Childbearing Year

Calendula Uses in Childbearing

Hello,

I am student midwife in last year has Brussels and I do a work of end of study on the use of Calendula (in all its galenical forms) in obstetrics.

I am has the search for information, the ideal being to meet (contact e-mail if there is a long distance) somebody which knows well the use of Calendula and more particularly in the field of the birth.
If one of the members of your company or one of your professional knowledge controls this knowledge, would it be possible to contact me?

I thank you for your attention.

Hello,

I wanted to write and let you know of some of the uses I've seen with calendula in both childbirth and post partum. Before childbirth, calendula infused oil (olive oil or other food grade oil) is wonderful for perineal massage, especially when combined with evening primrose oil. During childbirth, it has been used to aid in the massage and stretching of the perineal area to allow the baby to be born with minimal to no tearing.

After birth, it can be used as a sitz bath (using a strong infusion of the herb) to aid in healing of the perineum and to prevent infections. It can also be applied as an oil to aid in the healing.

I've personally used it on my daughter when she had eczema and it cleared within a few days. It is a very gentle herb and has wonderful healing properties.

Blessings,

Kate

Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com
www.wisewomanuniversity.org
www.wisewomanbookshop.com

Hello,

I myself am a student midwife...

Calendula has many uses during the childbearing year.

An infused oil preparation can be used on hemorrhoids to help soothe the skin.
 
A compress soaked in a calendula infusion can be great for healing the sensitive skin on the perineum area after giving birth, and the infusion can also be placed into a peri bottle to use after birth for trips to the bathroom.  This use can help dilute the urine as it is voided in an effort to minimize burning of micro tears or larger tears resulting from childbirth.

A calendula cream can be applied to sore nipples, as in the case for a newly breastfeeding mother. It is advised that the calendula cream be wiped from the nipples prior to the infant nursing.

In essential oil form, 5-10 drops of calendula can be added to a bath to help ease depression and anxiety.

Also in essential oil form, calendula is an antifungal that can aid in treatment of yeast infections.

From what I also know, it is not advised to take calendula by mouth (eg. in tincture or tea form) during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but in topical uses it are acceptable and useful in small quantities.

I hope this helps in your search for information on calendula.  Please let me know if I can be of further assistance on this subject.

With Warm Regards,
Melissa

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

Using Herbs Simply for Fertility

Hello Ms. Weed,

My wife has purchased your herbs in the past for fertility issues. Took the rasberry leaf, nettles and oatgrass.

Appreciate all your work over the years and am curious about a site a client ran across...

http://www.herballegacy.com/Menstruation.html

http://www.herballegacy.com/Female_Reproductive.html

Hoping you could give me your opinion.

Thank you.

Hello,

...great to hear from you, thank you for your email and your kind comments. Susun has never sold herbs, but she does offer a vast wealth of educational matter pertaining to herbs and herbal remedies for health and prevention and cure of illness and disease.

As for the site you refer to, Susun very much recommends abstaining from the use of herbal formulas, herbs in pills, and combinations of herbs, especially prepared by people other than the user. Here are a few articles to illustrate this:

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Simple_Safe_Herbal_Medicine.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Weed_Self-help1.htm

red clover infusion is one of the best nourishing herbs for promotion of fertility

visit www.nourishingherbalinfusions.com

find lots of good articles here http://www.childbearing-year.com/

http://www.childbearing-year.com/articles-Herbs_for_Fertility.php

http://www.childbearing-year.com/articles-Herbal_Allies_for_Pregnancy_Problems.php

hope this helps…

Love,

Justine

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

Herbal and Vitamin Safety in Pregnancy

aloha Susun, 

I am currently 8 weeks pregnant. Since the first day of my last menes period. If going by this date I was taking some herbs that would induce menes when I would have been 5 weeks along. Without knowing I was pregnant, and taking the herbs during this first week if being late, I never started bleeding, so I stopped and took a pregnancy test.

It was positive and I have since been taking extremely good care of myself. My cycle is mostly 5 weeks apart, not the usual 28 days. and I think I would have really been only 3 weeks since being conceived. Is there any serious concern of birth defects from vitamin C, rue, and Dong Qaui during this one and half week? Please help me for I do not want there to be any issues. 

Hope you are well and hear from you soon...

Normally a body will naturally abort any fetus that is not perfect….the only way to tell for sure is to either communicate with the spirit growing inside you or to go to your doctor and get a sonogram (you don’t need to tell them about the herbs you took, they wont know anyhow)….spend this time envisioning the outcome you want…worry is prayer for things you don’t want…so pray for what you want and make it be so…

love,

Justine

Thank you sooo much, I have been not worrying about it too much... is more in the back of my mind these last days. Is just if there was something really wrong i would feel horrible and would want to know now and not later. Is not fair to the baby you know. 

