since most of the time I’m drinking them between meals (i.e. without consuming any  animal fat) I’m concerned I’m not getting maximal benefit from them.  Should I be drinking them with meals?  Or doing something else to maximize mineral absorption?

Many thanks!

 

These are great questions!  I am so glad you are enjoying Susun's book, and will be sure to pass on your kind words.  She does not have internet to be able to correspond through email.  I wish I could answer for sure about the peel power.  I myself have always refrigerated it, but imagine a simple experiment would do to answer the question since all we have to worry about is a little mold which we will see.  

I too think animal fats are essential to helping us digest, though have thought this to be true of helping us digest the proteins.  I am unsure of the minerals in green foods.  For the minerals I have heard vinegar will help us as well as dairy, which is why some cook their greens in cream or milk.  I know Susun speaks highly about combining properly to get the most nutrition, and she speaks highly about organic dairy.  For meats I have heard her suggest for some all that is needed is a birthday steak ... once a year....

I would also love to invite you to our Wise Woman Forum (http://www.herbshealing.com/wisewomanforum.htm) and Email Discussion Group (http://groups.google.com/group/Herbal-Healing) for more ideas and support.

We welcome you to join our Weed Wanderings ezine mailing list at http://www.herbshealing.com/WeedWanderings.htm !

Blessings,

Karen Joy

karenjoy@herbshealing.com

http://www.wisewomanweb.com

"Threat" of Cervical Cancer

Dear Susan,

 

I just discovered you and find your articles very empowering.

 

Yesterday my boyfriend dumped me and my gynecologist told me I "probably" have cervical cancer (lucky me--a double whammy).

Exactly 6 months from my birthday (Aug. 4).  She based this on a look at my Pap smear under the microscope--said she didn't like what she saw--lots of white cells and who knows what else..  Is it possible to make such a definitive diagnosis without proof?  I've had abnormal paps for last 2 years (LSIL to HSIL) but biopsies and

colposcopy were normal.  I am very upset and feel in limbo.  Should I beleive her clinical experience? what a shock.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Monica, we are so glad you enjoy Susun's articles!  I can hear your grief and overwhelm.  As I understand it, cells go through changes on their way to becoming cancerous.  These changed cells are what show up and make the reader see your pap test as abnormal.  These changing cells, I believe, can be changed back.  Once cancer cells they can not be changed back but can be killed. 

 It is possible that some of us have a cancer cell or two in us and it is killed by our wonderful immune system.  Please do not hang on to a fixed idea of "you have cancer" even if you do have cancerous cells.  I think seeing it as what is in your body, you can better work with it.  It is always up for interpretation by the person reading the tsts.  There is room for error of course, and there are some guesses, though it is possible this woman is correct.  I can start you with some articles from Susun about cancer.  They are excerpts from her book Breast Cancer? Breast Health! so they relate in general to breast care, but the parts about cancer and anti-cancer lifestyles still apply:

 

~ Breast Health  Particularly read the list of "Things that counter and reverse the initiation, promotion, and growth of cancer"

~ Eight Steps for a Woman Dancing with Cancer 

~ 5 Things to Help Prevent [Breast] Cancer Still applicable to you

~ Anti-Cancer Lifestyle

~ What is Breast Cancer?  Excellent explanation of cancer cells and when they are a risk

 

It sounds like you do not know whether or not you have cancer, it seems possible though there is warning enough that it is possible, I encourage you to employ all nourishing ideas in these articles that appeal to you.  Eat a healthy diet, as you feel it would be, and be sure to be active, and support a strong immune system.  Even if you get a clean bill of health I would continue these practices, as I do, without any reason to believe I have cancer at the moment.  I would also encourage you to do as you are here, and that is gather information from a variety of sources to help you understand these tests, and why your doctor is thinking as she is with what she has seen.  

 I wish you the best.  Please let me know if I can help further.

 

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

Fermented Foods Nourish Us!

