Healing Wise

Help with infection.

I have a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis. Is there anything I can do?

This from Susun Weed on the topic:
The big antibacterial herb is echinacea. I use the tincture of the fresh root of E. purpurea or tincture of the dried or fresh root of E. augustifolia

A dose is one drop for every two pounds you weigh. (150 pounds = 75 drops) A dropperful is about 25 drops.

The dose can be taken 4-6 times a day for 10-14 days. In addition, I would do a sitz bath in water with apple cider vinegar in it once a day during the treatment.

Another useful antibacterial herb is yarrow. The tincture is used and a dose is about 25 drops 3-4 times a day. You could brew a quart of yarrow infusion and do a sitz bath in that, too.
Also, apply plain organic full fat yogurt topically, internally, and eat it daily.
Susun is unable to answer email questions as she is devoting her time to her forthcoming book, “Down There, reproductive health for women and men” due out soon. She has just started offering telephone consultations. If you are interested, go to: www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/ You might also go to the Wise Woman Forum to ask your question in case a member can offer you help: www.susunweed.com/wisewomanforum.htm
 
 
Sending love,
Justine Smythe
 
www.wisewomanweb.com
www.wisewomanbookshop.com
www.wisewomanuniversity.org
 
 
 
 

Lyme disease

Susun
I write because a dear friend has lyme disease... he is on a rotation of antibiotics like 5 different flavors.  It tears me up to see this illness drag him down and it affects his moods and his quality of life sucks because is low energy.

Do you have suggestions on herbs, books or anything that might support my understanding, what foods or herbs may benefit him.. CURE? him???   i'm just so unsure.

with deep care and gratitude.

Teasel root tincture is said to help cure lymes. Stephen Buhner has written an excellent book on Healing Lyme, and he also has an audio CD as well.
 
http://www.ashtreepublishing.com/bookshop/Stephen_Harrod_Buhner.php
 
sending love,
 
Justine
 

Heart arrhythmia

Dear Susun,
 
My friend has had very bad atrial fibrillation for many years now. 
 
She has been on strong medications for this for at least 5 years and about 2 years ago, the medication was not working very well and she elected to try heart ablation.  After 4 ablations (during one, her pericardial sac was punctured), she still has very disturbing atrial fibrillation and PVCs.
 
She is now waiting to have a heart procedure in NYC by a "heart specialist" who says he thinks he can help her by some type of microwave procedure, which is an invasive procedure.
 
She is often tired, and after all she has gone through, one part of her heart is becoming enlarged and the mitral valve is not functioning properly, so she now has CHF on top of everything else. 
 
Are there any herbs she could take while she is waiting for this procedure that would be safe to take with her allopathic heart medications and/or help her to heal so she might not need the microwave procedure? 
 
Thank you,
 
C.

 

Dear C,

I hear and understand your concern for your friend!  It is always hard to know how much is normal progression, how much was improved by the drugs and surgeries, and how much was actually worsened by them.  It is a tough road and once on it many find themselves moving along faster and fasted until they don't know which way to turn.  I can simply refer you to two resources from Susun Weed. 

Her article on Heart Health: http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-118-heart_healthy.htm

and an article on the Seven Medicines: http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/January05/healingwise.htm 

The article on heart health may not directly answer your question on what herbs she can take while taking other drugs, but it does have many suggestions, seemingly simple, that are obviously safe, like diet and lifestyle choices.  The article on Seven Medicines is so useful in helping when we are going down the slippery slope, help us sort through our options and choose in order of least harm first.
 
For further ideas and support, I would also love to invite you and your friend to our Wise Woman Forum and Email groups accessed through www.wisewomanweb.com  At the forum perhaps you can speak about more of the details, drugs and herbs and contraindications, and perhaps talk with others who have experienced anything similar.
 
I wish you both the best!  Write any time.  We would love to know how she is doing.
 
