Healing Wise

Drinking Infusions Long Term

Hi Justine,

I hope it's ok if I ask you a few questions about red clover and nettle infusion.

I am trying to conceive and also help my body prevent urinary tract infections (I usually get them from sex) and am looking forward to trying red clover and nettle infusions. I was wondering if you recommend me drinking one glass of each every day, or alternating days (one day red clover, one day nettle)?

Also, for how long is it safe to consistently drink both infusions?

Thanks, as always, for your advice and support:)

Hope you're having a beautiful day!

 

 

Hello,

Both are to be considered as foods…how often would you eat spinach?  Or romaine? Or carrots? Or parsley? Both nettles leaf and red clover blossom are excellent nourishing herbs. See the section on nourishing herbs in this article by Susun Weed, go to: www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Weed_Self-help3.htm

We like to drink nettles leaf infusion at least 4 quarts or more per week…as for the red clover, a few quarts per week is plenty for us…that translates to about 8 cups of nettles leaf and four cups of red clover blossom infusions per week, or two cups of either infusion per day.

In all honesty, I personally drink about four cups of infusion daily, sometimes six cups per day, and have been doing since the inception of our daughter, through pregnancy, through nursing, and beyond especially for my own health. Nourishing herbal infusion is my primary drink, supplemented by water….and other random beverages that come my way (once a week I may have a juice such as grapefruit, tomato, or a smoothie).

I drink infusion with most of my meals, and in between meals as well. Once acquired, for some difficult to enjoy at first, nourishing herbal infusions becomes a taste one ultimately craves, as the body knows the supreme nutrients that infusions contain.

There are no hard and fast rules about how much infusion one must consume….its really up to each individual, just like we each decide how many eggs per week we want to eat or if we decide to eat them at all, based on our personal beliefs, needs, and preferences.

Hope this helps,

Love,

Justine

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Call our free herbal/health hot line 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.

 

Wise Woman Advice for PCOS

Dear Susun,

My body is producing double the levels of testosterone due to two small ovarian cysts that my doctors have determined are benign.  A cat scan was recently done, and also MRI and ultrasound.

They are claiming the excess testosterone is bad for the heart and also other body organs.  I already have heart disease.  The only solution I am told, is to remove that ovary completely.  Needless to say, I do not want any surgery.

Is there a way you know of that will cause the cysts to diminish and cease to exist?  This condition I’m told, is called polycystic ovarian syndrome.  Perhaps there is something on your site about this condition?

Thank you for your suggestions.

Greetings,

Some things that Susun recommends would be internal use of chickweed tincture (long term use as it works slowly) and external use of castor oil packs. Susun has written an article in regards to PCOS. I am including the link here for you to read over. 

 

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

 

You can speak with Susun during her Free hotline 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 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. Feel free to write back if you need any further assistance.

 

Blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

 

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.

 

Herbal Allies for Bitter Taste in Mouth

I had a complete hysterectoimy 10 yrs ago. I have had several serious surgeries including complete colon removal from arterial bleed from dicerticulosis, appendix removal with peritonitis, gall bladder removal, etc.   

Now I found out Ihave a large nodule on the thyroid and have to have it biopsied. I've drunk soy milk for 12 yrs so I don not know if it affected my thyroid.    

I have a sour taste in the saliva for 6 months that is really distressing me. I have gone from doctor to doctor and dentist and no answers. I have had every test known. Can this taste be from the thyroid or  is it more likely from sinus and allergies. I have plenty of those. I was checked for gerd, took the meds and it did not help. I had a tooth pulled and took zpac for infection and it did not help. I use progesterone cream now for hoemone balance but I am allergic to the estriol by mouth. Do you have any suggestions for the bitter taste problem.

Greetings,

Hopefully, you are no longer drinking the soy milk on a regular basis - best to stick with fermented sources of soy such as miso and use tofu occasionally.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Oct-01.htm#surprise

 

With everything that is going on, could be a number of things causing bitter taste -  sinus issues can make it worse as well as certain medications. Maybe something that you are currently taking could be causing it? In which case, you may just have to chew on fennel seeds or parsley to help with the taste for the time being.

You can speak with Susun during her Free hotline 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 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.   

 

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. Call our free herbal/health hot line 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.

 

Allergies in Children

Dear Susun:

My wife is a regular reader of Sage Woman and we are writing to you asking for help with a situation with our granddaughter.

She is 2 1/2 years old and lives in Los Angeles.  Her nose runs a lot and the pediatrician said it is due to allergies, but he does not know what she might be allergic to.

Is there anything that could help her with this?