Hello, I am recently changing my diet. I have a question about apple cider vinager if you do not mind. I asked some other nutritionist and here is how he responded to me, but there are also a flip side to his coin where a lot of people tout the benefits of it. What are your thoughts. I would love to hear. Thanks again

 

"Hi,

"Vinegar is a rotten food. Better to eat a fresh, ripe and raw apple than to drink the poisonous vinegar. I have that book as well, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that if you drank a whole bottle of Bragg’s at once you would most likely die. You could eat an equal amount of apples and not die.
 
"Raw apple cider vinegar or any vinegar produces, alcohol, gas and acetic acid. Acetic acid is poison and that is why you have to dilute it to only 5% potency. If it were higher it would burn a hole through the stomach. Next problem, raw vinegar or any plays major havoc with the thyroid. So if you want to risk thyroid problems keep on drinking the vinegar.
 
"We don’t need vinegar anymore, we can get fresh fruits all year round, we don’t need to preserve through fermentation. There are no health benefits from fermenting or rotting your food.
 
"Hope that helps, 

Roger"

Hello, thank you for writing.  I understand your confusion.  Those are very strong claims made by the person you wrote.  I do not know the truthfulness or not about some of it, but strongly feel differently about fermented food.  I think it is incredibly healthful and necessary.  I do not believe it was used simply to preserve food, but to make its nutrients more available for us to assimilate.  As well, raw fermented foods contain life that we need in our gut to help with our digestive processes.  

With that said, I personally use vinegar in small amounts.  I have heard the arguments both ways and have found for myself a tablespoon a day or similar amount feels uncomfortable.  

This is a very personal thing only you can decide for yourself.  However, I do eat great amounts of raw fermented vegetables.  And I think vinegar has helped me as I have used it to draw minerals out of herbs to ingest, in the forms of herbal vinegars, and put on cooked greens to make them more digestible for me.

 

If you are wishing to hear Susun Weed's opinion, here are some excerpts from articles she has written (she does not have internet in her home so is not able to correspond in this way):

 

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/August04/healingwise.htm

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a health-giving agent for centuries. Hippocrates, father of medicine, is said to have used only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar. Some of the many benefits of apple cider vinegar include: better digestion, reduction of cholesterol, improvements in blood pressure, prevention/care of osteoporosis, normalization of thyroid/metabolic functioning, possible reduction of cancer risk, and lessening of wrinkles and grey hair.

 

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

Vinegar has many powers: it lowers cholesterol, improves skin tone, moderates high blood pressure, prevents/counters osteoporosis, and improves metabolic functioning. Herbal vinegars are an unstoppable combination: the healing and nutritional properties of vinegar married to the aromatic and health-protective effects of green herbs (and a few wild roots).

 

 

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

A Few Short Questions Regarding Herbal Infusions

Q: ...in your article under "Green Blessings" in yr mid-month March

newsletter:

 

I want to take ALL four: Comfrey, Red Clover, Nettles and Oatstraw.

You suggest brewing each separately.

 

Are they just as efficacious brewed together?

 

Or at least imbibed together by pouring  together after brewing

separately?

 

Is a sun-tea infusion just as good for these particular herbs?  Is

four hours enough?

 

(I already know root herbs need gentle simmering, and these  are all

above-ground plant parts.)

 

In advance, my thanks for your response.  Keep up your great work !

 

Thanks and blessings,

Jean-A Warner

Pearl Arrow

 

 

A:  Jean-A, I think you will find your answers in these two articles.

Yes please do brew them separately, and it is best to drink them

separately, for the reasons mentioned in the first article.  A sun

tea is not the same as the water does not get hot enough.  Four hours

is enough, overnight is great.