Blessings,
Karen Joy
Wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

PCOD & Irregular Menses: Part 3 of 3

Dear Karen,

 

I am so grateful to you for replying. It means a lot to me.

Yes, please keep my identity anonymous.

 

I was once again flung into the pits of hopelessness & despair and decided that come what may, the way the circumstances are right now,with no access to your or Susun's herbal remedies here, I have to make do of the help that IS available and which did help in the past.

So I launched myself into this self-imposed discipline of doing the tibetan rites and drinking wheatgrass juice.

Seeing the shape of my body & the body's resistnace made me feel utterly hopeless but I somehow cajoled myself into keep doing it as I have no choice.

As of now, with the health & PMS symptoms permittting (asthma, piles, bloating etc.) I somehow manage to do 12 suryanamaskars & Tibetan Rites & rest with the feeilng that I did take at least one positive step towards healing if not more.

 

I do wish so much that I could procure your books & maybe the herbs/weeds here.

 

In the meanwhile,I'd appreciate it very much of your continued support & prayers.

 

Love so much, V

 

 

 

 

Yes V, you have my support and prayers, gladly :)  We all need to work with what we have where we are.  I am glad you are taking steps that are good.  I encourage you to continue to come from a place of seeing your beauty and health and nourishing this.  There is nothing that needs to be battled.  All the suggestions I made in my last email can be done where you are with no need to procure herbs that are not local to you, or even to buy the books.  You can read many excerpts from the books online.  What is it that you feel you are missing, perhaps we can find an alternative?  I understand thinking if I only had this then all would be alright.  Really there is so much you can do right now, as  I hear you are doing.  Be gentle with yourself, really gentle.  You are beautiful and need and deserve care and patience.  I think you are doing wonderfully!

 

lots of love,

Karen Joy

write any time!

Wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PCOD & Irregular Menses: Part 2 of 3

Dear Karen,

Thanks for replying. 
I just turned 31 last month...so no chance of approaching menopause.
My first menses started at the age of 10 yrs.I've had a traumatic childhood with lots of physical beatings from my mother, with no one coming to rescue in this joint-family where nearly 40 people live.This had made me go into a shell & I would find solace in books & music, art etc.But as for expecting anything from people--it was too far-fetched for me...despite all these baeting which lasted till age 15, I somehow always believed in the goodness of people but myself would never interact much,nor socialise much. 
I still am a loner but my phobia of interacting with people has reduced to quite an extent but if I can avoid it I'd prefer to be on my own.

The menses had been irregular throughout growing years & at that age & with so many changes taking place in life, emotions, painful environment in family it was actually a relief not to have periods as it was an added nuisance & something highly embarrassing, shameful for me. 


PCOD was discovered only 2 yrs ago. Prior to that I had no PCOD.
I have been very active physically (not sexually) in terms of being conscious of health & body since age of 12 & though I've never been trained in yoga, I'd let the body do what it felt like  only to discover 2 yrs hence that what I was doing was a science in itself called yoga (I chanced upon  the famous book Light on Yoga by B.K.S.Iyengar in family & that's how I came to know what I was doing was yoga)
I would call myself a gifted & born with special Divine Grace because I was very highly intuitive & receptive in soul to touches from something deeper levels & was always guided through books. 
Later people were brought into my life for guidance.

There have been a sries of experiences which gave me adequate proofs & evidence of existence of Divine.
This is important because I who was agnostic, atheist & detested going to temples & furthermore detested the idea of what people around painted God to be to come to believe & having nearly messed up my getting a Dentist's degree ( throughout the academic yrs I was suicidal, made several attempts at it but never came close to actually killing myself because something in me, the adventurer in me kept telling me just to wait & see what happens next in life..) 


