Childbearing Year

Allowing Birth to Begin at the Right Time

Q: i had a question to ask you and someone at a natural store gave me your book and web site, i am past my due date in pregnancy and my baby is very healthy i went onto a bunch of diffrent sites on inducing labour a natural way and the most common one i found that worked on every women who responded was blue cohosh i was wondering your opinion on this and if you had any suggestions for me. thank you for your time.

ps i also bought your book for my mother and it is an excellent book so thank you very much.

   

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  We are so glad you are enjoying one of Susun Weed's books and her websites!!

If you and babe are healthy, I encourage you to see the due date as an approximation.  A healthy woman will birth a healthy babe and does not need forcing.  It is the stress and the forcing that can cause complications needing further intervention.  Do you have other reason to feel you need to hasten this along?

Which of Susun's books did you view, and purchase for your mother?  In Susun's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year she does mention the virtues of Blue Cohosh for helping restart a stalled labor.  Are you stalled?  How is your cervix?  How is the baby's presentation?  Do you have assistance in birth?  Are you able to move around, walk or swim?

Perhaps you have had your child by now ?!  Please do write either way.  I would love to hear and am happy to help!  If you do not have or have access to the above mentioned book I am happy to type out more.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Herbs For the Last Trimester

Q: Hello Susun,

I am 39 years old and having my 3^rd and final child in March.  I won’t go in to major details of my past pregnancies but in short, they were all “medically” textbook. There were 2.  One at 19 and one at 35. I am lucky enough to have one more and very happy that I am able to do this. Since my 1^st child, 20 years ago, I have had nothing but trouble getting pregnant and horrible menstrual cycles.  The more I read from you the more I wished I knew of your info years ago. I have always believed in holistic medicine so this is right up my alley.

Okay, on to my current pregnancy.  I struggle with lactation, and always have.  So I have begun to drink a raspberry, alfalfa and nettle tea I found at a coop.  Within a few days I began to leak.  Great, I hope it lasts and baby will benefit from this. I also have read that these 3 herbs are great for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, so I will continue. What I want to do is buy some in bulk and infuse them.  I know you recommend doing it in singles, however, I am looking at the time I have left, 62 days, and the fact that you can buy these as a combo, are they needing to be combined for optimal results, or should I alternate days, OR make all three at once and alternate teas during the day? 

I have also heard a lot about the cohoshes and I am not skeptical of their results, I am worried that I could miscarry or have a stillbirth.  Is this possible or just it just induce labor? I realize that starting the blue is good the last few weeks, when could I do the black?

I will be delivering in a hospital with access to an epidural!  I am not good with pain and as much as I love the idea of water birth, my husband protests delivery outside of a hospital because of precautionary reasons.  I also feel we have waited too long to decide this and being there is only 9 weeks left, it’d be tough to learn something new, on top of finding a midwife for delivery.

Thank you for your time Susun,

I hope to hear from you soon.

 

 

A: Thank you for writing.  I know you ask of Susun.  She does not have internet to be able to correspond through email.  I believe some herbalists or herbal companies combine herbs because they appear to work synergistically.  Moreso, I think they do it because if x, y, and z are all indicated for a situation, some feel the more the better, then do them all, rather than trusting that just x will be enough, for example.   I feel, as I have learned from Susun, that simple is better, one at a time.  Yes, please prepare them as separate infusions.  And alternate days or alternate through the day, whichever you prefer.  As separate infusions you get to know each more intimately, and know better how you respond to each.

Regarding the cohoshes, I am unsure of your question.  It sounds you have a doctor but no midwife, is this true?  It sounds you are not working in person with someone with experience with these herbs, is this true?  Are you anticipating some trouble in your birth?

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

 

Q: Thank you so much for getting back to me.  I will definitely search the forum.  I do not have a midwife; I am seeing an OB/GYN.  Since I am 39, I believe I am considered “high risk” however my other pregnancies were so normal, my Dr. said he is not concerned with my current pregnancy.  However, like I said, my husband is quite skeptical about delivering unconventionally and I do prefer being near the epidural in case I cannot handle the pain.

