Healing Wise

You can get your health questions answered by Susun 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 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.

January 29, 2011 in Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 27, 2011

Herbal Suggestions for Depression

Hi,

I went on St. John's Wort recently b/c I miscarried at nearly 8 wks gestation & have been having a hard time-w-the loss since. My sister just announced that she's expecting & that has suddenly made our loss all the more difficult b/c this same thing happened to us 2 yrs ago. My sister & I were both expecting then & I miscarried, our baby had been due 1 mo to the day of my niece's estimated birth date. Now we look at her at times & think there should be 2 children that age, there should be cousins playing together & experiencing going through the same milestones.

Now I feel that I have to speed up regulating my hormones & my mood swings to get back to normal quickly before Christmas when I'll see my sister approx 11 wks into her pregnancy, showing quite a bit. I know all the conversation will be focused on that, even though everyone is aware we just miscarried.

I read on a herbal website that you shouldn't use a asthma inhailor when on St. Johns wart b/c it could cause some sort of interaction. I wondered if you know anymore about it b/c now-w-the colder weather & the furnace being on it's been triggering my asthma. I went 3 days-w-out taking the St. Johns Wort so that I could use my inhailor & then I felt really weird, kind of dizzy & my heart was racing a bit, but I did have to take a double dose of my in hailor b/c the 1st dose was not effective & my lungs were hurting pretty badly.

I also wondered about how much St. John's wart can or should be taken mine are 300mg capsules & I'm sometimes taking 2 or 3 per day, other days I forget to take it or don't b/c of my asthma. You mentioned something about it's better to get it in another form instead of the capsules, so is that less potent? Why is it that capsule form isn't as good?

Is there anything else that would work as well on depression caused by a miscarriage as St. John's that might be safer to be on for asthmatics? I'm also taking Maca to try to regulate my hormones again. I should probably start on garlic again for my asthma. What else could I be doing to stop the mood swings feelings of depression?

Hello,

Susun does not recommend taking St. John's in capsule form - only tincture for internal use. Some of the side effects you mention such as dizziness have often been reported from people, even if they don't have asthma. Supplements in capsule forms are made when certain constituents are removed from a plant, destroying whatever synergy there was that was beneficial. It is always better to work with the whole spirit of the plant as opposed to just one part. So, you could try taking the tincture instead of the capsules and see if you still have a reaction. Usual dosage would be a dropperful of tincture taken 1-3 times daily.

I would also be drinking oatstraw infusions. From Susun: Oatstraw infusion (not tea, tincture, or capsules) has been an ally for depressed women since earliest times. Gentle Avena nourishes the nerves and helps you remember why life is worth living. To make an infusion: Brew one ounce by weight of dried herb (that's a cup by volume) in a quart jar filled to the top with boiling water. Steep for at least four hours, then strain and refrigerate your infusion. Drink as many cups a day as you wish. Or make an oatstraw bath by adding two quarts of infusion to your bath water.

Make sure you are keeping a healthy diet, especially need calcium, zinc, and B vitamins. Eat organic cheese and yogurt, more garlic and mushrooms, more whole grains and beans.

Another option from Susun: Lemon Balm leaves - Considered a specific for helping one cope with life situations that are difficult to accept... Melissa is an old favorite for depression, melancholy, and hysteria. One or two cups of the good tasting infusion, mellowed with milk and honey, every day for a week or two will suffice.

If you are in the middle of a mood swing, reach for motherwort tincture. Not only a calmative, but has been used traditionally for both heart and lung issues. Take 10-20 drops as often as every ten minutes until you feel yourself begin to calm back down.

Of course, always so important to take care of yourself, give yourself time and space to grieve, honor what happened and have a good support system.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

January 27, 2011 in Healing Recipes, Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 26, 2011

Herbal Allies for Acne

Hello Ma'am,

I found your website doing some research for school on emmenagogues herbs. I have a question. Do you have any research available for hormonal acne? It seems the older I get, the worst it is getting!