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/September04/healingwise.htm

http://www.herbshealing.com/Weed_letter_June02.htm#surprise

Do let me know if I can help further.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

Mercury Detox

Q: Suggestions for detoxing from mercury toxicity would be helpful. Thanks. Stephanie Costello

 

A:  Hello Stephanie, thank you for writing with your interest.  I have heard the concern of mrecury toxicity before.  I would be most interested to nourish the body's ability to process unwanted elements, mostly by nourishing the liver with herbs such as Dandelion, Yellow Dock, or Burdock.  In addition, seaweed is a supreme ally in these situations.  Here are a few articles, the first having many wonderful recipes to help bring seaweed into your diet.  I would recommend this rather than supplement products, usually lacking in quality, like the last article supports (I included it simply for the mention of seaweeds helping remove mercury).

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_August02.htm#recipe

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0820/n236/19255451/print.jhtml

http://kitchendoctor.com/articles/cilantro.html

 

You will see in the last article Cilantro mentioned.  It is also mentioned in this thread from our forum about detoxing from dental mercury: http://www.susunweed.com/weedforum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=3516.

 

Let me know if I can help in any other way.

 

Blessings,

Karen Joy

Dry Eye Syndrome

Q: Dear Karen, I saw your picture today on the forum...you are so beautiful...but I already knew this from your letters. 

Again thanks for the information...now I have another question. I met a young woman from Sri Lanka who came here with her father to get medical help. Back in her country they gave her the wrong medication and she was left with a condition called "Dry Eye Syndrome"....she was in England but her father was not happy with the treatment an brought her here. 

Any light you can shed on this would be greatly appreciated...they are staying with friends of mine in Beacon. 

Thank you from my heart

 

A: Thank you so much for the compliment. It seems you really enjoy caring about people. Perhaps you want to learn more to better be able to help your friends. Of course you are always welcome to write and ask, but if you ever want resources to help you learn more, I would be happy to help with that. We offer a lot of free information on our websites, including an online course by Susun and our forum where I learn so much daily! And of course there are books and correspondence courses.... I just hear, in all your emails to me, your enthusiasm and desire to help so many you care about...

I have never heard of dry eye syndrome, except what I find online. It seems it is quite common. Do you know what medication she took and how this caused the dry eye syndrome?

http://www.stlukeseye.com/Conditions/DryEyeSyndrome.asp 

"Tears are comprised of three layers. The mucus layer coats the cornea, the eye's clear outer window, forming a foundation so the tear film can adhere to the eye. The middle aqueous layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other important nutrients to the cornea. This layer is made of 98 percent water along with small amounts of salt, proteins and other compounds. The outer lipid layer is an oily film that seals the tear film on the eye and helps to prevent evaporation."

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm 

"Dry eye syndrome has several causes. It occurs as a part of the natural aging process, especially during menopause; as a side effect of many medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, Parkinson's medications, and birth control pills; or because you live in a dry, dusty or windy climate. If your home or office has air conditioning or a dry heating system, that too can dry out your eyes. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you're staring at a computer screen all day. 

"Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus). 

"Long-term contact lens wear is another cause; in fact, dry eyes are the most common complaint among contact lens wearers. Recent research indicates that contact lens wear and dry eyes can be a vicious cycle. Dry eye syndrome makes contact lenses feel uncomfortable, and the rubbing of the lenses against the conjunctiva seems to be a cause of dry eyes. 

"Incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes. Tears are composed of three layers: the outer, oily, lipid layer; the middle, watery, lacrimal layer; and the inner, mucous or mucin layer. Each layer is produced by a different part of the eye (the lacrimal gland produces the lacrimal layer, for example), so a problem with any of those sources can result in dry eyes. 

"Dry eye syndrome is more common in women, possibly due to hormone fluctuations. Recent research suggests that smoking, too, can increase your risk of dry eye syndrome." 

There are various suggestions for solutions, including drops of artificial tears and plugs to block the duct that allows the tears to flow out. It is mentioned that if medication is the cause it will usually resolve itself once off the medication. If there is not serious concern I would look simply first at the frequency of blinking, being well hydrated and having a strong supply of good oils in one's body. Reading the above description of tears makes me think the latter is definitely not to be overlooked. 

This is a great descriptive site too: http://www.theschepens.org/dry_eye_fact_sheet.htm. Please note some of these mention a few more serious concerns that could be the real cause, though also mention dry eyes is very common and most often resolved with a simple solution. 

