Hi,
My sister just told me about your books and website, and I just spent a few minutes browsing. I was wondering if you could help me out.
I had a miscarriage about 3 weeks ago, but haven't passed any tissue yet, and am getting a bit anxious. My medical doctor wants me to get a D&C within the week, if nothing happens, ....I would prefer not to have the procedure done if possible.
Someone told me that there are natural methods that can help me, but my medical doctor is nervous about the risk of hemorrhage, so has advised me against it. If I would know that there are herbs that are safe for me to use, I might choose to take them. Can you advise me about that? I really want all this to be over already.
Awaiting your response,
Hello,
The completion of a miscarriage usually resolves on its own and the timeframe that you have so far experienced is not excessive. As long as you are not running a fever, or showing signs of an infection, it is so much healthier if your body can handle this process on its own. Herbs such as black and blue cohosh are used traditionally to complete miscarriages but it is still very important to have an experienced herbalist with you and also either shepherd's purse or witch hazel tincture to control bleeding. Any herb that is strong enough to do this type of work is very powerful and needs to be respected. You can find a great deal of information here as well: http://www.sisterzeus.com/
And, of course, whether you end up with a naturally completed miscarriage or opt for herbs or a D&C, taking care of yourself after the fact is so important. If you are not, drink plenty of infusions, especially nettles and red raspberry leaf. Eat foods such as dandelion greens and/or take yellow dock root tincture to help with iron levels. As you know, a miscarriage is physically, emotionally and mentally stressful. Do what you can to nurture and take care of yourself. Please let us know how you are doing and if you need any further assistance.
blessings,
Kim
Wise Woman Team
Good Morning Kim,
...I miscarried about a week ago, Thank God, and am still feeling a bit weak, but getting better every day. I'm still drinking the raspberry tea, and will try to get to the health food store today or tommorrow. Do you have any suggestions for anything that may help me deal with mood swings? I've been feeling very moody over the last several days and am guessing its because of the change in hormone levels.
Thanks and have a great day,
Hello,
...So glad to hear that everything ended as it needed to without medical intervention. First off, after any kind of miscarriage, you do need to give special attention to yourself. Keep up with the raspberry leaf infusions and make sure that you add oatstraw infusions, if not already. Oatstraw provides a mineral rich brew to help level things out for your body and also to soothe your nerves. Since what we eat can acerbate our situation, I would make sure to avoid too much sugar, completely avoiding white sugar and reducing any use of honey and maple syrup, just for the time being. Concentrate on high protein snacks instead.
Probably my first choice to deal directly with mood swings would be motherwort tincture. If you start to feel your mood begin to shift, take 5-10 drops in a small cup of water, and use as needed - even up to 3-4 times an hour, until you feel emotionally balanced again.
From Susun: "Allow fifteen minutes for the full effect to come on; repeat if necessary, as frequently as every two hours during times of particular upset. Motherwort tincture works best when combined with a short break from the day's routine to stretch, breathe, relax, and return to center. CAUTION: Limit use of Motherwort if you begin to feel that you can't get through the day without it, as this calming herb may be psychologically habit forming."
I would also incorporate nettle infusions, not only are they very mineral rich to help with overall health, they support the adrenals. This will help not only with your energy levels but also with the moods as overstressed adrenals help give rise to depression and mood swings.
Burdock, Blessed Thistle, and Sarsaparilla are bitter tonics. Occasional use helps keep your emotions on an even keel and makes a nice change from your daily Nettle or Raspberry leaf brew.
If you are feeling tired and/or weak, you may be dealing with reduced iron levels right now as well. Tincture of Yellow Dock is wonderful for building iron back up as does dandelion. You can eat the greens or use dandelion root tincture.
One of the best hormonal balancers for women is vitex. Here is an article that goes more in depth: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm
As women, we usually spend most of our days running around and taking care of everyone else first. This is a time where you really have to stop and honor what your body has had to deal with - whether through rituals, meditations, etc. and hopefully having a good support system in place. Just let us know if you need anything else.
blessings,
Kim
Wise Woman Team
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