Thank you so much!

Hello,

Of course, it is always good to make sure your diet is good. Eating whole foods and make sure that you are getting good fats such as organic butter and olive oil. Are you doing infusions? If not, here is a new site that goes into detail on the herbs we use and how to make them:

I would especially be focusing on nettles for your situation. Also vitex is a wonderful herb for balancing out our hormones and should prove beneficial. Here is an article that goes into vitex: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm

Also internally using liver supporting herbs such as burdock (can use either burdock root or burdock seed tincture) and dandelion root tincture. Burdock is especially suited to help with various skin conditions. I would eat the fresh root as well. It is a great addition to soups, roasted, etc. Externally, you can also spray yarrow tincture on your face, not washing off. You may want to check out discussions at our free forum as well: www.healingwiseforum.com. There are several threads in regards to acne, including this one: http://www.healingwiseforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26088

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May04/healingwise.htm

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.

January 26, 2011 in Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 24, 2011

Using Privet

Hello,

First, I want to say thank you for all the valuable information on your website. I was referred to you a couple of weeks ago by a friend and your material includes more wisdom than I've found in a dozen other books. I'm very excited because I've hesitated to go too far with herbal medicine because I didn't trust the sources I'd found until now. I've already started making herbal infusions of both nettle and chickweed. Your book, Healing Wise, is on order and hopefully will arrive this week.

In the meantime,I have a question if you have time. I noticed while walking today that in my area (Atlanta, GA) there are a lot of common privet bushes with small black berries that have not yet been affected by the recent cold weather - the bushes are loaded. I searched for information about the plant to find out about it's medicinal value and found your article. I'm not sure how to harvest it (berries, leaves, bark?) and how to prepare an extract. The weather is beginning to get cold, so I don't believe the berries will be plump much longer. The other issue is that I'm not sure how to determine dosage. I didn't find preparation information, but if you have an article to share or if the information is another one of your books, I would appreciate any information before it gets too late this season. I'm wanting to use it to improve the immune system for cervical health.

Thank you again for so generously sharing your wisdom....

Hello,

We are so happy to hear that you are enjoying the information on Susun's website. You will find her books a wonderful resource for maintaining health and healing as well.

First off, if you have made an absolute positive ID on the plant, you can harvest the berries for tincturing. When using the fresh berries, you fill a jar to the top with the plant material and then cover completely with your menstruum, which is usually 100 proof vodka. I am including a few links to help with creating tinctures. For dosage, most often 1-3 dropperfuls a day is typical. If you are looking for daily allies in hopes of avoiding cancer, I would recommend red clover infusions. This plant is a tremendous help in that area and the infusions are nourishing and gentle enough to drink everyday. Just let us know if you need any additional assistance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufEcKRG1ALU

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

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

January 24, 2011 in Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Weeds, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 23, 2011

Nutrition While on Medication

Hi Susun,

I wanted to ask a question. I am going off my crestor that I take for cholesterol with the doctors okay and I started to take Red yeast rice. Is that a good idea and also are there other natural ways to lower the cholesterol? I was also put on klonopin .05 dose which is very low and I am on it for about a year. I would like to be off this medication and wanted to know how long it would take to go off it and how should it be done...
Please let me know about the medication because I prefer not to be on it. My doctor knows I dont want to stay on it forever and I really need to have some control over my health and my life.

Thank you for all the support you have given in the past..

Hello,

Are you drinking nourishing herbal infusions? Oatstraw and Nettles leaf would both help you very much, both with lowering cholesterol and finding inner calm.

As for when is the time for you to stop your medication, you are empowered to make this decision, your doctor will support your decision.

Here is an article on nutrition for you

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

sending love and courage,

Justine

January 23, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 22, 2011

Cholesterol and Heart Health

Hi,

Just wanted to ask you if there are herbs or natural procedures to lower cholesterol. I now was put on a medicine called crestor which did lower my cholesterol significantly but the level for my glucose has gone up a little bit. Is there anything that I can do for the glucose also. It is not very high but slightly. Any advice would be so appreciated. Thanks again.

