Healing Wise

http://medherb.com/Materia_Medica/The_Mineral_Content_of_Herbal_Decoctions_.htm

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.

July 30, 2011 in Weblogs, Weeds, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 25, 2011

Getting the Most from Infusions

Hello Susun,

According to you, steeping dry herbs for several hours is good. However others: the owner of the herbiary I shop at as well as a naturopathic physician, tell me that this is not necessary. I have been told that you can only steep the leaves for so long until no more minerals can be extracted.

I really want to learn more about this.

Hello,

To obtain the most minerals that an herb has to offer, you will need to steep it for longer periods of time than any herbal "tea". For me, a tea consists of part of a plant steeped in a cup of water for a few minutes.

Of course, yes, at some point, there is not a point in steeping any longer and it depends on the part of the plant being used. Flowers can be ready after 2 hours of infusing, leaves 4 hours while dense roots and barks can take 8 hours. Going over the time isn't a problem, and many of us make our infusions at the end of the evening and let them sit overnight simply for the ease of preparation. Then in the morning, strain and use.

You may want to check out this chart where different infusions were tested for their mineral content.

Hope that helps.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

July 25, 2011 in Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 21, 2011

Flax Oil and Breast Cancer

Hello,

Bravo for your site. What do you think of the linseeds? I had a hormone dependent breast cancer. SHould I consume linseeds (flax)?

Hello,

Studies have shown flax seed is an excellent source of anti-cancer lignans. Always best to use freshly ground seed as oil goes rancid quickly. If you do buy oil, make sure it is very fresh, in a dated bottle, keep refrigerated and don't heat. Susun has more in her book, Breast Cancer? Breast Health! and you can also give Susun a call during her free health hotline on Tuesdays from 7:30pm - 9:30-pm EST at 845-246-8081.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

July 21, 2011 in Breast Health, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 18, 2011

When to Harvest Nettle

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can answer my question on harvesting my nettle.

I have one big beautiful nettle plant. Sadly, while I was away, most of the
plant has already started to seed. I think your not suppose to harvest from
the plant now. Is that correct? or can I still harvest from the sprouts with
out seed?

Thanks so much!

PS. I so enjoyed your tree talk at the symposium. I look forward to seeing
you again.

Hello,

Once the plant has flowered, you wouldn't harvest leaf but you can gather the seeds as they are good to use.

From Susun: "Nettle seeds nourish the endocrine glands, especially the thyroid. They are said to antidote poisons, but I love them most for their high-protein crunch. The daily dose of ¼ teaspoonful can be added to hot or cold cereals, baked into breads and cookies, sprinkled on salads, or cooked with any whole grain. Add a tablespoonful of nettle seed to a cup of uncooked brown rice and cook in two cups of water for 45 minutes or until done. Nettle seeds are easily harvested too. Cut the stalks down before wind and rain strip them off the stalks. Hang to dry."

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

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

July 18, 2011 in Weeds, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 14, 2011

Restless Leg Syndrome

Dear Susun Weed,

I have a serious case of rls (Restless Leg Syndrome) now for the past 5 yrs. I can no longer cope, everything the drs have done has not worked. I am 55 years old and finished menopause...

Hello,

Susun does not answer email questions but I am including a link to one of her articles that focuses on RLS.

I don't know if you have tried any of the things that Susun mentions, if not, perhaps see if you find any relief from these measures. Are you doing any infusions? If not, I would start right away with them, drinking on a daily basis with a special emphasis on oatstraw and nettle. If you are unfamiliar with them, here is Susun's website that explains how to make them and the herbs we commonly use:

http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Some other things to look into would be Schizandra tincture, taking a dropperful 3 times a day.

Susun offers a free health hotline via phone on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm - 9:30pm at 845-246-8081 or private phone consultations that can be scheduled through our bookshop here:

http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/store_results.asp?Category=3&SubCat=1034&Section=Consultations

Just let me know if you need any further assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZo4uU3J0Rs&feature=related

July 14, 2011 in Health Concerns, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 06, 2011

First Steps in the Wise Woman Tradition

Hello Susun! I am a newbie to the wise-woman way---very new. This is my first summer experimenting with herbal teas. I want to start making infusions and here is one question to you: I see in your videos the infusions sitting on your kitchen counter (oatstraw, comfrey, etc.) and am wondering if you drink gallons of these wonderful things a day?

