Q)
Hi i like to know if you have any information about tonics to avoid breast cancer. i am 60 years old . thx
A)
Susun does have tips for preventing breast cancer! Please do read here, http://www.susunweed.comBlessings,
Karen Joy
Dear Susun,
I came upon your website through a friend who lives in Holland. We reach
out to each other online (with the occasional phone call) and she sent me
your URL as I was exploring menopause rituals. I am now dealing with
anxiety and trying different medications through my MD (most of which are
worse than the original anxiety attacks, but different) and am thinking
about hormone replacement (through natural progesterone) as a possible help
for me.
My question to you is whether your book talks about anxiety attacks as a
symptom of premenopause and/or help with anxiety. My situation is more than
just mood swings and being highly emotional. If you address this
issue, I will most likely buy a copy of your book. But if you don't, I
still appreciate your insights into this time of life. I am really
struggling with it. I am not one to change very much, and obviously
this is a big change. I am reaching out for support from numerous sources -
and thus my question to you and my enjoyment of your site.
Peace, and thanks in advance for your time.
p.s. Is your name a taken one? I love the way it sounds as I say it.
*********************************************************
Thank you for writing.
Yes, Susun's New Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way talks about this! You can read some here: http://www.susunweed.com/ An_Article_Instant-Calm.htm. Susun does not have internet to be able to correspond through email herself. Crone is a term that can have different images associated with it. I assume you resist it because yours is not one of wise strong woman :) Susun's name is a variation on a married name as I understand it, so yes, a chosen one for her life.
I am happy to talk with you further as you explore your options if you wish.
Blessings,
Karen Joy
********************************************************
Thank you, Karen, for your reply to my e-mail. (I totally understand why Susun doesn't deal with this type of correspondence herself.) I have looked at the article and will check out the Forum and Discussion groups soon.
I really need to explore who I am becoming as I head out of my childbearing days and hopefully as my overt symptoms are eased by medication (yuck) I can focus more on how to truly deal with my situation and help myself. Right now I am overwhelmed with choices and directions to take as I'm still highly anxious a lot of the time and wish for a quick fix (which I know isn't the true way).
Again, thanks for the information and help.
Peace
**********************************************************************
all my best to you as you explore. And please feel free to write any time!
love and blessings,
Karen Joy
Q: Hi Susun,
I
must first say I'm so glad I stumbled across you on the
internet recently. Reading some of your articles has given more
peace than anything I've found.
I just turned 44
and I thought I was beginning menopause because I had no cycle for
almost 2 months. I happened to find and read one of your articles
online and started drinking some of the infusions you recommended, like
red clover, stinging nettle, raspberry leaf, etc. My cycle came back
and everything has been going just fine.
Now,
for my real problem. I've had a desire for a child for many many
years. However, I've never met anyone that I wanted to marry. And, I
did not want to choose to be a single mother and go it alone (if it
turned out that way, that's one thing, but I didn't want to start off
that way), because I feel I have no support.
Now
I'm 44 and my doctors tell me I'd better hurry up. I didn't want to
just call up a friend, or go to a sperm bank, and I don't feel led to
adopt. My mother says I need spiritual counseling, but I know of no
one. If I could just get rid of the desire, I'd be fine.
Unfortunately, I've had the desire for my own child for the past 15 to
20 years or so. I can't find any peace or answers in this situation.
Got any advice for me?
Thanks a million.
A: Thank
you for writing. It is so wonderful you took your health into your own
hands and are doing well!! I will share your note with Susun. She
does not have internet to be able to correspond through email.
I
know you are asking for advice from Susun. So I will share my thoughts
and am happy with whether you choose to read them or not...
I
know what it is like to want something SO much, yet it involves another
person, therefore seems impossible for us to have on our own. Or even
just wanting something that seems impossible looking at all the options
we know of for attaining it. For me, the best thing I have found is
creative visualization. Visualize what you wish to create, even the
most intimate details. The more detail we give the better we are able
to bring it to fruition, yet the more room we leave the more open we
are to new possibly as of yet unthought of avenues for creating. I
know this sounds contradictory, though it is not.
For
you this might be you envisioning what you most want. It sounds like
it is a child of your own to care for. Picture the details of this,
not so much the sex or what the baby looks like, but the details of
your wants, your physical and emotional associations with this, with
perhaps holding the child or sharing life with a young person or being
a role model or loving so passionately another living being. Find the
core of your physical and emotional wants and envision them in detail.