In the year 2004, I had enrolled myself for 3-month yoga therapy with one of ace students of B.K.S.Iyengar in Mumbai & was put on a diet of wheatgrass juice, was told to avoid wheat, preservatives,sugar, coffee etc. & include lots of raw vegetable & dry fruits. was made to do yoga, 5 tibetan rites (see peter kelder's book), bolster asanas for an hour & half. 
I did that religiously for those 3 months in the class.
Later, after i returned to my hometown I continued with the diet, yoga as much as I could & for one whole year the periods came right on time ...not only that, where once it ws only a two day affair, it became a 5 -6 day flow & i was naturally overjoyed because over a period of time I had become aware that hormones play a crucial role for a woman's psyche. Spiritually too, I realized that whatever progress i made, with the play of hormones & irregular menses i was & still go through extreme emotional upheavals & it ruined whatever progress that was being made. 
It was & is still an uphill task, ike pushing a barrell uphill which keeps rolling down.  
That one year-2005 has proved me that I was right in not resorting to oral-contraceptive pills to regularise my periods. 
It also proved beyond doubts that with regular yoga & prescribed diet, it was & is possible to beat PCOD.

The problem has returned because due to lots of travelling & excessive workload, most of times there's no telling when i'll sleep & when i'll wake up etc.,it is difficult & next to impossible to have regular supply of fresh wheatgrass juice & also do yoga regularly. 
Sometimes there's so much bloating & uneasiness in the body itself that it renders it incapable to do yoga.
It seems like a vicious cycle.

Since May of this year I have surrendered to homoeopathy treatment & am doing best not to let the anxiety get the worse out of me. 

About your observation that I'm trying or wishing to change something or wish it wasn't there, you've hit bull's eye,Karen.

I'm told by my homoeopath that I'm "not insane but very highly intelligent,the kind of stuff geniuses are made of, people will benefit a lot from you, but you will suffer a lot" 
I wish I could change my looks,I find too, too too many flaws with my body....too much body hair,facial hair, scars, keloid scars, other scars, bad skin owing to PCOD, short, not beautiful, not outgoing enough, too straightforward, too direct, not sophisticated enough, not articulate enough, can't do small talk & when I have nothing to say i'd rather keep quiet than resort to babbles. 

I'm quite an extremist, very harsh on myself & very, very perfectionist.
I keep breaking promises & resolutions I make for myself & feel I'm despicable.

This is to give you a bad picture.There have been times where people have told me & consider me very highly gifted, special, unusual,rare soul on earth.
But being a perfectionist by nature I end up concentrating on the negatives that i don't want & become concentrated on the negatives. 
Being so aware & conscious of things at microscopic level,renders me awareness of the muck in me of microscopic levels...the more conscious i become the more muck i see in me.
Despite knowing & having innumerable spiritual, miraculous experience, this one thing with menses has made me determined me to cure this. 

There are times when I forget that there's something called--letting go, to surrender to the Divine because He knows better& the more i try to cure myself, the more i interfere with HIS way of curing me.

I envy the westerners for the beautiful bodies they have...their very CELLS radiate such joy, freedom, delight & health, as if basking in the pure glory & sunshine...something that most we Indians will never understand. 
I never got opprtunities to learn to swim or there's no plce here in my hometown where one can step out for a morning walk or simply step out for a walk without being eve-teased or molested.

I am even doing Beej Mantra for the respective lower 3 chakrs to facilitate yoga & homoeopathy. 

This will be a long story because it entails my quest for spirituality at the height of my crucial academic years as a student of Dentistry.
And I'm not sure if you might have the patience (or maybe I have lost the patience & hope?)

V-

 

 

Hello V, I did receive your emails to me and this one to Susun.  Justine, Susun's daughter, and I receive emails.  Susun is rarely able to correspond through email.  She does offer the free Tuesday night phone consultations but I imagine your distance makes this time and cost prohibitive.  Regarding anonymity, we are happy to respect your privacy in whatever way you feel is best.  I always leave out a person's name, often shortening it to the first letter, and contact info is never included.  Is there something further you wish?