As far as the blue and black cohosh, sorry I made a typo. I have gotten some information an herbalist and she had mentioned using the blue the last several weeks and then the black during labor.  She also said the cohosh’s worked great for making her own pregnancy and labor smooth and less painful. 

My biggest concern is bleeding or miscarrying from these.  Although I have not heard of this, it’s my own concern.  I hear that many midwives use and recommend the blue and black cohosh. Any ideas?

A: For the cohoshes I would think it best you work with a midwife herbalist.  I would not want to steer you wrong and have little more than book knowledge on the use of them in a situation that was not acute.  Susun has a past apprentice who is now a midwife, perhaps you would wish to consult with her for some fee.  I do believe it may be worth it :)   

The term "high risk" is so generic, based on numbers and not on you.  There may be 20 year olds considered low risk because of their age who would have a more difficult time than you will! It is wonderful you know what is comfortable for you in your birth and are setting that up.

I would love to hear from you any time, with any questions or just to hear how you are doing!

Karen Joy

Safe Allergy Relief During Pregnancy

Q:  Dear Susun,

I am reading your "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" and have been taking the Red Clover and Red Raspberry infusions in preparation of conceiving, hopefully some time soon. I suffer from allergies (hay fever, dust mites, cockroaches) and am trying to ween myself off my current antihistamines (Zyrtec D). I've looked through your book and online and it looks like I could use Nettle safely before and throughout pregnancy, but I was unsure if this was the root or the leaf? Also, if you had any other suggestions for safe allergy relief (mainly to relieve sinus pressure and sneezing) during pregnancy, I would really appreciate it. I am having trouble finding information on this subject and most of the websites I've found suggest antihistamines, something you've mentioned as dangerous.

Thank you for all of your help.



A:  Yes you are right, Nettle leaf infusions are superb for this. Plus in your case they have added benefits of excellent mineral nutrition and vitamin K which is essential for the birth. It is the dried leaves we use, prepared as in the book you have.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

Helping Birth Progress Smoothly

Q: hi i have been reading your articles they are wonderful ..can you recoment what to use  i am 2 weeks over due with my first baby can you suggest any natural remedys to start labour ..i will be most gratefull for any helpfull advice you can give me thank you

  

A: Hello, thank you for writing. I see you wrote this a few days ago.  How are things now?  I am happy to help any way I am able.  Please know that due dates are approximate and we are all unique.  Many first time babies come "overdue." Perhaps you have had your child already, if so, congratulations!! 

Are you working with anyone in person who can help you determine the state of your and your child's health?  If all is well with you both, I would not push it.  I know that doctors will induce labor with pitocin if they determine it should have started. Know that as long as you and babe are healthy you WILL birth the babe and likely need no intervention.  Some intervention has been known to cause its own problems. 

There are herbs that midwives use, though primarily to help a stalled labor progress.  Is this the case with you?  Do you have or have access to Susun Weed's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year? This speaks on the herbs to use in this case.  The more gentle remedies to help a birth progress smoothly is of course relaxation, Red Raspberry leaf teas, or better yet infusions, gentle foods and being sure of hydration, nipple stimulation and intercourse.  The latter only if you have not lost your mucous plug and broke waters, and if not, being sure not to pull out since it is the sperm I understand to help ripen the cervix and stimulate contractions.

Please do write back if you can and if I can help further.  And if not I would love to hear one day how all turned out. I will keep an eye on your email to be able to respond sooner.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

We are all Unique!

Q: Hi Karen Joy,

Are you the person to ask questions about conception to? In short, I have a four year old boy, had him at 41 and would love to have one more child. Any of your clients 46 and pregnant? Looking forward to your
reply.