Here are two websites I really respect: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000426.htm http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/43970-1.asp 

I wouldn't even consider surgery or blocking ducts until all other options are explored well. Are you familiar with Susun's 6 steps of healing, also called Seven Medicines? It is a great way to sort out all the options and work with the more gentle approaches first, then even if taking more aggressive routes, work one's way back to the simple nourishing ones. Please let me know if I can help you sort and your friend sort through these webpages of information. Again I would start simple - see if it resolves off the medication, increase fluid and lipid intake, and be sure to blink more often than one does staring at a computer screen. 

lots of love to you and happy new year! 

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

Questions on Infusions and ABC's of Herbalism

Q: You say drink the infusions one at a time but is it ok to make 2 or 3 and drink them in the same day example oatstraw, nettle and red clover.

Also I am very interested in taking you abc of herbal's course when does it start and do I pay 50.00 per month?

The reason I want to take it is that I am very interested in herbs and healing. It all started with your breast cancer book I had calcifications in my mammo and the dr. immediatly wanted to do a biopsy and I said no so now I am supposed to go back for a repeat mammo in Jan but I just felt that it was not the right thing to do. When I said no to the biopsy he said oK then why did you want me to have it I said, he said so  you know for sure!!!! I said know what for sure, he said nothing anyways hence my interest in your work, I also was very tired of taking vitamins and supplements I want my life simpler than it is, I want to go back to the old ways.

Anyways I love your books

A: Hello,  thank you for writing.  We are so glad you enjoy Susun's work and want to study further with her.  We enjoyed your story; always nice to hear people question and choose for themselves!

Susun's newest correspondence course, the ABC of Herbalism, can be taken any time that best suits you.  As a correspondence student, your course is between you and Susun, so when you start is your choosing. 

If you choose to pay in the ten $50 installments, it would be monthly.  If you pay online through www.ash-tree-publishing.com, the payments will automatically be deducted each month.  You also have the option to pay by mail to Susun Weed at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498.

You can drink the infusions however you feel compelled.  It is recommended you make one at a time both so that none will go bad, and so that you can get a body feel for each, rather than having them all mixed together.  I used to do it one at a time, then even chose to drink only one for a whole month before doing another for a whole month, etc. helping me to know each more intimately.  After years now of drinking them, and now that I am not the only one in the household who drinks them, I often have two or three going at a time.  This way we can choose what best fits us in the moment.

If I can help you further as you register for your course, with any more infusion questions, or in any other way, please do let me know!  Susun looks forward to hearing from you and beginning your course :)

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

Nettle Infusion and Poison Ivy

Q: Dear Susun, I have started a nettle infusion for about 2 weeks, and actually notice more energy and less hot flashed. But within those two weeks I was also exposed to poison ivy with subsequent allergic reaction with hives and needed to take prednisone tablets. My question is, can the nettle infusion exacerbate my poison ivy reaction? Do you think its safe to continue nettle during this allergy? My physician has no idea. Thanks for your response.

A: Hello, this is a great question.  I have never yet heard Nettle infusions exacerbating a reaction to poison ivy.  In fact, it is often recommended for those who tend to be easily allergic.  I am glad you have been drinking them, and otherwise have been getting great results!!  My vote would be to continue the infusions, unless you feel otherwise :)

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

Learning about Nourishing Herbal Infusions

Q: Dear Susun,

I want to begin taking your recommended fertility herbs. Would you recommend getting the red clover flowers, nettle leaves and red raspberry leaves and taking the infusions separately but on alternative days? Or should I just begin with the red clover flowers alone?

Please advise. Thank  you so much.

A: Hello, these are all wonderful infusions.  As nourishing foods, I invite you to drink all of them, alternating every day or two.

The advantage to making each herb a separate infusion, then drinking individually, is your ability to know each more intimately. Eventually this helps you know when you would or would not like a specific one as best fits your needs at the time.

