Healing Wise

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.

April 28, 2011 in Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 20, 2011

Finding and Using Herbs

I am so fascinated by the medicinal purposes in Violet learned from your website and wondered if you could supply us with this product and what your fee would be?

Look forward to hearing from you!

Hello,

We do not sell any herbs or herbal products, focusing instead on teaching others about herbs and how to make their own products. Violets grow wild all across the Northern Hemisphere and should be in your area and now we are getting to the time when they will begin to poke up. Being able to harvest local fresh plant material is what would be best for items such as infused oils, tinctures and vinegars. You may be able to find some products at these online sources that we recommend: Mountain Rose Herbs

If you are able to locate them and are unsure of how to use them, you may want to also check out Susun's free online course: Nourishing Herbal Infusions. You will learn about various herbs, how to make tinctures, infusions, vinegars, etc. and be able to converse on discussion boards with a large group of women from around the globe. Again it is a free resource that is loaded with information.

You can click on this link, join the ning network for our University and join the group.

You can also read Susun's series on herbal medicine starting here: http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Weed_Self-help1.htm

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

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.

April 20, 2011 in Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Weeds, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 19, 2011

Herbal Allies for Lasting Energy

Susun,

Which herbs give all day energy?

Hello,

One of Susun's mainstays for energy would be nettle infusions. Safe for daily, long-term use, they supply needed vitamins and minerals in a form that is easy for your body to absorb. You can read more here:

It is always best to create a strong foundation with a healthy diet that includes along with daily use of infusions, whole grains, vegetables, wild greens, good organic fats and avoiding white sugar, white flour and not creating a false sense of energy with stimulants such as caffeine.

Here are links to articles of Susun's that discuss energy and fatigue:

http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Fatigue_AW3.htm

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

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. 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.

April 19, 2011 in Food and Drink, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 16, 2011

Uses for Jewelweed

Hi Susun

In the context that many herbs seed themselves where they are "needed" by the people, what use might I have for Jewelweed? It grows rampant in my garden. My research has not turned up any obvious "use" for this other than for topical use as needed for poison ivy etc...Are there any other uses you are familiar with?

Many Thanks.

Greetings,

Susun recommends using Jewel weed to make a flower remedy when you are feeling irritable and impatient. Float the flowers in a bowl of spring or rain water for several hours in the sun - add vodka to preserve. Use 1-4 drops as needed. Works like Bach flower remedy Impatiens.

Yes, of course, great for poison ivy and used in folk remedies for other skin ailments such as eczema, insect bites, bruises and ringworm.

Blessings,

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Mar-02.htm#q2

April 16, 2011 in Weeds, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 13, 2011

Herbal Vinegars and Candida

Hello.

Maybe my English is not very good, but I try to explain my problem. So, every
time I start to use herbal infusion -doesnt matter which one-the next day or in 2 days, I have a candida infection. Its awful because I can't continue drinking herbal infusion but I want to get pregnant.

Thanks

Hello,

I haven't heard of infusions causing candida flare-ups - especially since you are saying that it doesn't matter which herb you use. Certainly we all are different and can have different reactions but it really seems unlikely that no matter the infusion, you are having this occur.

If you are having underlying issues, I would work on addressing them. I am including some links in regards to Susun's work on candida, mainly adding back into ones diet: fermented foods, moldy cheeses such as blue cheese, raw honey, herbal vinegars - perhaps you can give some of these a try and see if it helps, perhaps drink just a cup of infusion a day and then you can slowly begin to build the amount u:.

From Susun: " Vinegar and Candida: Some people worry that eating vinegar will upset the balance of gut flora and contribute to an overgrowth of candida yeast in the intestines. Some people have been told to avoid vinegar altogether. My experience has led me to believe that herbal vinegars help heal those with candida overgrowth, perhaps because they're so mineral rich. I've worked with women who have suffered for years and kept to a strict "anti-candida" diet with little improvement and seen them get better fast when they add nourishing herbal vinegars (and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, miso, and yogurt) to their diets."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trd4lZiBn-8

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

April 13, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 11, 2011

Water for Infusions and Drying Herbs

Hi Susun,

Actually, I have a couple of questions---

When you make anykind of tea or infusion, is it best to use distilled water, or will tap water do? One of my herbal friends says only to use distilled water for medicinal teas, etc. , because it has no vibration in it and it is neutral. I value your herbal sense, so I'd like to ask you.

Also, my white yarrow flower heads have dried naturally on the stalk. They are a brown color, and I just want to ask if they are ok to use. I suppose they are, but just want to make sure.

I hope my questions weren't too silly.

Please have a wonderful day and thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Green Blessings to you...