 

A: I do not have "clients", but love to speak with people, and have spoken with many in their upper forties and have seen some get pregnant. Have you been working with any herbs or other lifestyle choices to help you conceive? Have you been trying for long? Each person is unique and I can't say for sure what is true for you, but I DO feel confidant a woman who is 46 can conceive, and with much nourishing support carry through a health pregnancy. Have you read this article on Fertility After Forty?

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Hi Karen,

I have been trying to 'lay to rest' the idea of having another child, but it just won't let go, in fact whenever it seems that I finally have a good grip on putting the idea of a second child to bed, up pops another 'sign'
that gently insists I pursue the matter a little further. I am not willing to take fertility drugs such as Clomid or have hormone injections, etc. since I have already proven to myself that the herbal approach works.
Let me explain...

After 5 miscarriages between the ages of 36 to 40, I was finally diagnosed (BC Woman's Hospital) with a blood clotting disorder that is only serious when I'm pregnant. In short, my body cuts off the blood supply to the developing embryo, hence the miscarriages. They were all between 6 to 8 weeks. When I was pregnant with ... (my now strawberry-blond perfectly normal 4 year old boy), I had to take injections of Heparin every 12 hours into my abdominal area as well as 1 baby aspirin per day. This was to keep my antiphospholipids down (thin my blood, so the baby would not be rejected). I delivered an 8 pound 16 oz. baby after a blissful 9 month pregnancy when I was 41 in 2002.

This past spring I became pregnant again, I was thrilled but worried because of my age. I dutifully began the Heparin and aspirin treatments as prescribed by my doctor. I had read up a little on herbs and had drank chaste-berry tea everyday for about 3 months and had taken Damiana capsules everyday to help conceive. Unfortunately, I miscarried just before 8 weeks. I know now that I can become pregnant with the help (stimulation) of herbs. My husband was taking zinc and vitamin E. My question is, I know the herbs will help me to ovulate/conceive but am I just simply ovulating 'old eggs?' At present, I am not taking any special herbs, just vitamins. I still have regular periods every 28 days. Would you be interested in working with me?

 

A: I am always happy to correspond with you through email. And I will share what I know, believe, or feel. As I said I do not take "clients" but love to support anyone in any way I am able. I am glad you feel that the plants can help you. I believe they help in more ways than we know! I am not very familiar with your condition so do not have a specific answer to offer off the top of my head. As I understand it all our eggs are made early on, so all are "old" eggs, regardless of our age. Please let me know how I can support. I would love to see you develop your trust in and desire to work with the plants to aid you toward your wishes.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Q: Hi Karen,

Is your background in herbal healing? I would like to learn a little more about how or what you would be able to offer in the way of advice, etc. As I've already mentioned, I sincerely believe that I could make this happen. My husband keeps me grounded with the 'yeah but, what about...' discussions. His concerns are mainly about chromosonal complications of the embryo and concerns about my health during pregnancy. I must admit I have a very optimistic and positive belief about having another child.

 

A: I have been studying herbs and people for over a decade. This is my passion. I have been studying primarily with Susun Weed and consider myself to always be a student. I also love to learn from other repsected herbalists, as well as the plants themselves. Being a woman I focus on women's health. I learn as I go, as I am asked to answer questions. I do not know what more beyond what I have shared I will have to offer, but am open. I would not ask you to put all your faith in me or anyone for that matter. I ask you to make your decisions for your health, drawing on the wisdom and experience of those you trust, which may or may not be me, your choice. I also stongly invite you to our online forum for more ideas to draw from.

Blessings and love,
Karen Joy

Nettle Leaf Infusions for the Pregnant Woman

Q: Hello,

I am currently in my 10th week of pregnancy and living in North India.

I have been eating nettle soup every few days for its high iron content.

Today a friend told me that local women do not eat nettles during pregnancy.

When I looked it up online i saw so much controversy about its use that I am thoroughly confused. While you and some other herbalists say it is a tonic for pregnancy, others are saying it is a uterine stimulant and should be avoided. I was eating the fresh nettles steamed in a soup. Could you please tell me if this is harmful or helpful and why is it contraindicated by so many?