 

I have heard many develop the relationship with their menses as you had.  It is easy to consider that this in part may contribute to our further concerns.  As well you have the painful relationship with your own mother, you female lineage.  It may do much to further explore all this and as an adult take conscious steps to heal and nourish your relationship with your inner feminine.  It sounds like you are doing this already.  I hear too your struggle with your perfectionism.  You describing it suggests to me that this perhaps has some part in your journey toward nourishing your wholeness right now.  Recognizing aspects of who we are is a wonderful step in this.  I hear too you seem to know what direction to move and have done so with wonderful results.

 

Beyond my earlier suggestions, what I hear in reading your writing is "nourishment" in the form of something consistent and nourishes you deeply.  It was, and perhaps can still be, yoga.  It can be a simple diet addition, like healthful fats which support our hormonal system, or quality well-prepared whole grains, or other such thing as appeals.  Did I send you before this article on cessation of menses, http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-104-cessation_menses.htm  I know you have not stopped completely, but some of the ideas may assist and inspire you.

 

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

 

Husband's Colorectal Cancer

Dear Susun,

My daughter spent a week with you a number of years ago and admires you tremendously.My husband has recently been diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer and is scheduled for a colostomy in a few days prior to beginning chemotherapy/radiation treatments.

Can you give me any advice on herbs, supplements or foods that would be helpful to him? I have little faith in the medical community!  Thanks for anything you can do.

                           

                              
Hello,

Thank you for writing. It seems by now your husband has done the colostomy, is this true? I know you ask of Susun. She does not have internet to be able to correspond through email. In winter you may consult with her by purchasing 5 hours for $500. In spring she will likely resume her free Tuesday night phone consultations. Most of her published information at this point does focus on women with breast cancer though so much can apply to anyone with any form of cancer. For example, her articles on her Anti-Cancer Lifestyle and Can Foods Prevent Cancer?, will give you an idea especially of foods you could add to his diet. And these articles on Surviving Radiation and Dancing with Cancer, can help those who do choose chemotherapy - herbs and foods to help them deal better with the harmful effects of those treatments. 

Finally, two more thoughts. You will read above the importance of strengthening his immune system. You can read further on this in this article.  Being a part of his digestive tract, it will be vital to be gentle as well as nourishing here. How this is done will vary, and the details of all the treatments done for him I do not know. I simply encourage you both to see the digestive system as a living integrated system, vital and needing abundant nourishment. For me at the moment this means mineral rich infusions and regular spoonfuls of yogurt. I am not sure what this would best mean for him.

I do understand and can relate to your distrust with the medical community. I do however encourage you to pick and choose - meaning you two have chosen surgery and chemotherapy. I assume you feel this will help. If so I encourage you both to be thankful for this gift this medical community can offer. This does not mean you need to take ALL they have to offer and accept it blindly, nor should you rely on them to look at his whole picture of health and know all the best answers. It is great you search elsewhere to find adjuncts to this therapy. I just think it is important that we are grateful and welcoming of the choices we do make, for our best health :)

Please let me know if I can help you any further!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com         

www.wisewomanweb.com

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

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

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

Relieving Arthritic Pain

Q: Greetings,

I am dealing with arthritis a medical doctor diagnosed my case as "early" arthritis.  It doesn't feel like early but anyway it's mostly in the knees.  The right one used to be swollen.  To my surprise the swelling does not seem to be  there anymore.  The area seems to be a toughened where it was formerly tender.
I think they called it bursitis at that stage.  I had some heat therapy, and ultra sound.

What remains is this inability to navigate areas that have steps or where the ground is uneven -the knees hurt and I even hear some cracking sounds.  I've taken a pretty full range of herbal remedies including red clover, nettles, burdock root tinctures devils claw. Is there anything else you can recommend.

I've taken glucosamine and msm, flax seed oil, and am now taking fish oil (Carson's)., I stay away from alcoholic beverages, am vegetarian have done juice therapy.  I also take SAM-e.  Anything else you can recommend. It would be most appreciated.