Hello,

Here are some thoughts from Susun on cholesterol. I do not know what do about elevated
glucose due to the medication you have chosen to take.

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

"Linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic fats are the essential fatty
acids, but all fats, especially cholesterol, are vital for the
formation of sex hormones (especially postmenopausally), adrenal
hormones, vitamin D (for strong bones), and bile. Low cholesterol
diets make women's skin and vaginal tissues dry and impede the
functioning of the brain and nervous system.

"The belief that saturated fats elevate blood cholesterol, causing
blocked blood vessels, s-trokes and heart attacks has prevailed since
the mid-1960s. Yet most researchers consider this idea simplistic and
without scientific justification. In the Framingham Heart Study
(USA), the greater a person's intake of total fat, saturated fat, and
monounsaturated fat, the lower their risk of stroke. And, while high
blood cholesterol levels were a risk factor for heart disease, fat
and cholesterol intake in the diet were inversely correlated with
blood cholesterol...."

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed%20newsletter_september%
2001.htm#q3

"Did you know that over half of the people who have heart attacks in
the USA have normal or low cholesterol? Did you know that the theory
that high cholesterol causes or even indicates risk of heart attack
is non existent? Did you know that postmenopausal women produce
hormones that keep them healthy from cholesterol? For all these
reasons, I believe that you do not have a problem.

"However, we all need to eat diets that are rich in whole foods,
especially whole grains, for optimum heart health; and we all need to
exercise regularly to keep our hearts healthy. I think the best herb
for you right now might be tincture of Leonurus cardiaca
(motherwort). A dose is 10-20 drops taken 1-3 times a day.

"Read more about this herb in my Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way.
It will also teach you how to make nourishing herbal infusions and
vinegars that keep the heart healthy."

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/January07/healingwise.htm

"Cholesterols connection to heart attacks has never been proven. And
we have virtually no idea what healthy cholesterol is in a post-
menopausal woman. Remember, my sweetheart incredibly high cholesterol
but never had a heart attack. Inflammation has been shown, over and
over, to lead to heart attacks. You may want to consider reducing
inflammation instead of cholesterol. One of the best ways to do that
is to stop eating oils are pressed from seeds, and to start eating
olive oil, organic butter, and the natural fats from organically-
raised, pastured animals...."

Do let us know if we can help further!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
http://www.wisewomanweb.com

January 22, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 21, 2011

Herbs and Diet for Gum Health

Dear Susun,

I hope you will be able to respond quickly, as I will need to decide whether to continue with a holistic approach or have gum surgery. (My dental insurance will run-out shortly so if I am to have surgery, I will need to do it within the next 2 months. I prefer not to have surgery, but I am not having much success with my current practices.)

My gums, particularly on the right front tooth, are receding. I’ve been brushing my teeth with Tom’s Natural toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with hydrogen peroxide 2-3 times a day. I am also visualizing re-growing the gums and trying to identify the spiritual meaning behind this “dis-ease”. So I’m trying not to “take off more than I can chew” and I’m learning to accept that “which I do not want to swallow” I read (credit given to Hilarion) that applying white oak bark powder directly to the gums will help regenerate gum growth. Have you found this to be effective? If so do you know of any good places to order the white oak bark? If not, what would work? Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and Mother Earth for all she has given us...

Hello,

I would discontinue the hydrogen peroxide as it is thought to be damaging to healthy tissue and impairs wound healing, it kills resident flora which then allows bad microbes & pathogens to enter the gums. At the very least the hydrogen peroxide does not seem to improve healing or reduce bacteria, see this article http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/456300_3

I would begin drinking at least two cups of nourishing herbal infusions daily, more like three cups daily, of both nettles leaf and oatstraw. Both are very healing to the entire body including to gum and tooth health.