Thanks

 

A: Hello! I heard this concern from another recently so looked to see what the fear about nettles and pregnancy was about. Doing a google search the top results I see mostly tout the benefits - a few of the excerpts are below. Some say it is the concentrated extract that is a concern and one said the extract was okay, it was eating fresh nettles that was a danger. I trust people to make their own choices. Some of the top herbalists I respect, some quoted below, those who have actually worked with people for years, speak highly of it as a supreme nourisher for the pregnant woman, as a tea, infusion or fresh. I loved it as a near daily infusion through my pregnancy and had a wonderful pregnancy and birth. One site noted what would be my thought, perhaps it is the form and time of harvest that was the culprit (though none cited studies that I saw to back up the claim of danger). We are careful not to harvest once gone to flower and beyond as it then can irritate the kidneys.

However, that said, I see you are in India, and this friend said the local women do not eat these fresh nettles. Perhaps this is recently introduced fear or superstition of some sort, but I highly value the wisdom passed from women, and wonder if there is something specific about the local nettles that is a known concern?

I wish I could tell you what is safe or not. As I said I think highly of nettles, yet also think highly of local women wisdom. And having been pregnant I highly trust my own intuition and my own ability to know if something I am consuming is causing harm, before it is too late. I may be wrong though.

http://www.homemakingcottage.com/mother/takeherbs.html http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/herbsandvit/index.php

Nettles are rich in biochelated iron, calcium, and protein, as well as a host of other important nutrients. "It is virtually a pregnancy tonic by itself," says Gladstar. The benefits of drinking nettle infusion before and throughout pregnancy include nourishing and strengthening the kidneys, increasing fertility in men and women, nourishing the mother and the fetus, diminishing leg cramps and childbirth pain, preventing hemorrhage after birth, reducing hemorrhoids, and increasing the richness and amount of mother's milk. According to Sharol Tilgner, ND, president of Wise Women Herbals in Creswell, Oregon, nettles should be picked prior to flowering to avoid bladder and kidney irritation. Although use as a tonic is considered safe in pregnancy, concentrated extracts of stinging nettles (such as used to treat hay fever) can act as an abortifacient.

http://www.napiers.net/health/pregnancy_herbs.html

Use Nettle as a Tonic There's one medicinal weed that you just can't get enough of in pregnancy, the common stinging nettle. Nettles are an amazing source of iron, just what you need to keep your haemoglobin high and your blood healthy. If you can, regularly eat some fresh young nettles, add the leaves to soups and stews or any recipe that uses spinach. If you hack back your nettle patch regularly you should get an ongoing supply of fresh young leaves throughout the summer - old leaves or leaves from plants that have seeded are a bit bitter and irritating on the digestive system so you really want them young and fresh. If you can't get fresh nettles then try to take two or three cups of nettle tea a day. They will serve you well because as well as being a nourisher nettles are a wonderful diuretic so if you are prone to being a bit puffy it could well be the herb for you. If you think you are anaemic (tired, pale, breathless, palpitations, dizziness, headaches) get a blood check from you doctor and then take floradix iron tonic, a great non-constipating source of iron and B vitamins extracted from nettles and other plants. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/herbaltea.html "Nettles (Stinging Nettles) -(Likely Unsafe-see note ) High in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, potassium and iron. Used in many "Pregnancy Teas" because it is a great all-around pregnancy tonic. (*Note on the safety of Nettles: Natural Medicines Database gives Nettles a rating of Likely Unsafe, even though it is used in countless pregnancy teas and recommended by most midwives and herbalists. This may be in relation to which part of the Nettles plant is used, the root or the leaves, and how much is used. According to other sources, the use of Nettles is encouraged during pregnancy because of all its health benefits.2)

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA158469

There are no safety concerns about the use of stinging nettles during pregnancy or nursing.

http://www.eclecticphysician.com/herbs/nettle.shtml

Dried nettle or nettle extract is widely used as a nourishing tonic for pregnant women, however the fresh nettle has uterine stimulant action and is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Overdue?