As
far as a partner I hear you speak more of the need for this
relationship with this child and the desire to not be alone in the work
that goes into this responsibility. Perhaps though there is need for
adult companionship you have that I did not hear. Stay focused on what
is the details of what is most important to you, focus on what you feel
and desire, not on your head thoughts of the only ways this can come
about. It may feel essential to you that the babe grow in and birth
from you. It sounds you want to feel surrounded by adult support. As
a now single mom I can tell you that the image of having a child once
married so I would not be alone in my raising, did not insure it.
Instead
of focusing on the particulars of what you think would give you the
feeling you want, focus on the feeling, the feeling of being surrounded
with love or intimate touch or emotional support, whatever it is that
you wish. Don't yet put a face to that image. This is what I mean
about imagining the details without getting too specific. When you
take perhaps regular time, like 5 minutes each day before bed,
imagining what you are wishing, really feel it as if it were real.
Let me know if I can help further.
Blessings,
Karen Joy
Q: Karen,
God bless you!
Thank you for taking time to respond to my email and sharing your thoughts.
It
was what I needed to hear. I get so caught up in my mind and my
thoughts sometimes, that it becomes difficult for me to follow my heart.
Thank you so much. I will practice creative visualization and I will keep you posted on my manifestations, if you don't mind.
A: I do look forward to hearing more as time goes, thank you. It is
natural, and healthy really, for us to think our way through how to
create what we desire. This can be incredibly productive and helpful
as we rationalize what we wish and the best steps to go about it.
There are times, too, like this perhaps, when we need to step away
from that approach to better access our inner desires.
All my best!Karen Joy
Q: I would like information about helping with my hot flashes without taking
pills. I am awake or sleeping and I have them so bad it is like taking a
shower. Can you help?
A: I hear your search for help with your hot flashes. These can be uncomfortable, especially when new to them. They are not a long lasting part of menopause, nor a sign of anything wrong. That said, it is nice to find ways to remedy the intensity certainly! We can learn through meditation to ride them to some extent, and then through simple means, to cool off, like with ice, a friend blowing on our neck, etc. You may like to read this article on Kundalini Meditation.
There is herbal support as well. In Susun Weed's New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way she writes:
Herbal remedies for women with hot flashes include plants that cool the system, such as chickweed; plants that nourish the liver, such as dandelion; and plants rich in phytosterols, such as red clover. Choose one from each group and make your own special blend for your menopausal journey.
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: Karen, I have a friend who is in her 60's, and her doctor that her thyroid levels are abnormal. My friend expressed that she does not want to use western meds to normalize her thyroid levels. Over the past year, she has been under excess family and work stress. I do not know a lot of her nutrition level, but do know she likes to watch her weight.. my presumption is she eats a typical American diet of "healthy" processed foods (almost sounds like an oxy-moron). She is also physically active, Pilates, weight training and walking/running. She does not like acupuncture either. Do you have some suggestions that I can forward to her, including any herb fusions, books of reading, suggested nutrition?
Thank you for your time
A: Here are some things you can share with your friend if you wish, from our websites:
http://www.susunweed.com/A_press-kit_book-quotes.htm
Two self-tests to see if your thyroid levels are normal:
1. Paint tincture of iodine on exposed skin. If it disappears within an hour, you need more iodine (and your thyroid is probably unhappy).
2. For four mornings in a row, take your armpit temperature first thing, while resting quietly. The average of four readings should be between 97.8 and 98.2.
At least one out of every ten women in America is currently diagnosed with a thyroid disorder.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/July04/menopausal.htm
Seaweeds are superb sources of the nutrients most needed by the endocrine, circulatory, and immune systems. Regular use helps maintain adequate production of all hormones, especially thyroid hormones. Lavish use may reverse hypothyroidism.
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Mineral_Rich_Herbs.htm
It's easy to find chickweed (Stellaria media) in large planters on street corners and in gardens. Mince her stalks and leaves into your salads to nourish your thyroid and help prevent excess weight gain during menopause. (Ten to fifteen pounds can be normal and healthy however.)
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/september03/herbalmedicine.htm
Chickweed (Stellaria media) has many uses, including delicious salad greens. I cut the entire top of the plant and eat it or use alcohol to make a tincture, which dissolves cysts, tonifies the thyroid, and aids in weight loss. A dose is a dropperful (1 ml), up to three times a day.