Also, she was being given sweet echinacea to help boost her immune system.  While it seems to have helped, the product makes her hyperactive and she doesn't sleep well when she is taking it.

Whatever suggestions you can offer will be very appreciated.

Thanks so much.

 

 

Hello,

Some things to try for your granddaugher's allergies would be nettles both as a cooked green and as infusions, also oatstraw infusions.

 

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

Elder flower tea can help with a runny nose due to allergies. Chickweed tincture and infusions as well can be helpful.

Nettles are also a wonderful way to build up ones immune system. Dandelion (eat the fresh leaves and flowers and cooked greens) and honeysuckle (Harvest flower buds and dry quickly in the sun without turning or handling, infuse in water overnight (one ounce dried blossoms to one quart boiling water in a tightly sealed jar steeped for 4-10 hours), and drunk freely. These are both are good at building immune system.

 

Here are links to more articles that you may find useful:

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

 

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/June04/wisewoman.htm

 

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/November04/healingwise.htm

 

Currently Susun is devoting her time to her forthcoming book, “Down There, reproductive health for women and men” due out soon. You can speak with Susun during her Free hotlineon 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 might also go to the Wise Woman Forum to ask your question in case a member can offer you further help: www.susunweed.com/wisewomanforum.htm. 

Blessings,

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

www.wisewomanbookshop.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.

 

Purple Gromwell Uses

I was wondering if you knew anything about lithospermum purpurocaeruleum or purple gromwell? I live in Japan and there is currently a craze for using it to appear younger by 20 years. What are your thoughts? I am more interested in the safety etc....

It is not taken by ingestion but through boiling the purple seed for 15 minutes. Then use a cotton ball to rub the purple liquid on the face twice a day.

I know quite a bit a bout herbs but very little about this one.
 
Any information would be highly helpful!!! Thank you.

Hello,

Not sure if it really helps one look younger... ;)  But Purple gromwell is used for skin problems - ranging from skin cancer to cuts - Always best to try a small area first to see if you have any type of allergic reaction.

 

blessings,

 

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Call our free herbal/health hot line 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.

Strengthening the Lungs the Wise Woman Way

Hi Susun,

I am breastfeeding my 15-month old and would like to take some herbs to help clean/heal my lungs.( I am an ex-smoker) Can you recommend what would be good for this and what i should stay away from. I amconsidering Dr. Christophers Lung formula that has comfrey,mullein, lobelia, marshmallow and chickweed in a glycerine base. What do you think?

Hi,

Overall the list of ingredients looks fine. Lobelia is considered a powerful herb and can produce side-effects in some such as nausea, stupor and a burning in the throat. Most likely there is not enough in the formula to worry about but that is what makes it more difficult with forumulas as opposed to a simple with one ingredient. If you do have a reaction, which herb is producing it? However if you feel comfortable with the tincture, I think it would be fine to use.

 

If you are hesitant, an easy and inexpensive way to start clearing your lungs would be drinking infusions of mullein. This is probably your biggest lung ally. From Susun: "To strengthen the lungs, or to restore health to lung tissues after "assaults" such as tobacco smoke or radiation: 1-2 cups of mullein infusion daily for six weeks is suggested." Drinking it by diluting it half with warm milk is ideal for optimum lung healing - and tastes great. Chickweed and comfrey can also be used simply as infusions. All easy to use and overall nourishing for you as you breastfeed. Just let us know if you need anything else.

blessings,

 

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

 

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Call our free herbal/health hot line 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.

 

 

Resources for Becoming an Herbalist

I would like to be an herbalist, I would like to know what they do, what they are good for, recommend and sell them.  I see you have courses but do any of your courses give me any kind of certification of sorts so that I will know what the heck I am talking about and people will have some assurance that I do?  I am a rotten gardener I live in S. Fla so I am not looking to grow and sell but there are some shops near me that I have been going too that I think really could use an herb section and I would love to learn it anyway.

Hopefully you can advise me.

Hi,

My... where to start? Herbalism is a huge umbrella and I would suggest perhaps doing some more exploring so that you can decide exactly what you want to focus on. It's good that you do know that you don't wish to grow your own herbs so that is a start. 

 

I'm not sure how familiar you are with the Wise Woman Tradition but I will give you some links to help explain a bit of what we do and believe. Even within herbalism there are many different ways to approach health and you need to see which one resonates with you. You do receive a certificate of completion after a course, but much depends on what you put into it. Would you be ready to start making a living from one course, personally I would say no, and I would also suggest looking into what you would need from your state to start any herbal business.

 

Absolutely I would recommend Susun's courses to start you on your path as she teaches one how to develop a deep relationship with the plants and with one's own body and I feel that is imperative to really being able to help others and ourselves to optimal health. Just let us know if you need anything else.