   

 

  

A: I recommend you first read this article on fibromyalgia.   Though I know this is not your label, many of the ideas may help, as well as some of the ideas in this article on bone health. I encourage you to just pick 2-3 or three actions to try and give yourself a time, like 4 months of working with those solidly.

Often we hear a list of "remedies" and throw them at ourselves haphazardly and then write them off as ineffectual.  So even if you feel drawn again toward something you have already tried, you may wish to try again, noting the form of the herb and more specific details about how much how often, etc.  I am unsure how good for us flax oil is, though I have heard wonderful things about the freshly ground seeds baked in products.

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

   

  

Q: Thanks for your kind help.  I will try again

  

 

  

A: Please do write any time if you wish!  Plus we would love to hear how it is working for you...

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

Healing Fibroids and Hyperplasia with Wise Woman Ways

Q: Hello…

While reading Susun’s book New Menopausal Years I saw mentioned the impending release of a book entitled Down There: The Wise Woman Way that is said to deal with the issues of ovarian cysts and hyperplasia. Since I’m currently having issues with both I was wondering if the book is still going to be released. I’m 56 and in menopause. I have incidents of bleeding/spotting and was told my endometrial lining was thick. I had a D&C which showed the tissue to be benign but it has grown back to its original thickness in two-month time and the spotting and bleeding continue. I have a history of fibroids as well and am now told (after a pelvic ultrasound) that there is also a small cyst on my left ovary. Naturally, the doctor wants to do a hysterectomy claiming that is the only way the bleeding will cease and I can eliminate the possibility of any cancer forming. After doing some research, I discovered that the problem may be due to my years on birth control pills (Ortho Novum 777) which cites endometrial hyperplasia as a side effect, nothing I was ever told. I DO NOT want a hysterectomy and am praying and looking into alternative approaches for my problem. Any suggestion, reading materials, physicians who have dealt with this problem, would be so appreciated.

 

A: Hello, thank you for writing. 

Susun is currently working on Down There, simply taking longer than she originally planned - it is coming along wonderfully!!

Here are some of Susun's thoughts on ovarian cysts:

Here is a link to a previous answer Susun gave to another woman with ovarian cyst concern. Her recommendation:

Try chickweed tincture, a dropperful four times a day. Continue for as long as it takes. I have known several women dissolve very large ovarian cysts this way. If you want it to go away faster, you could also use castor oil packs.

And here she writes more about Chickweed...

Chickweed (Stellaria media) has secret dissolving powers. Ovarian cysts, dermoid cysts, lumps in the breast and elsewhere can't hold their own against her slippery ways when a dropperful (1 ml) is taken 4-5 times a day, persistently, for many months. And have you tried chickweed pesto? It vibrates with antioxidant power!

How long has it been since you last bled?  Fibroids can grow through menopause though disappear shortly after.

I suppose cutting out organs can eliminate chance of getting cancer there, but this seems  a drastic way to ensure this to me.  We all have our levels of what is comfortable though.  And I trust a woman to know what is best for her. 

The explanations I have read for hyperplasia seem to think it is possibly from excessive estrogen unchecked by progesterone.  Estrogen levels will decrease, as long as you don't take hrt, as you go through menopause.  As well, Vitex berry tincture, as described in New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way, can help one produce more progesterone if needed.

Do let me know if I can help further.

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

Alleviating Arthritis Pain

Q: Dear Wise Woman:

Can you suggest any teas or tinctures for relief from arthritis pain?

Thanks.

 

A: It is possible that regular nourishing infusions can help alleviate arthritis.  Nettle leaf especially, or Oatstraw if related to lack of quality sleep.  A top herb for arthritis I have heard is Poke.  You can read in "Poke-ing Around in the Garden":

In Appalachian folk medicine, the berries are swallowed as a treatment for arthritis and for immune stimulation -- one berry (either fresh or dried) is the equivalent of one drop of root tincture.