I wish you wonderful health and the best of blessings toward your dreams. 

Please do let me know if I can help further!

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

Q: dear Karen

Greetings of Peace! i am finally finally (as we speak) doing my very first (red clover) herbal infusion. My question is, over the next couple of days, do i drink it cold?? or room temp? or heat it up a cup, like tea??

Please let me know. thanks so much!

Blessings,

p.s. Susan suggests filling up a quart jar to the top. if i use a bigger jar does it matter if it is not filled to the top? i don't imagine so, but thought i'd ask.

Q: dear Karen,

if they are infused for more than 4 hours, is this alright?? (just in case i am not home after the 4 hours...)

thanks again!

Q: hi Karen,

i wanted to ask.... Is it okay to finish the one infusion in one day instead of two? or is that too much in one day??

THANKS so much!

A: In response to all three emails...

What I do is put an infusion up before bed, then strain in the morning, so it is sitting for at least 8 hours usually!  This is okay.  I know the directions for infusions say 4 hours for blossoms, but a few are exceptions, like Red Clover.

I think it is best you fill the jar to the top with boiling water, so all the herb gets covered, or else you may have some left dry.  Not crucial though.  If you do this, just adjust the amount of herb proportionately.

You may drink it in whatever way pleases you - hot, iced, room temperature, mixed with juice, honey, milk... whatever helps you drink it and enjoy and get variety if you need.  I tend to drink them as is, room temp.

I believe for Red Clover we are recommended up to four cups a day, so this is not too much. I encourage you to tune into yourself and see how you feel. Maybe right now you want lots of it, but in a few days or week you just want a cup a day, or a quart a week.  Red Clover is one I have found people don't usually want to guzzle as much as Nettles, for example.  Find what feels right for yourself.  Think of it as nourishing food - like a bowl of lentils - if you want to eat many bowls all day long, there is no harm, but soon you may tire of it and favor something else, or have less each day.

You can ask as many questions as you would like!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: Thanks so much Karen. I am starting to get a clearer picture which will emerge even more as i continue with the infusions.

Susan's book actually says infuse for TWO hours with blossoms. I only just realized this. Although the red clover i have is a mixture of flowers and leaves -mostly leaves. They did not have straight blossoms (which apparently are very expensive).  Although it seems from your e-mail that infusing longer is okay.... Is 8 hrs okay for nettles and for red raspberry?

I am excited to infuse the next ones tonight. And you recommended alternating between the 3, right?? Do you think they need refrigeration overnight or is one night out okay?

Thanks again!!!

A: Hello, yes overnight is okay for Red Clover, Red Raspberry, and Nettles.  There are a few exceptions to the 2 hour blossom rule, and tough red clover blossoms are one of them.  I leave my infusions on the counter overnight.  I think this is preferable while infusing.  After you strain in the morn, you can then  refrigerate them :) 

Yes, please do alternate between them.  I understand what it is like when strarting on something
new and wanting to get it just right.  I am so happy to answer your questions.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: HI Karen

i have been enjoying taking the herbal infusions. I am not pregnant, but wondered if they are beneficial to take during pregnancy?

I am alternating between the three as you suggest but I am not sensitive enough to actually feel a difference. I sometimes feel ever so slightly nautious since I started the infusions. Have you heard that this can happen or is it just me?

THANKS so much

A: Hi, yes they are okay while pregnant, in fact I strongly recommend Red Raspberry leaf infusions through pregnancy, especially early on, and Nettle leaf infusions especially nearer to the end.  Red Clover is safe but monitor yourself.  Some have concern, so you may wish to cut down on consumption of this while pregnant. 