Learn how to make nourishing herbal infusions here

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

learn about lifestyle changes for bone and teeth health

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

Nourishing herbal infusions, mineral-rich herbal vinegars, yogurt, and seaweed, combined with attention to tonification of the muscles, unfailingly increases bone density and creates flexible, healthy bones and women.

You might also begin to work with yarrow as a mouth wash or taken internally. Learn about Yarrow here http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/April08/wisewoman.htm

Yarrow tincture not only heals wounds, it counters and prevents infection. Yarrow has been shown to be effective in killing all manner of bacteria.

Learn about Susun’s CD’s on herbal mouth care

http://www.susunweed.com/Susun_Weed_CDs.html#Mouth

sending much love,

Justine

January 21, 2011 in Food and Drink, Healing Recipes, Health Concerns, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 20, 2011

Dandelion Tincture

Hello,

I have a question. 3 months ago me and my mother made a Dandelion Tincture from glycerin, water, and Dandellion Root, all from a natural herb store Mountain Rose Herbs. I went to use some today and when I did I saw a white creamy substance on the bottom of the inside of the jar. Did The tincture go bad??? We made sure everything was sterilized, and dry. I hope it hasn't gone bad because we made 2 quarts of it.

Thank you for your reply...

Hello,

The white is fine, good in fact, it’s the sap from the root, which means the root you used for your tincture was potent, so your tincture will be potent. Shake the bottle before use.

Sending love,

Justine

January 20, 2011 in Tinctures, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 19, 2011

Herbal Allies for Adhesions

Susun,

Have you ever worked with adhesions? I have them all throughout my abdominal/pelvic area, esophagus, diaphragm, ribs, lungs. Thanks and blessings...

Hi,

In working with adhesions such as this, first thing I would do is utilize castor oil packs several times a day. To make the packs, take either cotton or flannel cloth and soak in the castor oil. For heat you could then take the cloth and bake in oven at low temperature til hot, cover with another towel and place over affected areas. You could also take the soaked cloth and wrap in another towl, place on area and then apply a hot water bottle over it. Leave in place for 45-60 minutes. I would also do daily massages with calendula flower infused oil.

Internally, I would incorporate comfrey leaf and/or red clover infusions, drinking at least a cup a day. If crystal healing appeals to you, I am including a link to Susun's forum which goes into a good amount of detail on the use of gems for internal adhesions and cysts.

many thanks,

Kim

January 19, 2011 in Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 16, 2011

Seaweed for Thyroid Concerns

Hello...

I wanted to thank you for your help many months ago when I inquired about my step mother who was suffering with lung cancer. I did have the chance to talk to her often and send her some soothing herbs for her intestines and post chemo episodes. She did, however, pass peacefully...

Now I write because of my own (not too serious) situation. I have been balancing my adrenals due to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis for most of my life. Just last week I had tests to determine thyroid levels, and for the first time in about 5 years, I have a pretty notable imbalance.

(Elevated THS and very low T3 and T4).

Previously, Vitex and red clover have been my best allies, so I am returning to a more consistent regimen with them. Can you recommend anything else you think I aught to be doing to support my thyroid? I do not wish to use bovine extracts or synthroid, if I can avoid them and get good results. (20 years ago, I had worked with a holistic physician in NYC who made me a homeopathic preparation which I took for 6 months and resolved a goiter. Right now there is no goiter presenting).

Thank you so much in advance for your suggestions!

Very truly yours in health...

Hello,

Sending blessings to you and family on the peaceful passing of your loved one. Seaweed is considered a strong ally for those with thyroid issues. Susun’s book Healing Wise has an entire chapter on seaweed, including excellent recipes. Here is an excerpt http://www.herbshealing.com/Article_Seaweed.htm

Susun is unable to answer email questions as she is devoting her time to her forthcoming book, “Down There, reproductive health for women and men” due out soon. She has just started offering telephone consultations. If you are interested, go to: www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/ 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

Sending love,

Justine

http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Fear_AW1.htm

January 16, 2011 in Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 15, 2011

Herbal Sources of Vitamins and Minerals

Dear Susun

I would be interested in recipes for herbal remedies that would increase the
vitamin and mineral intake. This is important now as the codex
alimentarious is going to reduce the availability of good supplements and
compromise the good health of us all. Lots of people will now be looking
for leadership and guidance in the skills of the past, to just keep well. I
have a heart problem and a hypothyroid condition, and like many was
undiagnosed for many years.

