Healing Wise

Question about iron absorption

Hi Karen Joy,
 
I am feeling challenged by very low iron levels as a result, I think, of excessive menstrual bleeding. I had my iron levels checked in the summer and they were quite low. Any ideas about what I could take to boost my iron absorption? My exhaustion levels are really high and energy levels low, especially during my menstruation.
 
Any thoughts would be MOST welcome!
 
Thanks,

L

Dear L,

Nourishing herbal infusions are excellent for restoring energy, especially regular use of nettle leaf infusion (try drinking one quart daily for several months to notice a real improvement).
 
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm
Urtica is one of the finest nourishing tonics known. It is reputed to have more chlorophyll than any other herb. The list of vitamins and minerals in this herb includes nearly every one known to necessary for human health and growth.
Vitamins A, C, D and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and sulphur are particularly abundant in nettles. The infusion is a dark green color approaching black. The taste is deep and rich. If you are blessed with a nettle patch near you, use the fresh plant as a pot herb in the spring.
 
 
Yellow dock tincture is excellent for restoring iron levels, http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Wild_Food1.htm
 
Yellow Dock builds strong blood. Strong blood is rich in iron and other minerals needed for health. Strong blood is nutrient-rich - so vital organs get the nourishment they need for optimum functioning. Strong blood helps muscles work well without cramping and aching. Strong blood is low in cholesterol and moves easily through the circulatory system. Strong blood is packed with plenty of energy, for life, for work, and for sex.

Other green allies that build strong blood are Dandelion leaves, Red Clover blossoms, and Plantain leaves. (And for strong veins, Burdock root vinegar is a trusted ally.) Daily doses of Yellow Dock root - vinegar (see below) or tincture (5-20 drops once or twice a day) - often increase iron levels in the blood twice as fast as iron supplements. If you wish to avoid alcohol, soak chopped fresh Yellow Dock roots (or any of the other plants mentioned here) in vinegar to cover for 6 weeks. I use 1-2 tablespoons a day of the resulting medicinal vinegar to build strong blood.
 
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Herbal_Vinegar2.htm
Yellow dock is the herbalist's classic remedy for building iron in the blood. Like calcium, iron is absorbed better when eaten with an acid, such as vinegar, making yellow dock vinegar an especially good way to utilize the iron-enhancing properties of this weed. (It nourishes the iron in the soil, too, and is said to improve the yield of apple trees it grows under.)
 
 
For foods consider eating red meats, cooked beans and lentils, and baked potato with skin and molasses is excellent too...other meats high in iron include, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, sardines, turkey, and all liver.
 
Sending lots of love,
 
Justine
 
 
Blessings,
Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com

Lyme disease

Susun
I write because a dear friend has lyme disease... he is on a rotation of antibiotics like 5 different flavors.  It tears me up to see this illness drag him down and it affects his moods and his quality of life sucks because is low energy.

Do you have suggestions on herbs, books or anything that might support my understanding, what foods or herbs may benefit him.. CURE? him???   i'm just so unsure.

with deep care and gratitude.

Teasel root tincture is said to help cure lymes. Stephen Buhner has written an excellent book on Healing Lyme, and he also has an audio CD as well.
 
http://www.ashtreepublishing.com/bookshop/Stephen_Harrod_Buhner.php
 
sending love,
 
Justine