 

http://susunweed.com/SusunWeed.htm

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

 

blessings,

 

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

 

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Call our free herbal/health hot lineon 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.

Herbal Remedies for Cracked Skin

Hi,

My mum has very bad cracks on her heels and on her thumbs. What can she take and what can she put on them?

Hi,

A few things I would try for your mother's skin would be external use of salves with herbs such as comfrey, chickweed and plantain. These herbs are all very healing and beneficial for the skin. Internally, if she is not, it is always a good idea to start drinking daily infusions to help balance the body and create an environment within for healing to take place. I am including a link for infusions if you are not familiar with them.

 

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

 

Also burdock root is an wonderful ally for skin conditions - You can include burdock root infusions or use burdock root or burdock seed tincture - (20-40 drops up to 4 times a day). I would also incorporate dandelion greens and the burdock root as food. The dandelion is wonderful sauteed up as one does with other greens and I always throw some burdock root into stocks, soups as well as slice up and roast.

Just let us know if you need any further assistance.

 

blessings,

 

Kim

 

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

 

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Call our free herbal/health hot line 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.

Using Angelica Wisely

Hi Susun!

I hope you are well. I was just reading your article on using herbs safely and was surprised to find Angelica on the list of strongly stimulating herbs. I've been infusing honey with Angelica root and read up on it and thought it was more of a gentle, long-lasting overall support of circulation, reproductive organs/extremities, cough/cold ease, etc..

Please advise! I definitely want to know if I've missed something, as I'm selling this honey at market to folks (with little leaflets to go with them of lists of effects and warnings for those pregnant or with uterine fibroids).

Thank you very much, I appreciate your time and knowledge!

Hi,

Susun herself does not have email but you may wish to call her during her free health hotline 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

 

Different herbalists and different schools of thought often put herbs in different categories. And certainly some of the plants that Susun considers stimulating may not be the same as others. Nourishing herbs are very safe with very rarely any side effects - more along the line of foods. Nettle, chickweed, red clover, raspberry, plaintain, etc.

 

Stimulating herbs usually work faster, often quite rapid and can often come with side effects. Along a possibility of increased bleeding, Susun also recommends avoiding angelica if you have diarrhea, bloating, take aspirin or blood-thinning drugs. Also to discontinue if you start experiencing breast tenderness.

 

You do find it widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, but even then it always seems to be used in conjunction with other herbs rather than by itself. Of course, the way that it is prepared can make a difference as well, and overall I find that herbs infused in honey work in a gentle fashion.

 

blessings,

 

 

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

 

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.

 

Wise Woman Advice for IBS

Hi,

I got your name from someone who has read your books. She thought you might be able to recommend something for me. I am a young, healthy woman and mother. I recently had my gallbladder removed, after months of throwing up and diarrhea.The vomiting and diarrhea have stopped now, but I have virtually constant, painful abdominal pain. 

Doctors have done lots of tests (upper GI, ultrasounds of pelvis and abdomen, blood work (celiac disease, ovarian cancer, liver tests, CBC, anemia, etc.). All come back normal. A colonoscopy showed a spasm colon, and so far, the diagnosis is IBS.  I have been told to live with the chronic pain. Can you help?  I don't feel anyone should be given such advice. 

Hello,

First thing that comes to mind is to try slippery elm - you can mix the powder with enough honey to make a paste and eat it, can be done daily to help soothe the digestive system. Another one that you could perhaps add would be marshmallow root. Soothing herbal infusions of mallow, comfrey, or linden to help ease pain and counter inflammation. If you are unfamiliar with infusions, you can learn more at Susun's site here: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Susun mentions Blackberry (Rubus villosus and other species). From Susun: "Blackberry Root is a good choice for an astringent tincture. Prolonged use of a tea of the leaves is said to cure not only simple diarrhea, but even serious intestinal problems such as gastritis, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome."

Turmeric is an antispasmodic to smooth muscles, helps in reducing digestive cramping and is easy enough to add to your diet.

Another thing I would try would be oatstraw infusions, which are very calming and soothing on not only the digestive system but also on the nervous system and it seems that often times IBS symptoms become much worse under stress and anxiety. Could also start your day with oatmeal. Catnip is a gentle anti-spasmodic that you may also wish to look into. Drinking the tea as needed may help.

Susun offers a free health hotline, 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, so you may wish to try and speak with her there, or also check out our forum at www.healingwiseforum.com. I imagine a search there will bring up a number of threads on IBS and other digestive issues.

 

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. Call our free herbal/health hot line 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.