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-113-weight_gain.htm
In fact, weight loss can lead to thyroid malfunction, severe gall bladder problems, increased insulin-resistance, and weakening of the cardiovascular and immune systems.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/September04/menopausal.htm
Iodine: For fewer breast lumps, less fatigue, healthier thyroid function, stronger liver.
*Depleted by: Unfermented soy products.
*Food Sources of Iodine: Seafood, seaweed, sea salt, spinach, beets, mushrooms.
*Herbal Sources of Iodine: Kelp, parsley, celery, sarsaparilla root.
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/An_Article_Fear_AW1.htm
Soy beverage can have the opposite effect -- that is, it may increase anxiety -- due to its ability to disrupt thyroid functioning and interfere with calcium metabolism.
http://www.susunweed.com/An_Interview-Weed2.htm
More recent research shows that soy milk and other soy products (with the exception of tamari, miso and other fermented soy foods) can cause thyroid problems and may also lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer's, according to Weed.
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-110-menopause_enlightenment.htm
Menstrual pain, bloating, indigestion, heart palpitations, thyroid malfunctions, headaches, and memory loss are all associated with resistance to the passage of kundalini.
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-119_that_filthy_colon.htm
Lack of high-quality fats, can lead to thyroid problems, immune system stress, lack of energy, and blood vessel disease. Nourishing herbal infusions, full-fat yogurt, organic chocolate, olive oil, organic butter, nuts and seeds are superb sources.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May05/intuitive.htm
FIFTH CHAKRA: THROAT CHAKRA
LOCATION: Neck, throat area above collar bone.
COLOR: blue
ELEMENT: The higher expression of all signs.
FUNCTIONS: Communication center, acting to provide the energy for, and the understanding of, both verbal and mental
communications.
GLANDS/ORGANS: Thyroid gland, throat and jaw areas, alimentary canal, lungs, vocal cords, and the breath.
GEMS/MINERALS: Aquamarine, turquoise, chalcedony
FOODS: fruit.
ASSOCIATED AROMAS: Sage, eucalyptus.
SENSORY FUNCTION: Hearing.
QUALITIES/LESSONS: Open, clear communication of feelings and thoughts. Creativity, speaking up, releasing, healing.
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Motherwort.htm
Motherwort may help an overactive thyroid but does not depress normal thyroid function.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/march04/wisewoman.htm
Seaweeds also help stabilize weight by balancing the thyroid--stabilizing an overactive thyroid as well as nudging a sluggish one--with their iodine content. Goiter (linked to a hypoactive thyroid) is rare in Iceland where seaweeds are a regular part of the diet.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May05/healingwise.htm
VITAMIN D Essential for calcium and phosphorous utilization. Prevents rickets. Needed for normal growth of bones and teeth. Helps regulate heartbeat. Prevents cancer and enhances immunity. Aids thyroid function and blood clotting.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, horsetail, nettle, parsley.
IODINE Needed in trace amounts for a healthy thyroid gland , and to help metabolize excess fat.
HERBAL SOURCES: Calendula, tarragon leaves, turkey rhubarb.
MANGANESE Minute quantities of this mineral are needed for healthy nerves, blood sugar regulation, normal bone growth, and thyroid hormone production.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, mullein, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hip, wild yam, yarrow, yellow dock.
SELENIUM Provides an important trace element for prostrate gland in males. Protects immune system and helps regulate thyroid hormones.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, fennel seed, ginseng, garlic, hawthorn berry, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, milk thistle nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, uva ursi, yarrow, yellow dock.
Lots of love,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: I just found your web site and it is so helpful. I'm 48 years of age and have recently had symtoms I do not know how to treat. Constipation, IBM (I had a colonscopy 2 weeks ago) Vaginal Dryness/Yeast Infectionsl. It looks like I'm going through Pre menopause (I still menstruate but more frequently).
Any suggestions?
A: Hello, we are so glad you are enjoying the websites! Yes it sounds possible you are entering menopause. Rather than treat the symptoms, I would encourage you to find ways to nourish yourself through this change. As in any change (and I sometimes compare this to a long pregnancy) it is vital you get deep nutrition. Eating nutrient-rich foods and even drinking nourishing herbal infusions, using homemade mineral-rich herbal vinegars, etc. Here is a link with ideas to help guide you through the pre-menopausal and menopausal years.