I would like to make a hawthorn tincture, and
is there a natural way to take co-enzyme Q10? And is there anywhere on your
site an analysis of the vitamins and minerals in some of your teas for
instance so that we can see what is needed to maintain health.

I look forward to hearing from you

Hello,

Here is an article that might interest you
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May05/healingwise.htm

Nourishing herbal infusions is an excellent way to build the nutritional
profile of your diet, Simply and safely, http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

Hawthorne tincture is wonderful for heart health if taken consistently.

Both seaweed and nettles leaf infusion are wonderful to incorporate into the
daily heath regime, especially if seeking more natural sources of vitamins
and minerals. Learn more here
http://www.herbshealing.com/herbal_ezine/July04/menopausal.htm

"Seaweeds are superb sources of the nutrients most needed by the endocrine,
circulatory, and immune systems. Regular use helps maintain adequate
production of all hormones, especially thyroid hormones. Lavish use may
reverse hypothyroidism." Susun Weed

"Nettles' super supplies of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and
micro-nutrients nourish every bit of you, encouraging optimal functioning in
all aspects of your being. Nettle influences hormones through its wealth of
lipids (triglycerides, fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols,
galactosyl-diglycerides) and restores health to the cardiovascular system
burdened with cardiac edema and venous insufficiency. Nettle infusions,
vinegars, and soups are fantastic sources of calcium, magnesium, potassium,
silicon, boron, and zinc: the strong bone sisters. Nettles are also a source
of vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for flexible, healthy bones." Susun Weed

"CoQ10 occurs naturally in many foods, which provide approximately half of
the body's requirement. Cold-water fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines,
and tuna are particularly high in CoQ10. Meats and vegetable oils are also
good sources. The human liver manufactures adequate amounts to fulfill the
need not met in the diet. Some whole food nutritionists may believe that
people who are deficient in B vitamins, selenium, vitamin C, or vitamin E
may not be able to make as much coenzyme Q10 as they need since all these
nutrients are required in order to produce it. The belief is that liver
production and consumption of foods rich in CoQ10 may not provide the
amounts needed to treat certain cancers, and for that reason, some people
consume the enzyme in supplement form."
http://www.answers.com/topic/coenzyme-q10

Sending love,

Justine

January 15, 2011 in Food and Drink, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 14, 2011

Stinging Nettle and Nourishing Infusions

Hi Susun,

I am from India and I have come across your wonderful site very recently. You talk about stinging nettles a lot and there in the USA, the stinging nettles you come across is the species Urtica Dioica (Family: Urticaceae). However, in India the species of stinging nettles that I am being able to find is Girardinia Diversifolia (Family: Urticaceae).

Can you please suggest if I can use the Indian stinging nettles for herbal infusions? You can see the pictures at http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Bichchhoo.html.

I would be very grateful for your response.

Thanks so much in advance...

Yes, all stinging nettle is valued for its medicinal properties….however, you want to make sure to harvest the plant before it goes to flower...

Sending love,

Justine

Hi Justine,

Thank you so much for your prompt response. So I understand that by harvesting before flowering you mean I need to pick the leaves before the flowers come. Is that right?

2 more questions please if you dont mind:

1) I have really dull skin and really dark under-eye circles, Polycystic ovaries, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis and weak bones. You think there is any other herbal infusion I should take apart from stinging nettles?

2) Say I grow the plant in my house. How do I dry the leaves for the infusion? Do I just pick the leaves and put them in the sun to dry or is there any other way to make dried herbs? For how long and how many days should one dry the leaves?

