Q: Dear Susun,
I've spend quite a bit of time researching this on the web and many times your name has popped up onto my screen. I am hoping you are willing to confirm what I have read to be true about completing a miscarriage with herbs.
I miscarried at 7 weeks, and bled for aprox 25 days. About a month passed and I began what I thought to be a period and am still bleeding. I began researching and asking questions last week after my midwife suggested an ultrasound which showed some "leftover" material in my uterus (which is didelphic). They are recommending a D&C which I do not wish to have. I fear that it will further compromise my already small uterus and possibly cause further miscarriage.
I began inquiring with a doula and another midwife who recommended I look into using Black and Blue Cohosh 20 drops each/hour. I started the Black on Sat, and will get the blue today, as no stores near me carry it. After 24 hours of cohosh, last night I suddenly soaked a pad and passed 2 large clots followed by another clot within 30 minutes. I haven't soaked but one pad, so fear of hemorrhage is not seeming eminent. I've felt okay, no fever, very little dizziness, etc. in this entire experience. I take Juice plus, cell forte, Carlson's fish oil, and immune support with folic acid daily.
My question is: since only one incident of heavy bleeding and clotting occurred with the use of Black Cohosh, do you feel that I may have emptied all of the leftover material in my uterus? Do you feel I need to begin the Blue Cohosh at this point? Is there anything else I might look into using?
I hope you will have a few moments to answer my questions. I am trying desperately to handle this holistically and my husband is getting impatient and worried (poor guy!). I look forward to getting and reading some of you books after reading of you. I'm kind of in an emergent situation now and am hoping for some immediate advice; I understand that I'm asking a lot and hope you feel comfortable with assisting.
With gratitude,
G.
A: Hello G., thank you for writing. I understand the urgency of your situation and imagine a lot has happened between now and when you wrote this. Please let us know how you are doing.
Susun does not have internet in her home to be able to correspond through email, but offers free Tuesday night phone consultations from spring through fall.
At our online forum we have a section called "Wise Woman Birth Control." I have heard of others there talking about needing to complete a miscarriage before. Even if you wish not to post, you may benefit from reading through past posts.
I personally do not feel experienced enough to tell you through email if you have gotten all you need to get out. I do however favor at least trying to do so at home before a D&C, this depending of course on the urgency of the situation. It sounds like you know the signs to be looking for. I strongly encourage you, if you aren't already, to be increasing your iron intake for a while. I would not wait until symptoms arise to start this.
I feel for you and your husband and imagine this has been quite a journey. Please do let us know how you are doing and if there is any other way we can help!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
[email protected]
www.wisewomanweb.com
Q: Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I will look into the groups you mentioned to soak in more experiences and wisdom from those of us who have been there. This experience, as difficult as it has been, has also been a gift in it's own right. I've come to know so much more about myself and how to heal. I've noticed some signs of possible anemia, so I purchased lots of celery and spinach to juice for the next weeks. Looking forward to re-gaining my energy and balance.
I came across some Pennyroyal essential oils today and began using that. The gentleman who sold it to me suggested i begin only with 1 drop twice/day. I understand this is very strong, yet has been known to be the most effective herb to assist a miscarriage completion. I will look on the groups for info, but if you happen to know of any resources that I may look at, please forward them at your convenience. I'll also try to call Susun on Tuesday.
Again, thank you so very much for your encouragement and information.
Kindest regards,
G.
A: Hi G., I am glad you will make use of all those resources and that your are attending to your nutrition needs. In Susun's book Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, she writes a little about "Completing a Miscarriage":
"To complete a miscarriage, 1) have an experienced and skilled assistant with you, 2) have herbs which control bleeding on hand, and 3) use 20 drops each of Blue and Black Cohosh tinctures every hour to empty the uterus. Do not exceed five doses.
"To control bleeding, use 10-20 drops of Shepherd's Purse tincture or Witch Hazel tincture (not drugstore variety) under the tongue as often as > needed."
If you wish to share I would love to hear how things are going for you! All my best wishes.
Blessings,
Karen Joy
Q: Dear Karen, Thank you so much for your genuine interest. It feels so good to be surrounded by the many wonderful women in my life...even those who I've never met face to face.
I'm okay, but things are not moving. I've been taking the black and blue cohosh about 4 times /day. I will try doing it hourly on Tuesday. I unfortunately will attend my grandmother's funeral tomorrow, so I would rather not be focused on herbs and my uterus tomorrow.
I'm doing a great deal of juicing to try to keep my health in tact. Spinach and celery will rebuild my iron, which I suspect is low.
I'll write you again later in the week, and again, please accept my deep gratitude for your interest and assistance.
Best, G.
A: I look forward to hearing from you later this week G. I am thinking of you today and hope things are well. My condolences on your loss of your grandmother. I wish I were more experienced on the effectiveness and safety of using herbs for completing a miscarriage. I do feel concern always, and set back to trust your wisdom. All I can do is pass on book knowledge on this, and of course offer my care.
love,
Karen Joy
[email protected]
Q: Hi Karen,
I wanted to let you know that all of the herbs worked and the last
"spot" in my uterus is gone! I had agreed with my doctor a few weeks ago
that if it didn't show clear that I would get the D&C to avoid
calcification and infection, but obviously didn't need it. Thanks again
for all of your support and guidance. I am greatly appreciative you.
Best, G.
A: Thank you SO much for the update Gwen. I am so happy to hear you are doing well.... All my best!!!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
Hi. I had hospital medication to complete my miscarriage which did not work so now I am going to try the Cohosh method as I really do not want surgery.
I have read that Penny Royal essential oil can KILL you if you ingest it. Only the herb can be used as a tea.
Good luck to all of you at this difficult time. x
Posted by: G Stovold | October 10, 2012 at 10:45 AM
Hi my name is Tasha and I'm 7 weeks and I'm doin
The black and blue cohosh 20 drops each in a small cup of water every HR for 5 hrz....hoping and praying this works Cuz I definitely don't want to experience a abortion
Posted by: latasha mallory | September 23, 2012 at 11:15 AM