Greetings,

Using tap water is fine, as long as it is potable. Different thoughts out there, but yes, distilled water has no vibration - to the point that many consider it "dead"....

Most likely the yarrow is no longer usable as the brown discoloration usually indicates that the medicinal qualities are gone. Best to cut flowers and dry out of direct sunlight. Susun has some youtube videos on drying that you may find useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZo4uU3J0Rs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7uwNwz6pQg

and no, your questions aren't silly... :) .... Just let us know if you need anything else.

Blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/store_results.asp?Category=3&SubCat=1034&Section=Consultations

April 11, 2011 in Food and Drink, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 09, 2011

Wise Woman Advice for Heart and Joint Health

Hi Susun,

My husband... He had a cardiac arrest 2 years ago(he is 51 years old approx 220 lbs). A virus attacked his heart which lead to his heart going from a normal sinus rhythm to ventricular fibrillation as well as developing sick sinus syndrome since the conduction system of the heart was compromised. Due to this, a pacemaker and ICD was inserted. Also, ventricular weakening of the muscle was apparent also.

He has been doing very well unless he "burns the candle at both ends" and becomes exhausted which causes him to go into ventricular fibrillation. That "exhaustion," which we are trying to prevent with adequate rest and responsibility, is the common factor to the 5 incidents of ventricular fib. He is just supplementing and is also taking CoQ 10. The doctor wants to place him on other meds in which he refuses---there is no proof with what they are suggesting that any improvement would occur with his left ventricular weakness.

I was looking at hawthorne and motherwort for him. My question to you: If this were you, what would you suggest for yourself?

I truly thank you for your time and help with this matter.

Also, if this were you, what would you suggest for menopausal arthritic symptoms?

Thank you.

Hello,

Definitely hawthorne and motherwort are beautiful allies for the heart, so sounds like you are heading in the right direction. It would really be best to set up a phone consultation with Susun as she doesn't work via email. You can schedule them through our bookshop here:

Susun goes into joint issues in her book, The New Menopausal Years. Some things that she recommends would be first and foremost to keep moving - especially useful would be swimming, yoga and tai chi. White birch tincture: 1-2 dropperfuls 1-3 times a day. Also massage with arnica or st. joan's wort oil. Avoid using any oils other than olive oil as vegetable oils increase inflammation.

Acupuncture is helpful with joint pain - along with ginger baths and compresses. Just let us know if you need any additional information.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

April 09, 2011 in Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 06, 2011

Wise Woman Wisdom for Breast Lump

Need help, and reassurance. I do not feel that wise right now....I have a lump that started out smallish 3 years ago, since then over the past few months has increased to a large lump, walnut sized in my left breast...I did go for a ultra sound and they wanted a mammogram, core biopsy and a needle aspiration which I declined on all three. Also, I was sent to a surgeon, things were moving way to fast for the above
treatments. I left his office in total confusion and just needed time to think and feel.

In the past I was doing hot hot castor oil packs , also I did press on the area maybe too much,could this have trigged the lump to grow in size..????. I usually do homeopathic, and chinese medicine. Can
these two "alternative therapy" work together? I have ordered the book the breast stays put... just started searching the internet for help, I am really trying to stay positive and walk , run, as much as I can, although it is not easy to erase the fact it could be cancer. Part of me just wants to be blind and treat it like large lump.... I have gather seaweed from the beach and soak it as a compress it this smart... ???? Need to know where to turn. Is this something I could tackle on my own? I am open to ideas. What do you
think of Cancel .Protcel , also Lugos Iodine, Essiac tea?

I should use a chat line to talk with women who are going through the same thing now and who have already walked in my path. Thanks...

Hello,

First off sending you a lot of love and good thoughts. No matter how positive we are, it's only natural to feel overwhelmed by anxious feelings. And the doctors don't help since they are programmed to assume the worst, and immediately throw a battery of tests at us before we even have a chance to take in what is happening. Castor oil packs are great at dissolving lumps so I don't believe that anything you have been doing would be making the situation worse. Many alternative healing methods can co-exist and help one another, including Susun's recommendations. Making a poultice from seaweed sounds fine and it probably a gentle nudge from you intuition as seaweed is a component of a healthy, anti-cancer lifestyle.