You might also enjoy this article about ayurveda for arthritis.

We are all unique so our solutions would be so.  I am happy to talk with your further if you wish.

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

Healing Uterine Fibroids

Q: Hello Susun, I am so sorry that I've missed your community free phone consultation on health issues.  I have only just found out and read about your availability on a Tuesday night.  I guess I have missed for the rest of the year and not going to get to ask you on Tuesday until next Spring around April.  I was hoping maybe you will be kind enough to check this email and perhaps somehow will return email to me.

I have been suffering with large uterine fibroids for a long time.  I have been trying to treat these multiple fibroids with herbal medicine.  I read several books and also ask herbalist to give me herbs to brew it into a tea to drink everyday.  However, my fibroids still gets bigger, the biggest one now is 7.9cm, some 6cm, etc.  I'll tell you my formula that I go on and if you will ever want to respond and want to email me back with your ideas, I will be so greatful.

Formula:
White Pond Lily
Bittersweet
Gr Celandine
Vitex
Raspberry
Bladderwrack
Dong Quai
Box
Oregan Grape
Pansy
Wild Yam

I drink a litre of this tea a day.  My bleeding has stopped from this formula but the fibroids still get larger.  Don't know why?

 

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  I know you wish to speak to Susun.  She gets dozens of emails every day, yet does not have internet to be able to correspond through email.  She has entrusted Justine and myself to answer these.  I will help any way I am able. 

I know for any concern there are so many different suggestions on what you can do.  When feeling desperate too we often then just mix them in a jumble and try them all, or a good majority of them!  Susun, and I, like to teach simplicity.  Try one or two herbs a time.  Give them time to develop a relationship with yourself.

Cecilia, what age are you?  Might you be going into menopause?  Might this be why your bleeding has stopped? - by bleeding are you meaning your menstrual cycles?  If entering menopause, know that during this time fibroids grow for many women, yet disappear post menopause.  Are the fibroids causing pain, unhealthy bleeding, or obstructing the healthy functioning of any of your organs?

Here you can read Susun's article, Help for Women with Uterine Fibroids.  It is just another voice among all that you have heard.  I DO encourage you to find something to work with for some time, time dependent on any possible health threats you are facing.  If you wish to make use of some of her suggestions and would like support or further clarification, please do let me know.  I am very happy to help!

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

Q: Dear Karen, You have no idea how greatful I am to receive your email.  This is more than what I can expect from someone with whom I've never met.

I am 40 years old and I have checked with the doctor by doing some blood test and it's safe to say that I am not about to go into menopause right away. 

I was bleeding in between my periods during last December, it's rather like I was bleeding 23 days out of 30 days in the month.  Although the in between period bleeding or spotting was not heavy, I was scarred to death and worry sick about the direction I was forced into.  Out of desperation, I try the herbal medicine formula that I read from a book which has Susun's name on it as well as consulting a local herbalist to put together this formula.  This formula was able to stop the bleeding between periods right away, but my recent pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound had shown that  all my multiple fibroids had grown by more than 1 cm in size.

I will definitely read up on what Susun had written up on the link you've sent me on fibroids.  God knows I need to learn more.  Maybe you are right, one or two herbs might very well be a good approach.  If you will be also kind enough to email me what you might suggest of a particular herb or herbs, in a tea or tincture format, I'll be glad to try them out.

I've just found out about Susun from looking her name up on the internet.   

By the way, is fibroid possible to shrink at all?  I know it is extremely hard to treat.  If my fibroid is to grow in the direction that it's going, I'm sure that I'll be checking into the ER real soon.  If you know what I mean.....

Pls let me know your thoughts......

A: I do hear your concern.  I have questions...

Did the odd bleeding start suddenly last December?  What was your cycle like before that?  Has it continued since?