I feel good and healthy, I feel my body is good and healthy. I take good care of myself eating organic as much as possible and lots of mixed nutrition, veggies, fruits, whole grains, eggs in the last two weeks. I take my vitamins regularly for the last months, and exercise regularly to. bike, surf, swim, etc.... I live kauai and this is a healing place as well for many. I have a good partner and I am super stoked to hear from you that I have nothing to worry about. I will keep my spirits up and stay in tune with myself and keep positive, healthy, happy, flourishing energy going.  

thank you and take care.

much aloha...

HI…Susun talks a lot about the dangers of vitamin pills, in case you want to save money…

http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411882,00.html

http://newroots.drizzlehosting.com/SWDig.html

Do you know about nourishing herbal infusions? check it out www.nourishingherbalinfusions.com

Sending you lots and lots of love,

Justine

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

 

Wise Woman Wisdom for Fertility After Forty

Dear Susun,
 
I am 43 years of age, and will turn 44 in December. I have been tring to conceive since year 2007. I have had 2 clomid cycles, 2 Gonal F cycles, and stimulation for IVF too, however, the ovarian response was very poor.
 
The doctor had suggest I take the pill from July until Oct 2010, until I start the stimuation for IVF in December 2010. I had my last period on Jan 17th and have'nt had a period since then. I did a home pregnancy test and the same was negative.
 
I am fearing menopause and would really like to conceive.
 
Kindly guide me...

Hello,

Some things that Susun recommends would be regular use of red clover infusions, drinking 2-4 cups daily has turned around fertility issues for many women. "... It is especially helpful if there is scaring of the fallopian tubes, irregular menses, abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or "unexplained" infertility. It may take several months for the full effect of this herb to come on and pregnancy may not occurs until you have used it for a year or two. You can improve the taste by including some dried peppermint (a spoonful or two) along with the dried clover blossoms when making your infusion. Treat the father of the child-to-be to some red clover infusion, too!"

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_Herbs.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Fertility_After_Forty.htm

"Red clover is the single best remedy for women over forty who want to conceive but can't -- even if there are medical reasons for not conceiving such blocked tubes, diabetes, ovarian cysts, internal scaring, endometriosis. There are many heart-warming success stories I could share about red clover! But suffice to say, drinking 2-4 cups of the infusion of the dried blossoms (neither tincture nor tea nor pills will work for this application) seems to do wonders for fertility, no matter what your age."

So no matter what your issues, I would start with incorporating red clover infusions into your diet. If you are unfamiliar with infusions and how to make them, here is Susun's website that goes into deeper detail: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Another herb to consider would be Vitex (chasteberry) - this would be used in the form of a tincture.

"Most importantly, chaste tree is a strengthening tonic for the pituitary gland, the master control gland for the endocrine system. Daily use of the tincture of the berries (1 dropperful/1 ml 2-3 times daily) had been shown to increase progesterone--the hormone of pregnancy--and luteinizing hormone--which promotes conception. Because it can lower prolactin levels, chaste tree is best discontinues during the last trimester of pregnancy."

 Vitex is an herb that helps to regulate cycles and bring balance to the body in whatever form it needs.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm

Another thing of great importance is your diet. Vegan and vegetarian diets are not optimal for creating a fertile environment - nor is a low-fat diet. Eating whole grains, vegetables, whole-fat organic milk, butter, eggs along with fish such as salmon and sardines is best.

Susun also offers phone consultations if you want to go into more detail. They can be booked through our store here: http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/store_results.asp?Category=3&SubCat=1034&Section=Consultations

You may also wish to ask at our forum. Someone may be able to help you as well and we have a room set up specifically for childbearing issues.

Do remember it isn't uncommon for us to have babies throughout our forties, so stay focused on being positive and meditate on welcoming a new child into your life.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

Nutrition and Ammenorhea

Hello... I am 18 years old and am a native to northern new york. I came apon the "Wise Woman" site a few months ago and have been reading it very often. I thank you and the other wise women for putting so much free useful information on the internet for anyone to access. My problem is I am having a lack of a period, and hesitate towards other means of information before contacting you. There are some important details to my story which is why I am asking, may I have the advice of a wise woman?

Thank you for your time...