Your specific concerns are in part addressed in these articles:
Dry Vagina
Digestive Distress
Again, though, I would encourage you to focus not just on relieving symptoms, but on nourishing digestive health, vaginal health, etc. It is a subtle difference in focus, but important for deep long lasting health. It is possible after you read these you will have more questions, and I am more than happy to help in any way I am able!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: HI Susun
I have recently been told by my doctor that I have completed the menopause. My hot flashes have subsided to 1 -2 a week (I was having up to 5a day & night sweats also). I am 33 years old thankfully the mother of a beautiful 2 year old Anna Marie. I have been told by my GMP that I must start HRT because of my age. I have been prescribed Nuvelle Continuous an oestrogen/progesterone combination. I really don’t like taking medication and would like to know if there are any natural alternatives. I know that I have to be careful because my mother has osteoporosis and has recently had a stent placed in her heart at the age of 52 but I want to reduce my risks amap. Thank you for your time considering my email.
Kind Regards
A: Hello, thank you for writing. I hear your concern of osteoporosis and heart health because of your mother's history, and what you have heard about menopause. There are different views on menopause and women's health. I would like to offer one that says that menopause is a natural part of a woman's life. It is life-promoting since it marks the cessation of one of many kinds of estrogen -estradiol, the one that can fuel the growth of cancer. I do not believe you need anything since menopause is life. It is not a disease or condition. Nor can it be measured and defined as distinctly begun or ended. If you have health concerns, then I encourage you to find ways to nourish those. First by gathering information. There is much out there that counters common osteoporosis and heart health beliefs. Of course it is up to you to decide what feels most appropriate for you. Here are two articles from Susun, one on bone health and one on heart health. They offer numerous ways you can begin now to nourish yourself deeply. This, I believe, is the best way to deal with a concern of what "could" happen. Then if dealing with something more tangible sometimes stronger approaches would benefit you. Those are in the articles as well...
Bone Health
Hearth Health
I hope these offer some ideas. I am happy to talk with you more, and you are welcome to write if I can help further!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: Dear Susun,
You recently wrote about the effects of motherwort in Sagewoman. I am very interested in the healing effects on the heart. My mother suffers from a many faceted heart problem. Something along the lines that her heart speeds up so fast (250ish beats per min) that she basically has a heart attack. After the first one she was put on lots of medication to counteract the problem. She then almost had a recurrence because the pharmicist gave her the wrong pill when she went for a refill. Since then she switched
pharmicies and hasn't had a problem.
However, I thought that motherwort would be great insurance to make sure that nothing happens again. I am worried though, that since she is already taking so much, there might be a hazardous interaction of some sort. (I should note that I seriously doubt her doctor would go for dropping anything just so she can try motherwort.) Do you think it would be possible to use motherwort anyway, and if so how should it be preparred (alcohol is a no-go)?
Curious to help...
A: I hear your concern for your mother, and your desire to help beyond the many medications offered by her doctor. What you describe sounds to me like tachycardia. I used to have this problem, and it was quite disconcerting to myself and my family. I rarely have it now, and this I attribute to finding the emotional connection. I would feel my heartbeat on my wrist and learn to relax with it and feel it slow down. Also, I have since discovered that my blood sugar and electrolyte balance was all over from not eating very mineral rich foods, and not eating regularly and often not in the morning. Believe it or not, changing these things are what has helped me! Of course I do not know your mother's situation as compared to mine. I was much younger (in my early 20s) and wound up at the emergency room often, with others fearing I was having a heart attack.
The standard preparation for Motherwort is in alcohol. This is the medium that draws out the necessary constituents. The amount taken is so little, perhaps the alcohol is not a concern? My mother is absolutely opposed to alcohol as well. What she does is let the tincture sit in water on the table for a half hour or so, so alcohol can evaporate off. I have heard you can take motherwort in tea form, but will not get all the same benefits, and it is horribly bitter, and may turn you mother away from it. I have not heard of concerns regarding interactions with motherwort and other medications, though would recommend you inquire further. Most doctors with have a manual, or access to it, that lists known interactions between drugs and herbs. Even though the doctor may not suggest your mother let go of a drug for a possible better alternative, I encourage you and your mother to research, just as you are doing with motherwort, the drugs and choose for yourselves what is best.