Perhaps you would like to experiment with the nausea, and try only one infusion for a period of a  week or two to see if you can isolate which it may be.  This also gives you a chance to know these infusions more intmately and individually in your body.  They are like eating nourishing foods, and take some time to notice much difference, but once a year has gone and you look  back, I am sure you will see it!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: thanks for your patience with my questions.

today it ended up that i infused nettles for about 11 hrs. is this too long? if this ever happens with either nettles, red clover or red rasberry is it still fine to drink??

thanks again

   

A: Hello Rachel, yes usually this is still okay.  The concerns are primarily if the taste gets too strong for you, or if it had been sitting in a temperature too hot, if it spoiled.  You would know by smell and taste.  I know some who leave the herb in the infusion and place the whole thing in the fridge after about 8 hours, and strain only as they drink it :)

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Best Oils for Massage

Q: Dear Susan

I was just reading the article in this newsletter with Devra Jacobs.  I loved it and a Question came to mind.  YOu are talking about nut oils and inflammation.  I am a massage therapist and have always used Almond oil. One  I love the texture and I know it is good for the skin.  I am conscous of all my choices with my clients and wonder if this is the best medium to use.  Can you enlighten me as to what may be the best medium to use during Massage.  Thank you for your time.

A: Hello, we are so glad you enjoyed the interview article with Susun. 

I understand the concern.  I believe the issue is primarily with ingesting them.  I do not ingest these oils - only animal oils, extra virgin olive oil and sometimes unrefined coconut oil (which perhaps is a nut oil).

I was a massage therapist before I changed my diet, so myself would rethink the oils I used if I went back.  However I would look at traditional cultures and the oils they used naturally on their skins, like sesame seed, coconut, cocoa and olive, and trust these as safe and healthful.  I am not sure about almond oil. 

I always used to go by how the oil felt in my hands, as you know it is not just the kind of oil but the maker and how they were kept that can affect whether it feels healthy to use in a massage.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
http://www.wisewomanweb.com

Comparing the Green Allies and ABC's of Herbalism Courses

Q: Greetings Sister Weed, How is nature treating you. I was very impressed when I saw that you offer a correspondence course for herbology. Please, send me more information on your ABC Herb course. What is the difference between that course and the Green ally course. Do you learn how to make tinctures, poultices, etc. in the ABC Course? If you can send me the required information and registration forms, I would appreciate it. What type of certificate do you recieve upon completion?

A: Hello, thank you for writing with your interest in Susun's correspondence courses!

The difference between the ABC course and the Green Allies course is in focus. Of course there is a similar thread running through all the courses - love of and alliance with the plants and learning the Wise Woman Tradition.

In Green Allies, this connection with the plants is focused on choosing and working intimately with one green ally, though you will also work with some other plants.

In the ABC course you will work with 52 herbs and learn moreso about how to harvest, prepare and use them as medicines and foods. Have you seen this web page on the course?

When you are done with the course you get a certificate of completion for that particular course.

You can order online here. If you prefer to register for the course through mail, send a letter to Susun at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498, stating which course you are interested in, and giving your address and phone number. Then you include either the full fee or the first $50 payment as you choose.

Please let me know if I can help further; I am so happy to!

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

Allergic Reactions to Nourishing Herbs?

Q: Good afternoon.

I recently attended Susun's seminar in Cincinnati at Shine yoga and I have a question for Susun.

I have added the nettle, oatstraw, comfrey and red clover infusions to my diet. About two weeks ago I started experiencing joint discomfort (all my joints - wrist, hands, hips, knees, feet, ankles).

My question is, could I be experiencing some type of an allergic reaction to one of the herbs?

Should I eliminate one at a time and see if there is any change?

Sometimes I make the infusions in the evening and don't get around to straining them until the next morning - are my infusions too strong?

Thank you.

A: Hello, I am a long-time student of Susun's and help with her correspondence since it is difficult for her to respond to email. 

It is rare that there are allergic reactions to the nourishing herbal infusions that you mention, which is why Susun recommends them so highly.  The one I have heard concern for is Nettles, simply because of harvesting practices.  It should be harvested before it flowers.  If the nettle you are getting has seeds in it, it was harvested too late.  I have not heard of this causing joint pain though, just headache. 