Hello….the most common reason for lack of menses in young women, called amennorhea, other than pregnancy is malnutrition, most often in western countries caused by restricted diet such as vegetarianism, veganism, dieting, and/or eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.

When the body does not have sufficient nutrition, it abstains for menstruating, because it does not have the available resources. If you fall into any of the above categories, consider adding a cup of yogurt to your daily diet, and adding small amounts of eggs, meat, cheese, fish, and foul to your diet as well….even a few ounces per day will help immensely.

Nourishing herbal infusions are also an excellent source of nutrients go to www.nourishingherbalinfusions.com

And email back if there is more you would like to discuss.

Love,

Justine

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

Red Rasberry Leaf for Uterine Health

Hi,

I had Persistant Uterine Atony (weak muscles of uterus) after the birth of my 4th child. I believe that my Uterus needs healing and it seems like Red Raspberry is the herb to help!  I have a pound of Red Raspberry to begin drinking Nourishing Herbal Infusions.  I am hoping to do the Red Raspberry infusions for 2 years or less and then get pregnant God Willing, and use the Infusions throughout pregnancy. 

Does Red Raspberry help strengthen weak Uterine Muscles for women who have had several children, have you ever heard of this before? I want more children!  Thanks so much for help ing me with this!

Hello,

Yes, I would definitely ally myself with red raspberry infusions. From Susun:

RED RASPBERRY LEAVES (Rubus spp.)

Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, raspberry is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs. It contains fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself.

Most of the benefits ascribed to regular use of Raspberry tea through pregnancy are traced to the nourishing source of vitamins and minerals found in this plant and to the strengthening power of fragrine - an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. Of special note are the rich concentration of vitamin C, the presence of vitamin E and the easily assimilated calcium and iron. Raspberry leaves also contain vitamins A and B complex and many minerals, including phosphorous and potassium.

The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy include:

~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.

~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed or atonic uterus.

This article goes into deeper detail on many of the herbs that help before, during and after pregnancy. You can read it here.

So I would certainly be drinking red raspberry infusions and you can do so throughout your pregnancy if you feel moved to do so.

Nettles infusions as well are considered an uterine tonic and overall nourisher, so another nice one to add to your diet. If you do not already have it, you may want to check out Susun's book The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year - lots of information to support one from before conception to postpartum. You can read some excerpts here: http://childbearing-year.com/

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

 

Herbal Infusions for a Healthy Pregnancy

Hi Susun,

I'm planning to take some herbal infusions during pregnancy. Hilary Jacobsen gave me a pregnancy protocol that you told her about and it says to drink infusions once a week of nettle, comfrey, oat straw, red clover, and red raspberry. I also ran across an article by you where you mentioned drinking nettle and red raspberry infusions at least 5 days a week during pregnancy. I had very low milk supply with my first child and am trying to do everything I can to change that next time.

Before I learned about infusions I was going to drink a tea of red clover, red raspberry, and alfalfa everyday to try to build more mammary tissue. Now I want to drink an infusion of the red clover and the red raspberry at least once a week as you mentioned, but I would like to do more than that to get the most benefit that I can. I was thinking of doing two infusions per week and then tea maybe three days a week, or one infusion per week and tea at least 4 times per week. Or more infusions if that would be beneficial. What are your thoughts on this?

Also I'm finding conflicting information about whether or not mullein leaf is safe during pregnancy. I have asthma and had a bad asthma attack during pregnancy last time and had to take prednisone because my rescue inhaler wasn't helping me. I would love to try the mullein leaf to see if it can help my lungs, but of course want to make sure it's safe.

Hello,

In terms of general health and well-being, we feel that herbal infusions are superior to teas. Along with the healing properties that you are receiving from the herbs, the large quantity of plant material and lengthy steeping time extracts the levels of vitamins and minerals our bodies need, especially during pregnancy. http://medherb.com/Materia_Medica/The_Mineral_Content_of_Herbal_Decoctions_.htm

During my pregnancy, I rotated herbs from day to day, usually 2 days of nettles, 2 days of red raspberry, 1 day of comfrey leaf and 1 day of red clover and 1 day of oatstraw - you can really divide it out however you feel drawn intuitively to do. And I drank usually 2 cups to 1 quart each day. Remember that the infusions are drank one at a time, not mixed together like you find in tea blends. This seems the best way to see how your body reacts to the herb instead of confusing the issue with too many signals.