Q: Hi, my name is C. and i actually had a question for you for my friend that is pregnant and overdue now. We looked online for ways to encourage her labor at home and we found Blue Cohosh but no information at all as to dosage. Is there any way you could help us? Thank you very much.

 

A: Hello C., thank you for writing. Has anything progressed with your friend since yesterday? Does she have a midwife or MD? Is there pressure to give birth by a certain date? Overdue is such relative term, though I have found most important knowing the mother's feelings. Too often I have heard a doctor or midwife suggest that if the baby is not out by a certain date, a c-section looms. This pressure only adds stress to the mom. The baby will come out. Is there any other reason to be concerned for a faster delivery - like pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, twisted cord, low placenta, etc.?

Here is a great thread on our online forum on the topic of Induction. shaUna, who started the thread is a midwifery student and past apprentice of Susun Weed.

When I was pregnant, my contractions got closer and closer right on schedule to my "due date". At one minute apart, I got a call that my friend died. My contractions stopped and my son was a week late. When they did start up again, and I stressed over my overreacting husband, I took some drops of Motherwort tincture in water, which I believe relaxed me enough for my water to break, plug to come out and everything progress. I am glad I did not do anything more invasive to push the birth, since I was technically overdue. My friend did this and wound up with a c-section. Our bodies are miraculous, and mine knew to stop when going into instant grief, and at least wait a week.

With that said, Susun does have a good section in her book Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year on how to help birth to progress, depending on where the holdup is. I am happy to share from there if you do not have access to it. It would help to know first what stage her cervix is in and if her water has broke.

Please do let me know if I can help further; I am very happy to!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Holding a Pregnancy

Q: Hi Susun,

I am a 39 year old devasted mother who has just this weekend suffered my third miscarriage. I am a mother of a beautiful, healthy 3 year old son, and I thank God that at least I was able to conceive my son. All my miscarriages have been around 10 weeks, and for the first two the fetus did not make it through at 6 weeks, but I carried until the tenth week.

I have decided to take matters in my own hands as the doctors at emergency has basically said that I really cannot do anything about my miscarriages, and will have to suffer more losses than gains, and that my eggs are probably damaged. I cannot except that, and the next pregnancy I am going to try all that I can to produce a healthy sibling for my son.

I have read your website and have come up with this plan. I would really really appreciate any advise you can give me, as all the healthcare givers have really been discouraging to me.

I am Susun brokenhearted and I really need some hope right about now.

This son is my first son, he was a healthy normal pregnancy. I have been breastfeeding him from the get go, and am doing so right now at 3 1/2 years of age until he self weans. I have done some research and will continue to breastfeed him throughout my next pregnancy if he so wishes.

I am healthy, except since birth I have had very heavy bleeding and super painful menses, and very very painful mettleshmertz. I am constantly constipated, and this is extremely painful during moontime, and ovulation. I have talked to my physician who told me to take the laxative Prodiem for the rest of my life, which in fact I am doing right now. I was shocked that it was constipation as I have a movement everyday. I include lots of fibre in my diet still, drink lots of water and have gone through colon irrigation, but really I have noticed its during moontime its the worst especially painful in my lower right hand side. I also have a uterine fibroid growing outside my uterus at the side, and my doctor doesn't feel we need to do anything about this.

I am telling you all this because I don't know if this has a link to my miscarriages at all.

After this third miscarriage my intuition is telling me that really I was supposed to have this baby, and maybe it was the level of my hormones. Can extended breastfeeding have anything to do with this?

Also prior to this miscarriage I had gone to a Chinese doctor who had prescribed herbs and performed acupuncture for this pregnancy to stay.....obviously did not work.

After reading your website, I have come to the conclusion that I need to include the following in my diet:

(1) Vitex -
Firstly to shrink my fibroids. Is taking this for a long period harmful to my son? If it produces progesterone will I be able to conceive? Is this what I need to up my hormones or should I also take Wild Yam closer to conception? Am I able to take this in a herbal pill form? How much?