Susun has two articles you may find helpful. The first is about motherwort, though it may cover all that you already read in SageWoman. The second is heart healthy tips. Here are many ideas to help nourish one's heart health, including motherwort, as well as many diet ideas that can easily be implemented without concern of reaction to the drugs your mother takes. If I can help any further, please let me know!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: Hi Susun,
First off please excuse my grammer , and also I don't use paragraphs, just never have. My name is ...., 48yrs., just divorced 2yrs ago, my choice, just sent 2nd daughter off to college, just 1 yr. ago older daughter got married, planned that. I was taking care of my xmother in law for approx 3yrs, 24/7 dying with cancer, soley me ,until hospice stepped in, she passed in Oct.04. am in a relationship presently witha women, which is so so these days. Anyway my point is I believe i was thrown into menopause, like a bat out of hell, I have the hot flashes , my period ended approx 1 1/2 yearago, don't miss the period, and coping with the flashes, my way of dealing is to anounce to anyone around me that I am now having a hot flash and you are all invited, and I and they laugh it off with me. I can't say they are real bad, but I have only other women to compare to. I take lots of vities, women s one daily, primose oil, fish oil, flax seed oil, vit,c, black cohosh, red yeast rice, 5htp ,promensil for the flashes ,garlic, caltrate,biotin, juice plus fruits and veggies, drink lots of water, have a massage every month, acupunture for aches and pains , not to much. I eat pretty healthy, once in a blue moon , a beer or smoke a little pot here and there.On the down side my exercise sucks lately, soon hope to get back to a routine. Anyway, I think I am alittle depressed, insomina lastcouple of days , oh i do see a therapist once a week,which i love to unload, I cry too much, overwelmed just want to run and hide from everyone ,and not look back. I know your not my therapist, but I thought maybe you could find my missing link, if in fact it is herbal, or am i just a big ball of mess waiting to explode,alot going on. I love my kids, I love people , I even love life, its just not loving me back these days. I feel like im a little crazy. Its almost 3am and i just too k a xanax out of despration, because i am not a pill popper and i found your site on the computer. I believe in what you stand for but just don't know how to get started, soooo am i a canadate??? Please respond, by the way I talk more than I write , just to warn you. thanks for letting me unload
A: Hello ..., I hear you. I hear a lot going on and sometimes it feels a little overwhwelming and out of your control. I am a student of Susun's and help with her correspondence. I have not yet gone through menopause, but through my work here have listened to many who are or have. I have heard what you describe before - sounds like so much going on that is unfamiliar emotionally and feels out of control. I have heard it most often on our Wise Woman forum. So often a woman will write in asking "what's wrong with me?" and many will respond with, "relax, I went through it too, you will get through it." Relax if you can, continue to find ways to nourish yourself, like with massage acupressure, good foods and exercise as you feel drawn to do it. Many of the supplements you are taking are not in my realm of nourishing, though I hear that is what they are for you, so I can not comment on them. I would encourage nourishing herbal infusions, especially Oatstraw and Nettles. You can learn more about all this in this article written by Susun on Healthy Menopausal Years. I also support you in continuing to nourish yourself emotionally as I hear you doing - sharing and laughing with friends, letting it all out with a therapist, crying... perhaps you can let yourself run and hide once in a while as well. Here are another two articles written by Susun which may help: one on avoiding depression and one on achieving instant calm. If you have any further questions I can help with let me know. I encourage you to read these articles if you haven't already, even if you will be calling Susun since it will give you an idea of some of what she will say, and prepare you with any more specific questions you may have
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: I've thoroughly enjoyed your website thus far and would like to please be added to your newsletter.. my step - mom just diagonsed w/ breast cancer and will forward her your site.. unfortunately she's not been listening to me about the process ed foods, soy lowfat etc. etc. hopefully she'll listen to someone else
Two Questions Can you Help?
1. I'm currently 31 and have not had a period since I've been 21 (from 21 - 29 I took birthcontrol which forced a mensus cycle) and then stopped taking BC at 29 and have had no mensus cycle since.. Drs. just tell me i'm too athletic and dont carry enough fat over the past two years.. I've taken a hard look at what I thought was a good diet and discovered the low-fat soy diet was no good... since then, I have increased my natural fat intake w/ CLO, VCO, Olive Oil, Nuts, seeds, moderate organ meat, Raw Milk, Avocado's ,,,, elmintated as much processed foods as possible except for some ice cream and cookies periodically but getting better at this too... I've also tried some "natural" hormone creams mfg. specifically for me after taking a saliva test but nothing thus far has stirred my cycle... Over the past year I've weekly also been going to accupuncture and takng an Herbal Formula via capsule but again no luck..... If you have any suggestions I would be very intersted in hearing them
2. Where/How can I buy the herbs w/o paying an arm and leg at whole foods? Thank you in abundance
A: I am glad you will share our Breast Health site with your step-mom.