Thank you so much again,

Lots of love from India...

Hi,

Yes, in the spring harvest the stems and leaves before the plant gets any flowers.

The stinging nettles is an excellent herbal for your concerns as noted in second question, you can also drink nourishing herbal infusion of Oatstraw. Read this article

Stinging nettle is an excellent source of calcium when brewed as an infusion; one cup can contain as much as 500 mg of calcium. Oatstraw infusion is also loaded with calcium, with one cup containing up to 300 mg.

And this article, follow the dietary suggestions here for improved health

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

Sending love,

Justine

http://www.gaias-garden.co.uk/Articles/SusunWeed/Bladder.html

January 14, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 12, 2011

Prolapsed Bladder

Greetings,

I have a prolapsed bladder, and my doctor put me on a premarin cream that is suppose to help strengthen my tissues, and inserted the disc to hold the bladder in place. I don't want to take this premarin cream.
It says right on the box that it causes cancer. Is there any kind of herb that I can take that would do the
same thing as this conjugated estrogen? I'm desperate to find an alternative to this HRT.

Thank you...

Hi,

Kegels are the very best thing you can do to strengthen the muscles around your bladder. Are you doing Kegels?

Love,

Justine

Thank you soooooooo much for writing back!!!!!!!

A friend of mine has just turned me on to kegels. I've started doing them as often as I can, even at work when I can remember to do them. I also am doing some exercises for my bad lower back to strengthen it.

They are suppose to help strengthen the front side also, which I'm sure is in the muscles. What about the other tissues or will the muscles do it? I probably need to kick up on the kegels to.

I appreciate your answers so much!

Bless you...

Hello,

If you keep up with the kegels it should really help, to strengthen all of the muscles around the bladder, yes.

Here is an excerpt for you from Susun:

There are many problems that can bother the bladder, from infections to retention (canít go) to incontinence (canít not go). If the muscles of the pelvic floor are weak, urine leaks (stress incontinence); if they are very lax, the bladder prolapses down into the vagina. As men age, the growth of the prostrate can press on the bladder, preventing it from fully emptying and increasing the frequency of urination. And some men have paruresis or ìshyî bladder, while women are more bothered by an overactive bladder or urge incontinence which bothers many women as well. Exercising the pelvic floor muscles is the best medicine for anyone with these problems.

Bladder Star - Comfrey

An herb that can improve muscle tone in the bladder, ease irritation in the bladder lining and ureters, heal all surfaces, counter inflammation, and create resilient health throughout the urinary system is a true bladder star. Thatís comfrey - Symphytum.

I donít use Symphytum officinale, which is often cited, and is associated with alkaloid-overdose of the liver. Instead, I use the comfrey from my garden, Symphytum uplandica x, also called ìRussianî or ìblueî comfrey. In fact, Iíve never seen anyone growing officinale, which is a small plant with yellow flowers. I strongly suspect that all the comfrey for sale in the United States in uplandica.

The allantoin in comfrey is a superb healer of mucus surfaces, such as those lining the bladder and ureters. It gives almost immediate relief to those with interstitial cystitis and works to counter urge incontinence and overactive bladders. Comfreyís anti-inflammatory action relieves urethritis and prostate swelling, too.

The astringent tannins in comfrey help tone and tighten the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, countering stress incontinence. Comfrey also relaxes the detrusor muscle.

The lavish amounts of minerals, vitamins, and protein found in comfrey allow the body to engage in any repairs that are needed and may counter bladder cancer.

A sitz bath of the leaves or roots works well for those reluctant to consume comfrey. But, for best results, comfrey leaf infusion, a cup or two a day, gets my vote.