(2) Wheat Germ Oil -
For the Vitamin E content as I am aging. Is taking this everyday the right thing to do? I am taking Udos oil also. Is this okay for my son? How much?

(3) Red Rasperry Leaf
Should I be taking this for post miscarriage? Should I keep on taking this until my next pregnancy in November and throughout? Is this going to affect my son? How much?

(4) Wild Yam -
This on top of Vitex? - I read only during ovulation until the next menses, is this now until November? - Is this bad for my son? - How much?

(5) Stinging Nettle -
Should I start now and continue to my next pregnancy? - Is this going to affect my son? - How much?

(6) Is there anything I can take beside Prodiem to help cleanse my colon and safe enough for breastfeeding and pregnancy?

(7) Should I be taking anything else for getting ready for a healthy pregnany and then during, which will not be bad for my son.

Honestly what a long list of questions, and I am sorry to burden you with such a terribly long list. I am compelled to ask you these questions though and hope you will be able to advise me.

I thank you again for your time Susun, and God Bless You.

Love
A.

 

A: Hello A., I hear your sadness AND your determination to have a successful pregnancy and birth. I also hear you have really been reading at the websites, and have many informed questions.

I am a student of Susun's and help with her correspondence. I can comment on some of your questions below:

After reading your website, I have come to the conclusion that I need to include the following in my diet:

(1) Vitex -
Firstly to shrink my fibroids. Is taking this for a long period harmful to my son? If it produces progesterone will I be able to conceive? Is this what I need to up my hormones or should I also take Wild Yam closer to conception? Am I able to take this in a herbal pill form? How much?

This sounds excellent; what I would have first recommended. You may have already read about this in this article by Susun about Fibroids. You will also see mention of the benefits of Vitex tincture in this article on Fertility After Forty - which answers your other questions about this herb as well.

Another important herbal ally for women over forty who desire a child is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castii). It has been used in Africa and parts of Europe for several thousand years to discourage the male libido. In women, the effects seem to be the opposite! It may also be a fertility enhancer. 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 discontinued during the last trimester of pregnancy.

(2) Wheat Germ Oil -
For the Vitamin E content as I am aging. Is taking this everyday the right thing to do? I am taking Udos oil also. Is this okay for my son? How much?

(3) Red Rasperry Leaf
Should I be taking this for post miscarriage? Should I keep on taking this until my next pregnancy in November and throughout? Is this going to affect my son? How much?

Red Raspberry leaf infusions are wonderful uterine tonics, both post miscarriage and before and during pregnancy to help strengthen your uterus. Drinking them is like eating nourishing foods, in fact, many of us find that this infusion is one of the first favorites of our young ones. My son began drinking infusions with me before one year old! You can sweeten (or not) and ice this for a summer iced tea, or in winter I like to add honey and milk to this warmed infusion (but didn't give honey to my son before 9 months old -some say wait a year).

(4) Wild Yam -
This on top of Vitex? - I read only during ovulation until the next menses, is this now until November? - Is this bad for my son? - How much?

(5) Stinging Nettle -
Should I start now and continue to my next pregnancy? - Is this going to affect my son - How much?

Nettle infusions, another wonderful infusion, so nourishing for people of all ages. Like above, drinking this is like eating healthful foods. I highly recommend it though pregnancy as well, even daily, especially in the last trimester for its vitamin K's blood-clotting assistance.

(6) Is there anything I can take beside Prodiem to help cleanse my colon and safe enough for breastfeeding and pregnancy?

I personally do not have any reason to believe that a colon ever needs to be cleansed. I hear you are concerned about constipation, and I do understand this. I find for myself and family that eating less refined products, drinking more infusions, like those mentioned above, and increasing cooked greens, all really help keep things flowing smoothly. I have also noticed that we each have our own rhythm, and rarely are our bowel movements daily, except when ill in the stomach.