I have three big (getting bigger...)comfrey plants and a ton of lovely plantain on my property. I'd like to start making infusions from these, but need to learn how to start drying these beefy plants. Can I do this in the oven??

I am a 22-year "terminal" cancer survivor, deep into a never ending menopause, and struggle with fatigue and memory loss and thinning bones. How many infusions should I be making/drinking a day? It looks a bit complicated.... :>)

Hello,

Welcome to the Wise Woman Tradition! Have you seen Susun's latest videos in regards to drying herbs? Links included here:

Best to hang herbs in a dry place without direct sunlight and make sure that the plants do not touch one another.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7uwNwz6pQg

When you drink infusions such as Susun, yes, you can easily go through 1-3 quarts a day.... I personally drink little else. Just remember that most of the time you don't mix them, so one day oatstraw, the next day nettles, etc. For your questions about thinning bones, etc. I would check out the articles Susun has at her site:

http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/ and would recommend her book:
Menopausal Years as well. Don't let it overwhelm you as it doesn't have to be complicated - one herb at a time and starting with the infusions is the best place to begin.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

July 06, 2011 in Weblogs, Wise Woman Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 05, 2011

Herbal Allies for Cystic Breasts

Hi,

I am 43 years old. I was just told I have fibrous breasts and I had a mammogram and ultrasound today to help diagnose a 'palpable mass' in my left breast. Afterwards, I was told that I have several cysts in my left breast that are considered benign but to come back for another mammogram and ultrasound in 6 months.

I am ordering Susun's book on breast health and am hoping that she has a section on disolving cysts in there. Is there an herb/infusion/oil she recommends? My goal is to have the cysts dissolved in 6 months when I go back for the ultrasound (I may forego the mammogram in favor of a thermogram, based on what Susun says about mammograms!).

I see Susun also recommends lentil soup with carrots and miso and some other herbs and spices after you have had a mammogram to restore DNA, eliminate radioactivity etc. Is there a recipe for that? I'd love to try it but have no idea what quantities are effective...help! : )

Thanks for whatever help and advice you can provide on fibrous breasts, dissolving cysts and neutralizing the effects of a mammogram.

Hello,

Susun has a lot of information on cysts in the book you ordered - so you will soon have a lot of options! A couple of things to get you started would be poultices of freshly grated burdock root or breast massages with burdock root oil.

Some good tinctures to be taking internally would be chickweed tincture or cleavers tincture, and you can also do chickweed poultices - also castor oil packs... Another great massage oil to use would be dandelion root oil. Make sure you begin incorporating seaweed into your diet if you are not already....

Are you doing infusions? If not here is a link on making them: http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

Start with infusions of violet leaf, red clover and nettles.

There are a number of recipes that Susun has in her book - I think this may be the one that you are talking about: http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_May-02.htm#recipe2

Don't hesitate to write back if you need further assistance.

Blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.wisewomanweb.com

July 05, 2011 in Breast Health, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 03, 2011

Healing Candida Overgrowth

I am not a smoker and I presently am cleansing with flor*essence -- also, enzyme therapy and green cleanse. Research is aiming at candida overgrowth which may lead to ms -- I am scheduled for an MRI and am dealing with side effect issues -- any more help will be greatly apreciated.

If Candida is overgrown the best way to put it back into check is to help the other beneficial flora in your body reestablish itself….you might try eating plain yogurt (dannon best commercial brand, otherwise unsweetened organic brands ok too) at least a cup every day, you could apply yogurt to a clean wash cloth and lay with the yogurt applied to your closed eye as well…at least twice per day for as long as needed…in addition to yogurt, other ways to positivelty reculture the body includes consuming fermeneted foods and all mushrooms raw or cooked, or both.

Miso soup daily would be excellent, with shiitaki mushrooms, make sure to get the wet miso from health food store and never boil the miso, it kills the living cultures. Tamari, natto, tempeh, kim chi, sauerkraut, and blue cheeses are also excellent to add to your diet.

Of course, eliminate all highly refined foods including white sugar, white flour, and the like. Also it would be helpful to cut way down on fruit juice, raw fruit, sweets including honey, maple syrup, agave sweetener, ice cream, cookies, cake, candy, and the like. Zero tolerance for artificial sweeteners and any soda, “natural” or otherwise. Even eliminating coffee would be quite helpful, replacing instead with at least a quart of nourishing herbal infusion each day, up to three quarts daily.