Blessings,

Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com

January 12, 2011 in Health Concerns, Wise Woman Q&A, Wise Woman Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 10, 2011

Herbal Allies for Adenomyosis

Hello,

I don’t know if it’s possible to ask for information on adenomyosis. I’ve been diagnose with this and the only available treatment is hysterectomy. I’m also anemic, consequence of heavy and prolonged bleeding from adenomyosis. I eat well and should get enough iron from food, but It’s not the case. I need to drink a lot more nettle infusion and eat a lot more dandelion leaves and other dark green leaves. I also eat liver once a week.

I’ve been having painful periods for a long time; nowadays, it’s worse. I’m 52, about due for menopause and I sure don’t want to lose any body parts to modern medicine. I tried alchemilla vulgaris for the bleeding and it seems to work. For the pain, I use willow bark tincture. Is there something more I can do to get me through my period without missing work because I’m folded in two and completely comatose from fatigue and sleepless nights.

I appreciate the work you do. If someone can help me not to fall into modern medicine’s hands, it’s Susun Weed. I have been through all her books. I just can’t find any specific comments about this specific condition (close cousin to endometriosis).

Awaiting an answer. Good day and thanks for your time.

Hello,

From my understanding some studies have shown that there is a relationship between Adenomyosis and hormone imbalance. Susun has mentioned adenomyosis in the past; here are some of her thoughts:

"...Motherwort tincture could be a helper to ease or eliminate the cramps. It seems to work deeper than ginger or catnip, but those are good remedies if you don't have motherwort tincture at hand. (It is easy to buy.)

Infusions of raspberry leaf, comfrey leaf, nettle leaf (any one) are renowned uterine tonics and I would drink at least a quart a day. And I would switch from day to day which I drank.

Chasteberry, also known as vitex, is a remedy which has helped many women with endometriosis and possibly could be an ally for you, too. A dropperful of tincture can be taken four times a day for several years or until you experience relief from pain and other distress."

It certainly sounds like you are on the right track with the tinctures you are currently using. I know that I would start with the motherwort tincture right away as not only does it help with the cramps, but also can help to relax you and get you to sleep at night. Also skullcap tincture is a wonderful one to use to get a deep peaceful sleep as well. Have you tried either of those?

And I believe that the chasteberry could be a wonderful ally for this as well in regards to any hormonal imbalance. As Susun states however, it can take several years for the full effect.

Yes, do drink/eat plenty of nettles, dandelions, etc. for iron. You can also look into yellow root - either tincture or decoction. This is a wonderful remedy for anemia.

Susun offers phone consultations (15 min/$30 or 30 min/$50) and I would recommend setting one up in hopes of avoiding a hysterectomy.

I am including a link here where you can book one: http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/store_results.asp?Category=3&SubCat=1034&Section=Consultations

Please let us know if you need any further assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

January 10, 2011 in Health Concerns, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 08, 2011

Susun Weed on the Web

Dear Susun,

I was sooo delighted with your Wise Woman Mid-Month Newsletter. I am 68 yrs. old and having health problems, but I always want to study herbs, dabble in helping other people and do all things herbal. We have no herbal places in my area, but I want to teach and expand my knowledge with others.

I will keep this email and start to become more involved with your organization. I always wanted to be a white or green witch--the older woman in the neighberhood to go to for a cup of herb tea and talk of herbs. Thanks for your inspiration and continue to write...

Hello,

Thank you very much for all your kind words. If you are new to us, I would like to remind you of the many resources we have at our main website: www.susunweed.com - lots of articles, archives of previous newsletters and more. We also have a very active forum where you can find words of wisdom from many women on everything from herbs to witchcraft and everything inbetween.

You may also enjoy listening to Susun's interviews at www.wisewomanradio.com. Do feel free to let us know if you ever need any assistance.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

I was enjoying the youtube videos and got as far as the jewelweed and had to stop for awhile. Now I can't seem to get back in to see more videos. How do I do this and how do I get a way to login?

Hello,

Susun's youtube channel can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wise%20woman%20tradition&search=Search&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&spell=1

Also, if you search under Wise Woman Tradition, you should have Susun's channel come up with all videos. Just let us know if you need anything else.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team