(7) Should I be taking anything else for getting ready for a healthy pregnany and then during, which will not be bad for my son.

Comfrey leaf infusions might be very helpful! From the article "Fertility After Forty" mentioned above:

The single most important herb for pregnant women over forty is comfrey (Symphytum uplandica hybrids). The leaves of the mature plant contain an abundance of constituents beneficial to mother and babe, including generous amounts of minerals, alantoin, proteins, and many vitamins. The minerals in comfrey help insure healthy nervous system growth; the fetus's developing brain uses the proteins. And the alantoin helps the mother's tissues become stretchy and elastic... Regular use of the leaf infusion, at least a quart a week, promotes a safe delivery by:
~ strengthening uterine muscles and preparing them to work easily and well.
~ strengthening perineal tissues so they become resistant to tearing.
~ strengthening uterine ligaments so the uterus does not prolapse
~ strengthening the bladder and increasing resistance to bacterial infection.
~ strengthening the vagina and helping to promote an environment hostile to infection. ~ providing easily assimilated minerals to prevent eclampsia and other complications.
~ helping the bones of the pelvis flex and open during birth.
~ increasing iron in the blood and thus forestalling post-partum hemorrhage.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Hi Karen Joy,

Its me again. I had a conversation with Susun and it was great talking to her, but I got so nervous and my brain turned off that I forgot to ask her for clarification so I am hoping you can help me out.

I would like to take Vitex (for a twofold reason, one to up my hormone level and two to shrink the fibroids) BUT I read in one of Susun's articles that too much progesterone (ie. in the Wild Yam form can prevent me from getting pregnant), is this then true for taking Vitex from now until I get pregnant in November? Too much Vitex can stop me from getting pregnant?

I am now drinking my infusions daily, alternating weekly from Red Rasperry Leaf and Nettle. Is this the way to do it?

I haven't started drinking Comfrey Leafs as the lady at the health food store scared me with its controversy in that is known to promote liver cancer? Is this true? Yikes, please if you can advise me and tell me how safe it is really.

Also should I take Red Clover infusion also? I'm not having trouble getting pregnant my problem is staying pregnant, and if Red Clover is a fertility enhancer do I need to?

Also Susun was telling me something about a miscarriage prevention tonicor recipe that she had in one of her books but since I got nervous and dumb at the same time I forgot which book or is it on the website?

Thank you Karen Joy for sending me all the information that you have to date. You can't possibly know how much you have helped me through this rough time.

Love and Light
A.

 

A: Hello A., I am so glad you are feeling cared for, and you were able to talk with Susun!

About Vitex and progesterone, it is my understanding that ultimately what Vitex really does is help nourish the endocrine system so we can produce the hormones we most need in the amounts we need them. Since it has been recommended, and used for long periods of time, for those with trouble conceiving, I would not feel concern it could decrease your chance of getting pregnant; instead I understand the opposite.

So wonderful you are drinking such nourishing herbal infusions! I generally encourage people to drink one infusion of one herb at a time, which you are doing. As far as how often you alternate them, this is up to your preferences. I generally alternate each day or couple days, depending on how fast I finish my quart or 1/2 gallon jar of it. Alternating every week is completely fine too.

I know there is much controversy over the comfrey issue and lots of fear around it now. What I have learned from Susun is that the comfrey that is sold is usually a hybrid comfrey and the leaves are free of the alkaloid that is of concern, pyrrolizidine alkaloid. This is in the roots though, so this is why we only drink infusions of the leaves. There are a couple instances where people had liver problems from too much pyrrolizidine alkaloid, though none that we know are from drinking the infusions of the leaves. There was consequently a test of the leaves of various comfreys across the country finding little or none of it in them. The popularized proof of this danger, as I understand, came from injecting rats with pure alkaloid that came from a different source even, one that had more of the alkaloid in it (http://www.greentit.com/comfrey.shtm). This is vastly different from drinking an infusion of the leaves. Susun has been recommending and drinking these infusions for many years with no ill effect, and none ever reported from her many students around the world who have done the same for years. I totally understand the concern, and encourage you to research as long as you feel you need to, and do what feels right. Certainly don't make yourself drink something if you are concerned it may harm you. As well, trust yourself if you feel drawn to comfrey leaf infusions and trusting of their health benefits.