As for the Flor essence (A proprietary blend from aqueous extracts of: certified organic burdock root, certified organic sheep sorrel herb, slippery elm bark, watercress herb, Turkish rhubarb root, certified organic kelp, certified organic blessed thistle herb, certified organic red clover blossom.) – Susun generally does not advocate the use of formulas…as they can be difficult for the body to process….instead, one might decide to work with one of two of the listed herbs, used as simples. For instance, burdock root can be purchased at the healthfood store, in bulk, and an nourishing infusion can be made, one ounce of root to one quart of water, follow infusion making directions, and drink up to two cups daily…keeping in mind that too much burdock root infusion can lead to loose stools.

Another herb in the formula that might be helpful to work with would be the slippery elm, one might purchase the powder (a few ounces) and mix the powder with honey to make logenges that can be eaten daily for detoxification of any poison, including food poisoning and any digestive distress.

Rather than cleansing, Susun always advocates for nourishing, with well-cooked whole foods diet and nourishing herbal infusions…far less expensive, gentler on body, and more supportive of long term health, wellness, and vitality.

To speak with Susun you are welcome to phone her free Tuesday night phone hotline, 7:30pm to 9:30pm Eastern time, 845-246-8081, call May through October. She does not have internet to be able to correspond through email. You might also join our free health forum, where other wise woman could help you, go to: www.susunweed.com/wisewomanforum.htm An additional resource is our google email group with 800+ wise women http://groups.google.com/group/herbal-healing

Susun also have paid consultations, 30 minutes for 50 dollars, and 15 minutes for 30 dollars, she is available this Monday evening, and also on Thursday evening. If you prefer this option to the free consultation, you can register online at www.wisewomanbookshop.com in the left column, find consultations.

Blessings,

Wise Woman Team

July 03, 2011 in Health Concerns, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 02, 2011

Supporting Your Breasts the Wise Woman Way

Dear Susun,

I've always been the kind of young lady who ate the right foods. dranked herbal teas, ate broccoli and salads, took my vitamins, dranked green tea, etc. My mom lives in an herbal store. I have no lumps, no discharge and always got a mammogram yearly. I recently had a mammogram on 8/20/10 and now they send me this letter stating "your recent mammo exam showed a finding that requires additional studies for complete evalutation."

No one in my family has ever had breast cancer on both sides, I dont have a discharge or lumps, I dont have children and always thought my breast were healthy. I dont even have pain. I am worried. Im scheduled for an ultrasound exam tomorrow.

What is the next step I should take to ensure I have healthy breasts? Should I go for the Sonogram? Should I trust their test results?because right now I dont trust any of these radiologists. I dont even know if I should trust anything they do find. I dont know what to do. Please send me some advice as soon as you can. I do plan on getting this book as soon as I get paid. Please help.

Hello,

I know it can be hard when you receive a note like that as our minds do have a tendency to jump to worst case scenarios. Do try and keep in mind that receiving a letter for a follow-up is not unusual and most likely there is nothing to fear. Depending on where you were within your cycle and other factors can cause difficulties in reading mammograms.

It is always best to trust your own intuition. If it were me, I would go ahead and have an ultrasound done. Just to put your mind at ease. Ultrasounds safely use sound waves to pick up changes in breast tissue and they are a much safer way to detect cancers. Ultrasounds along with thermography are safe ways to have yearly check-ups without subjecting yourself to the radiation from mammograms.

Overall, it certainly sounds like you have a healthy life-style. We can go over lots of things to help promote breast health. For the moment, I am including a link to Susun's website on breast cancer prevention. You will find excerpts from the book and additional articles.

http://www.breasthealthcancerprevention.com/

A quick read: http://www.breasthealthcancerprevention.com/Anti_cancer_lifestyle.htm

Best of all is to love your breasts, treat them with respect and do self breast massages. You know them better than anyone and can pick up on possible problems usually sooner than any mammogram: http://www.breasthealthcancerprevention.com/Breast_self_massage.htm

If you have motherwort on hand, you might want to try 10-20 drops as needed to help ease any anxiety about the procedure. Best of luck and let us know if you need more assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com