Childbearing Year

Herbs for pregnancy.

Dear Susun,

I read one of your articles that listed herbs to avoid during pregnancy and one of them was mint. I am taking pregnancy tea and it has mint in it. I'm a little confused cause i thought everything in it was safe and good during pregnancy? Another thing it said to avaiod was aloe. I have lots of skin care that has alow in it. Should i not use it anymore? I'm not pregnant yet but we've been tryinig this year and so luck so far. I heard pregnancy tea is good for fertility. I'm drinking raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with raw organic honey every day and was wondering if that is safe to drink during pregnancy and breast feeding. 

~J.

 

Hello J.,

I am not sure which article you are referring to. If you still have the link, I could take a look at it. Mint is a large family that encompasses a lot of different plants, but I can tell you that spearmint and peppermint are not on Susun's list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy. She recommends their use for helping with morning sickness and as a good way to renew energy levels. I don't know the ingredients in the tea that you are drinking, but most likely it just has a little mint for some flavoring.

If you are pregnant and having issues with varicose veins and/or hemorrhoids, Susun does suggest staying away from internal use of aloe. As for the ACV, it has its place in a well-rounded diet and again is useful with morning sickness as some find relief by mixing a teaspoon or two in water and sipping on that. Another excellent way to use would be some herbal vinegars over your salad or mixed in with beans or cooked greens.
 
One of the best fertility enhancers would be red clover infusion (not tea or capsules) http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm. I've included a link in case you are unfamilar with how to make them. Just let us know if you any further questions.
 
blessings,
Kim
Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com
www.wisewomanuniversity.org
www.wisewomanbookshop.com
 
 

Help for a New Mother.

Dear Susan,  My baby was born 3lb 2oz at 8 1/2 months.  The Dr.s discovered (after his birth) that I had severe preeclampsia and treated me for 24 hrs with magnesium sulfate.  Now I have terrible migraines that they say is from the treatment and the excess protein in my body that my liver and kidneys are not processing adequately.  I am breastfeeding and don't want to take any heavy duty pain killers for the migraines, but I NEED some relief from this debillitating pain.  Please what can I do naturally to help my body recover it's balance?
Lovingly, J

Greetings J,
 
I know that feverfew has been used sucessfully in the treatment of migraines. I am also including links to some articles that you may find of use:
 
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/January05/menopausal.htm
 
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/November05/empower.htm
 
Also very important to work on supporting your kidney and liver functions: I would incorporate burdock root - tincture or fresh root infusion; stinging nettle infusions, chickweed infusions, dandelion root tincture into your daily routinue.
 
Currently Susun isn't answering email questions as she is devoting her time to her forthcoming book, “Down There, reproductive health for women and men” due out soon. You can speak with Susun during her Free hotline Tuesday evenings between 7:30-9:30 pm eastern time or by appointment for a moderate fee (15min/$30 or 30min/$50).
For a free consultation, call on blogtalkradio, Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30 pm EST. Call in with your questions 1-646-929-2463. Visit the link for more info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed
 
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. Just let us know if we can be of further assistance.  
 
Blessings,
Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com
www.wisewomanbookshop.com
www.wisewomanuniversity.org