Do you remember what book you got the formula from?   She rarely recommends formulas (you can read about her preference for Simples), and I know of none like the one you describe in your e-mail.

What direction at that point in December did you feel you were forced into?

How recent was your ultrasound?  How long before that was the last?  For many fibroids?  Where?

I am glad you will read the article!!  You will see there are more recommendations than just the herbs.  I encourage you to explore even the mundane, like exercise and diet ideas.  I like people to read the ideas and see what they are drawn too.  That tells me more about what may be right for them.

I do not know what you mean by "checking into the ER real soon" - could you elaborate please?

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: Hello Karen, Due to work reason I've been away, I am going to be away as well during this coming week from Nov 26 to Dec 1.  The book that mentions Susun is called Alternative Medicien Guide Women's Health Series Bk 1 by Burton Goldberg. She is mentioned in the chapter on fibroids.  IN there, Susun is documented for some herbs for stopping fibroid bleeding.  Susun sounds very renowned.

My fibroids is located everywhere.  I can email you my most recent pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound if you like in a week.  That might give you in greater detail where exactly my fibroids are.  I have about nine of them of all kinds of sizes ranging from 3cm to the largest on 7.9cm.  No mass is shown in the fluid.  I guess that is good at least there is no malignancy.  Pls let me know what info you would like me to provide you with.

Pls allow me to thank you here for the time you have taken for reading through my email and caring enough to answer me about my fibroids.  If you would like to continue to help me seek out whether there is still something I can do to shrink my fibroids, it would be wonderful.

Just to let you know I am not entering my menopause, I've done blood test to check on my hormone level and it's not menopause.  My only trouble is that these fibroids keep on growing larger by about one cm per year, that is why I feel so desperate.  My anxiety comes strictly from the ever growing bigger fibroids and there is not any other hidden issues.  I shall look forward to hearing what you or Susun's thoughts are if there is anything one can do to shrink them.  Thx a million for now. 

A: I am unfamiliar with that book.  Yes, Susun does offer some different ideas, though rarely does she suggest they all be combined in one formula.  Did you read the article on Fibroids from her that I sent?  What appealed to you?  As I said this will help me know how to support you better, to hear what you felt drawn to or curious about. 

Fibroids can shrink.  You have a lot.  I encourage you to nourish your overall reproductive health. 

I understand fibroids to be solid masses, not fluid.  Did I understand you correctly?  No need to send the images, since I can know as much or more from hearing your description.  I hear the fear in your language.  I still suggest you start small... so please do tell me what appeals from the article I sent :)

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: Hello Karen, It's been a while since we last wrote to each other.  I've been away for two weeks and then got back a week ago and life has been crazy.

I have read the article from Susun the moment you sent to me which was about almost two months ago.  The article appealed to me in a number of ways.  I agree with the wholistic and integrative approach.  The body cannot be treated as an isolation part.  One needs to take care of the body from inside out, medically and spirtually.  I am not sure if I have blocked up or undissolve anger from the inside that is causing the fibroid growth in the uterus.  I try not to hold on to the past and over the last six years I try to let go the past if there was anything unhappy in my life that is bothering me.

I am already eating whole grains most of the time.  I try to stay on millet, brown rice and brown rice pasta, black rice, kumut bread, no dairy, very limited soy product food as I know it is higher in estrogen, some beans in my diet, and when I do eat meat I try to stay with fish and organic turkey or chicken, some lambs too. 

I must look into the fact that she mentioned Red Clover flowers for helping with fibroids, also from time to time I already go on a liver cleanse because I put myself on livery strenghten supplements like dandelion and milk thistle capsules.  I haven't looked into yellow dock root yet but I will look into that soon.

I guess what I look for is what you and Susun will think for someone with nine fibroids in various sizes, what one can do solidly and more aggressively to dissolve them herbally.  I already know my surgical options and I am not finding any of the available procedures very attractive and I don't want to go there until I am in an emergency situation.  Is there something Susun can suggest if I were her patient for me to take to start the process of dissolving it.  Or is it treatable altogether?