I would recommend setting up a phone consultation with Susun through our bookshop. She can help explain some of the options you have at this moment. Here is the link to where you would do that:
http://www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/store_results.asp?Category=3&SubCat=1034&Section=Consultations

I would also join up at our free online forum: www.healingwiseforum.com. There are wise women from around the world who can be there for advice and support and we have a room dedicated to working with cancer:
http://healingwiseforum.com/viewforum.php?f=15&sid=d710a04213297609b74fa94301c0831f

Susun's book Breast Cancer? Breast Health is a tremendous resource of information and her website has articles from the book as well: http://www.breasthealthcancerprevention.com/Article_Prevent_Cancer.htm

I can tell you Susun's take on Essiac Tea - No one actually knows the original formula that Rene Caisse used as she adjusted it throughout the years. A couple of the herbs used in the formula these days are unlikely to have been part of the recipe for various reasons such as availability. Most likely the two original herbs were yellow dock and burdock roots. The Wise Woman version is called Wessiac and consists of 1 ounce of dried burdock roots, 1/2 ounce of dried yellow dock roots and 1/8 ounce of slippery elm bark, powdered. You would infuse all three herbs in 1 quart of boiling water for 8 hours, strain, refrigerate and drink 1/2 cup daily.

Walking out of the doctor's office without immediately subjecting yourself to procedures shows a great deal of inner strength. Often the best thing is to take a moment, work on nurturing yourself and begin to gather information.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

April 06, 2011 in Breast Health, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 03, 2011

Cooking Foods for Best Nutrition

Hi Susun,

I am a homebirth midwifery student and Massage Therapist (prenatal, labor support, and postpartum massage), and I came across a study that shows folic acid counteracts some of the effects of BPA that might be transferred from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. (http://www.pnas.org/content/104/32/13056.long). On facebook, someone had mentioned that they believed they had read that you advised boiling kale in order to access its nutrients properly. Others said the proper way to do this is by steaming for 5 minutes. Would you be able to confirm what the proper way to get the most benefit out of kale? I would really appreciate it.

By the way, I enjoyed and relied heavily on your book, Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, during my two pregnancies. It was there when my ob-gyn completely failed us during my first pregnancy.(Second pregnancy, I went to a midwifery practice.)

Hello,

Plant cell walls are extremely tough to break down, cooking along with some other processes such as dehydration will help with the process. Susun recommends long, slow cooking for plants such as kale. Steaming for 5 minutes is not enough to do the job - usually I put them in a pot with just enough liquid to cover them and let them simmer for around an hour, periodically adding liquid so they don't burn.

From Susun: "To extract minerals from fruits and vegetables, I cook them for long periods of time, or until there is color and texture change, evidence that the cell walls have been broken. Kale cooked for an hour delivers far more mineral to your bones than lightly steamed kale. Fresh juices contain virtually no minerals. Cooking maximizes the nutrients available to us, especially the minerals."

Here are some more thoughts by Susun in regards to nutrition and cooked foods...

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/april04/healingwise.htm

http://www.healing-wise.com/Diet-Nutrition.htm

Hope that helps in clearing things up.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.asbmr.org/About/PressReleases/Detail.aspx?cid=a68f2b70-a117-4094-9f6f-b5993c6a6149

April 03, 2011 in Food and Drink, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 02, 2011

Nourishing Herbal Infusions for Bone Health

Hello,

... I just had a very interesting visit whit my primary care doctor yesterday. she is trying to put me on medication ( Actonel) for my bone density because like a lot of women Isuffer from osteriopeni.

I was reading your website after visiting a lot of them about what i can do with herbs for this problem and i wondered if you would be willing to suggest what i can do to strengthen my bones. I am familiar with some herbs as i also have Hep C and have taken herbs to help this and it has worked out so well for me that i really want to go this way again.

Will or can you help me with some suggestions?

Hello,

First thing, if you are not doing so already, would be to take herbal infusions daily. You can give your body a wealth of easy to absorb vitamins and minerals this way rather than trying to rely on supplements, which are being shown as ineffective and often actually contributing to various fractures and other health concerns:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/osteoporosis-drugs-esophageal-cancer-risk/story?id=11547158

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/24/35978/fosamax-problems-continue-drug-linked-thigh-bone-fractures.html

If you are not familiar with them, I am including a link to Susun's website that focuses on the herbs used and how to make them: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Diet is important: avoiding soy products except for fermented ones such as miso, eating whole foods, high quality fats, dairy, the infusions daily, using herbal vinegars. Bones need protein and fats along with minerals. Move as much as you can each day... The Wise Woman Way focuses on bone health and flexibility, not density. Too dense leads to stiff, brittle bones that break. Here are a number of resources from articles by Susun and from our ezine. I am also including a link to one of Susun's radio interviews you may enjoy with Susan Brown, a bone health expert.

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

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Herbs-for-Hags.htm

http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-103-better_bones.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/September06/anti-cancer.htm

http://wisewomanradio.com/interviews/brown.html

I would also recommend checking out Susun's free online course Nourishing Herbal Infusions. This course also covers making tinctures, vinegars, etc. and has an entire lesson and audio lecture devoted to bone health. You can sign up here:

http://wisewomanuniversity.ning.com/group/nourishingherbalinfusions

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team