The teas you are talking about are wonderful for milk production, if it were me, I would be drinking the infusions in a higher quantity than the tea to also be getting the minerals and vitamins. And there is also a lot you can do with the foods you eat to help with milk production during and after pregnancy. Here is an excerpt from Susun's book The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. You will find a lot of information to help as well. http://childbearing-year.com/articles-breast-feeding1.php

I am not aware of any problems with mullein during pregnancy. All I can tell you is that I would have no issue with taking it, but you will have to decide how you feel about it. Nearly any herb has conflicting information, especially when it comes to use during pregnancy - often simply because no one has bothered to do much testing with them. I have always found mullein safe and gentle to use.

Congratulations and a happy pregnancy to you.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

 

 

Healing Lyme Disease While Pregnant

Dear Susun

I have had your books for years and thought of you now as I am really needing immediate and wise advice. I am 7mo pregnant with a little girl and have celiac disease (found out just as became pregnant) Now at 7mo I found out i have lyme disease with a cd 57 count (the immune cells affected by lyme) of 28 which is very low.
I have joint pain, inflammation, fatique...but am also really well on many levels and surprised how low my numbers are(tests have been done a couple of times for accuracy)I was also muscle tested by wonderful ak person..and told certain antibiotics and herbs will help.

Lyme passes thru placenta and worse during breastfeeding. I work with women and children and am heartbroken to think of taking antibiotics or having to not breastfeed. I will test baby as soon as she comes out thru umbilicus.

Antibiotics are recommended full on daily now. I want to see if i can rotate them with herbs...no one I know can tell me which herbs are safe...and doses...if you can MUCH GRATITUDE. It is an immediate issue...decision needs to be made asap.

Herbs I know work and I test well for anti lyme are:

cats claw i test for 13 drops/day
resveratral (japanese knotweed) i test for 2/day olive leaf i test for 1
cap /day red root usnia

colloidal silver -
reishi turkey tail mushroom tea with dandelion 1 tsp per day

If ok, how high in dosage can I go? if you have any lyme knowlege around this pls feel free to share

THANK you...

Hello,

I am a lyme survivor and Susun's daughter. I would take antibiotics immediately, while pregnant....the baby will get her immunity from you, and you need to get rid of the lyme disease right away. As for herbs to take along with the antibiotics the following in any reasonable dose safe: reishi, dandelion, red root, Japanese knotweed.

Skip the rest, not safe for use. I had lyme for two years undiagnosed, and used a combination of Reiki, homeopathy, and teasel root tincture to cure myself, took three years for recovery from the damage. Use the antibiotics and support and nourish yourself through the process. And, let me tell you I
was raised in a very holistic manner, with no doctor visits, no immunizations, and no antibiotics. My mom and I both strongly advise antibiotics as soon after contracting lyme as possible, if you want even a few more months the antibiotics will not longer be an option, once the lyme morphs from bacteria to virus, the antibiotics no longer an effective remedy and damage really begins to occur.

Sending you and baby love.

Love,
Justine

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

~Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Care the Wise Woman Way April 9th~

Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Care the Wise Woman Way

Workshop with Susun Weed

April 9, 2011 in Merrick, Long Island

Join Susun Weed acclaimed teacher, herbalist, and author of Down There:  Sexual and Reproductive Health the Wise Woman Way for a five hour workshop for, but not limited to, doulas, midwives and other childbirth professionals.  Ms. Weed will discuss the Wise Woman Tradition, and the use of herbs relating to pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.

 

• Contact Laura Gigantino to reserve your space: [email protected] or  914-374-1523
• Fee $125
• Workshop is fron 1PM – 6PM EST
• There will be no breaks during workshop, please eat before arriving.

 

Susun Weed is available for interviews to share her extensive sexual and reproductive health knowledge.  She has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows and written articles for many publications.  For more information on Ms. Weed’s availability please contact: [email protected] or call 1-845-246-8081.

 

 

 

~Susun Weed's Workshop for Childbirth Professionals April 9th~

Susun Weed, wise woman, teacher, herbalist and author of "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" and "Healing Wise" is going to be in Merrick, Long Island on Saturday, April 9th to do a 5 hour workshop for but not limited to doulas, midwives, and other childbirth professionals about herbs and wise women traditions relating to pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Although the workshop will be focused on pregnancy, birth and postpartum, everyone will have a chance to ask about questions other topics. Please come fed and full. We will not break, but you will always be able to drink and drain whenever necessary. We will be serving a nourishing herbal infusion towards the end of the workshop. We look forward to spending the day with you!

 

Workshop begins at 1pm and ends at 6pm.

 

Please contact Laura Gigantino at [email protected], or 914-374-1523 to reserve a space. Spots are limited. Fee is $100.