Look here for a list of online herbal suppliers. I often find these better and more affordable sources for my herbs.
Have you yet read this article about Cessation of Menses? I think sometimes it takes time for our body to readjust after birth control pills. If you want support exploring any of the ideas in the article, you are welcome to write any time! As well, the above resources might prove helpful. I am glad you are increasing your fats and looking at your diet. I do not study herbs in pills, but know when taking herbs as tinctures it can take a little time to nourish again our hormonal system.
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: Karen what a great article.. I do believe that my lack of mensus is due to heavy athletic training so maybe you can help with some of the add'l stuff below that I haven't addressed As indicated before I've beefed up my fats but will plan to do more (Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Butter (imported), avocado and organ meats.. i also receive accupuncture once a week)
ON the others can you suggest
a. how often and how much Nettle leaf infusion i should drink (i'm a small framed person 4' 10" around 95 lbs. so my body does not usually take full doses
b. do you have a suggestion for a Vitamin E i've been informed that eating liver regularaly can be a great source of vitamin E Any thoughts?
c. can you help educate me on the pennyroyal below and should i drink this in addition to the Nettle?
thank you in advance I will also try the forum that you sent me a link to
Live Well
Step 3. Nourish and tonify . . . ~ Nettle leaf infusion has reportedly returned the monthly flow to women drinking it regularly, even in their sixties! ~ If menses stop due to lack of body fat, increase the amount of olive oil and butter in the diet to at least 4 tablespoons a day. Also see the information on weight gain, page XXX. ~ If emotional upheaval has stopped your menstrual cycles, seek supportive counseling or a therapy group to help you work with your grief, anger, and repressed memories. ~ Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) root tincture, especially when combined with while peony root (Paeonia albiflora) and licorice (Glycyrhizza glabra), is a superb remedy for women whose menses cease unaccountably. Let a daily dropperful or two nourish your "palace of the child" and help you establish regular cycles. CAUTION: Avoid dong quai if you are prone to flooding, or have fibroids.
Step 4. Sedate/Stimulate . . . ~ Acupuncture treatments can be quite useful in re-establishing normal menstrual/hormonal cycling. ~ Strong pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides or Mentha pulegium) tea, a cupful/250 ml or more a day, for the three days of the new moon, can stimulate menstrual bleeding and restore regular cycling.
Step 5a. Use supplements . . . ~ Supplements of vitamin E, 200-600 IU daily, have helped women restore ovulation and menstruation. Consistent use brings best results.
Step 6. Break and enter . . . ~ Ten or more sessions of Rolfing (body work focused on breaking patterns held in the fascia between the muscles) can restore menstrual cycles for women not yet in the menopausal years.
A: Wonderful Tracy you will add such wonderful fats to your diet!! This may be nourishing in more ways than one. And acupuncture I love too.
a. I would recommend you make one infusion of the nettles, that is one ounce of herb to a quart jar of water. Once steeped and strained refrigerate and sip on it through the next day or two. See what feels good to you. Some of us like to guzzle a quart in one shot, some prefer small sips. We are all unique in our relationship to foods/infusions. It is like a nourishing food, so no worry of doing too much any more than you would not feel good if you ate more food than you enjoyed :) Then make infusion accordingly - one a day, one a week, every couple days, etc. as seems appropriate.
b. here are some sources of vitamin E:
Vitamin E: for milder hot flashes, fewer night sweats, protection from cancer, fewer signs of aging, fewer wrinkles, moist vagina, strong heart, freedom from arthritis.
Depleted by: Mineral oil, sulfates, hormone replacement.
Food Sources of Vitamin E: Freshly ground whole-grain flours, cold-pressed oils; fresh nuts, peanut butter, leafy greens, cabbage, asparagus.
Herbal Sources of Vitamin E: Alfalfa, rosehips, nettles, dong quai, watercress, dandelion, seaweeds, wild seeds (lamb’s quarters, plantain).
c. I personally would favor nourishing things first, like the oils, vitamin E, and Nettle infusions. These help our hormonal system function it best and start menstruation naturally. Then I might choose, if feeling needed, something to kickstart the menses, like the pennyroyal below. We all have our time limit for working with the different steps. I trust where you feel yours is. Setting them up in the steps though allows us to work with least harm first, and also allows us to work back on down (toward step 0) the list once gong past step 3.
Write any time. I am happy to offer thoughts! I wish you the very best
Love and blessings,
Karen Joy
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