Thanks once again.  Sincerely hope that I will hear from you

A: I am glad you read the article.  I know you wish to hear specifically from Susun.  You will have to wait until spring. 

Until then perhaps you wish to diligently try one or more of: Vitex tincture, vigorous exercise, poke or castor oil packs. 

I know she would not feel your liver needs cleansing, but support with the herbal tincture you mentioned would be wonderful! Until you diligently work in this way for at least 6 month to a year, we can not know if this is treatable.  Meanwhile I trust you to know when and if the fibroids pose danger.... again I refer to you comment of it being fluid filled.   Remember from the article "Uterine fibroids are solid muscle tissue growths in the uterus" - are you sure these are fibroids?.

Q: Hello Karen, Just want to double check with you what exactly is poke or castor oil packs?  I know what Vitex tincture is as I have used it in tincture form.  I cannot agree with more about keeping the liver cleansed and therefore making it more possible to treat the fibroids since the liver will be functioning more properly. 

Pls explain to me what poke and or castor oil packs do for you. 

Hope you are having a safe and wonderful holiday in the meantime.

A: I was referring to the mention of these in the article already linked to.  The Poke is a tincture of the root, and/or oil of the root as a belly rub externally - both explained in the article. 

Castor oil packs can be done various ways, however you do it, it is the warmed oil applied and let sit.  I would soak flannel in the oil already warmed over a low heat (warm not hot) and cover, or you can soak flannel in the oil, place on belly, cover with protective material if you wish, and place a hot water bottle over top.

lots of love,

Karen Joy

Q: Hello Karen, Thanks for your advice.  I was the person with the big fibroids.  I have taken your advice and started the Poke tincture.

Just want to ask you about the flannel.  You mentioned to soak the flannel in the hot or warm oil, how long should you soak the flannel in the oil for?  Do you apply the flannel soaked oil directly on the belly? 
Anything, do you happen to know when Susun will start her phone consultation this Spring?  I know that she does telephone consulting over the phone sometime in the Spring and finishes April in the evening hours on one weekday per week.  Can you possibly let me know when she starts that, maybe I can call her and speak with her directly about my problem, if you would be so kindly to let me know if it's possible to call her.

A: Yes let the oil soaked flannel sit directly in the abdomen.  It is the warmed oil that is doing the good, the flannel is just a vehicle to hold it in place.  Soak as long as you wish, or find a varied way to get the oil on.

I do not know the exact date Susun will resume yet.  It is Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm Eastern time, and usually starts late March or early April.  Her number is 845-246-8081.

All our best!
Karen Joy

A: Hello again! The 2008 dates for Susun's phone hotline are April 8 to October 28.  As usual, Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm Eastern time.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

Serious Sweet Tooth

Q: Dear Karen

I receive my books today.  I am so excited I can't wait to start reading.  I was also happy and surprise that Susun sign all the books in my favorite color purple.  Thanks a bunch! oh one more thing I have a serious sweet tooth and I have to stop craving bad sugar. Any suggestions? Thanks again.

Many Blessings

A: Hello!  So wonderful... I will let Susun know you are pleased.

It is my feeling that all our cravings have a wonderful healthy source. Cravings for sweet are very basic and very healthy in my opinion.  I have found two sources of these.  For some it is from a need for protein.  For others a craving for sweet is a very basic craving for life and/or comfort.  Our first food is sweet, milk, as are our next, usually grains.  Of course in the face of so many refined sugars these no longer seem sweet to us.  Regardless I think our craving for sweet is our need for the nutrition that grains can provide.

With any craving, there can always be mental/emotional aspects to explore. In addition though I believe all cravings are directly connected with our innate wisdom and connection with our deep needs.  The trick I suppose is to find how to connect the craving with the food, or other thing, that satisfies it truly.

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