If you feel it might be one of the infusion herbs I would follow that.  As a student, one of our practices to help us know in our body the herbs, is to use one only for a whole month, then another for a whole month, etc.  I invite you to do that to help you feel more sure of what you are taking.

As far as leaving them overnight, this is what many of us do.  We put up the infusion in the evening and strain in the morning.  This is no problem. 

Please also be sure you have a good source of the herbs, no chemical sprays on them that could cause the problem.  Please let me know if I can help any further :)

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

Q: Thank you.

I will just eliminate one at a time, starting with the nettle, and see if anything changes.

My source for herbs is Frontier and they are labeled organic, so I don't think that would be the problem.

If you are unsure of that vendor, please let me know. I can get another batch from someone you recommend.

A: I think they are a great vendor and whom Susun often buys from to supply the great number of visitors to the Wise Woman Center with infusions.  I do hope you find the answer!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Benefits of Nettle Seeds

Q: Hi my nettles plants were picked for fresh greens all spring but now they are about 8ft. tall and going to seed ..can the greens still be picked to dry and are the seed of any benefit ? I was confused by the CAUTION written in the newsletter regarding the use of nettle while in flower Thanks for any info.

A: Hello, yes we are often warned against taking Nettles internally once it has gone to flower because some have adverse allergic like reactions. 

There are uses for nettle seeds however.  Susun has a whole section on Nettle in her book Healing Wise.  The seeds can be used in cooked foods, such as muffns or porridge.  In the book, Susun writes:

Nettle seed nourishs the endocrine glands, antidotes poisons internally and externally, and provides a curative, unique wine.  Hair and skin are strongly influenced by nettle seeds.

A teaspoon of seeds can be eaten daily, or an infusion of them can be made in water as a skin or hair rinse.  As well, they can be ground and mixed with honey to apply to the skin.

I hope some of these ideas help.  I hear you enjoy your nettle, so it would be nice to find ways to continue to utilize her!

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

Healing Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts

Q: Hi, I have had problems with fibroid cysts for many years.  I am 41 the other day I was taken to emergency with acute stomach pain, diaherra, and vomiting.  The doctor told me I had a cyst burst on my ovary and twisted my faploian tube.  Is their anything I can do about these.  Doctor suggest surgery but I am against that.  Any suggestions would be very appreciated.  Thank you.

 

A: Hello Angie, I understand your concern with surgery.  I truthfully do not know what the best answer is for you.  What type of surgery are they suggesting?  If it were me and it were a matter of immediacy, I might opt for the surgery.  Otherwise though I would try whatever simple more natural ways I could to care for the concern.  For fibroids, uterine fibroids, I feel wonderful about Vitex berry tincture or sometimes even Liferoot tincture.  For ovarian cysts I have heard many benefit from Chickweed tincture.  I am unfamiliar with a bursting cyst twisting a fallopian tube, so do not know what care this then needs.  I imagine this was very painful.

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

   

Q: Dear Karen, sorry it took so long to get back to you.  Thank you so much for the information. No more talk of surgery I went to my regular doctor.  So I have three turmors (non cancer) on my right side uterus/ovary.  As long as my pain stays within range we are just going to keep an eye on it.  You suggested Vitex Berry, Liferoot, and Chickweed.  I am hoping this could shrink my
turmors.  If you have anymore information I would appreciate it.

A: Hello Angie, it sounds you are feeling more relaxed, especially now with a doctor not recommending the immediacy of surgery.

I know we also spoke a while back after you went to a well woman exam and was told you should have a hysterectomy due to a fibroid tumor on your uterus.  I sent you an article on fibroids. Did you read it, and did anything in particular stand out for you? 

If you feel you have a few months to see the start of results I would opt to follow her suggestions for intention and focus exploring behind the tumors, the dietary suggestions for you, and the Vitex berry tincture.  I do not opt for too many things at one time. 

If ovarian cysts, many have had results from warm castor oil packs placed over the area, as well as tincture of Chickweed whole herb taken in water, a dropperful 2-4 times a day faithfully.  Do write any time please!

love and blessings,
Karen Joy