You don't need to drink any infusions, just whatever you are drawn to. The four mentioned are the four Susun most recommends for anyone regardless of situation for general nourishing. Then some are encouraged more than others and/or in greater quantities, depending on the specific situation. Red Clover blossom infusions have benefit for most anyone, though as you point out may not be as needed in your situation as Red Raspberry, Comfrey or Nettle leaves. If you don't feel so drawn to them, and prefer to stick to the two or three, then I support you in doing just that.

Susun does have a miscarriage prevention brew recipe in her Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. I am on the road working until the end of next week. I will save your email and send this recipe when I return to my library of books :)

You are welcome to continue to ask as you have questions, here and/or at the forum!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Hello Karen Joy,

So nice of you to reply to me even though you are so busy.

I have to say I SIMPLY LOVE THE INFUSIONS. THEY MAKE ME FEEL GOOD. To my surprise my little picky 3 year old loves his iced nettle and rasberry leaf infusions, and so does my hubby.

Looking through the website I have come to the understanding that nettle everyday is a super good thing, but rasberry leaf is tonifying and I would probably use it now until through my next pregnancy.

I am hoping you can suggest more great infusions for me to share with my family everyday besides nettle? Is Red Clover a great everyday forever infusion for all? Since my little guy is so picky I have the satisfaction knowing he is getting so nourished.

Should I keep on the rasperry with them for the next year or so?

Since I am lactating any other great infusions for me, or is nettle and raspberry the thing for me?

Also I have noticed my hormones are all over the place, are any of these infusions going to help me balance me back? Or are we back to Vitex with that?

Thank you for saving the email and taking the time to send me the miscarriage brew.

I have noticed some great books with Ash Tree and am saving my pennies to stock up my library.

Karen Joy you are an angel, and god bless you.

Love and Light
A.

 

A: Hello again A., I hadn't realized these two emails were both from you! So wonderful you all are enjoying the infusions! The top herbs most often recommended for regular infusions as Nettle leaf, Oatstraw, Red Clover blossoms, Comfrey leaf, Mullein leaf, Red Raspberry leaf, and Linden blossoms. Though they strengthen us through time, they are all nourishing herbs. We often, though, alternate them for variety. This may help to with your child too.

The nourishing infusions will nourish you deeply over time, no doubt affecting change in the healthy functioning all around, hormones included :)

And now finally that I am home, the promised...

... from Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun Weed...

Threatened Miscarriage Brew
1 Tbsp. dried Black Haw root bark -OR- cramp bark
3 Tbsp. dried Raspberry leaves
10 drops Wild Yam root tincture
10 drops False Unicorn root tincture
60 drops Lobelia herb tincture

Put the dried herbs in a quart jar or four cup teapot and fill vessel to the top with boiling water. Steep until cool enough to drink. Add Wild Yam and False Unicorn tinctures to one cupful of tea and drink. If contractions continue for more than 30 minutes, add 60 drops of Lobelia tincture to a second cup of tea. Drink a cup of tea every three hours, adding tinctures as needed, until miscarriage no longer threatens.

Black Haw (and Cramp bark) sedates the uterus and can stop contractions and pain; its astringent, antispasmodic and tonic actions are best extracted in water, but you may substitute a teaspoon of the tincture in each cup of brew. Raspberry leaves are also best used in a water base, providing calcium to ease the uterine muscles and astringency to slow bleeding.

Wild Yam root contains hormonal precursors which assist the body in creating the hormones needed to hold a pregnancy; it is also an antispasmodic. False Unicorn is the herbalist's standard for dealing with threatened miscarriage; it is reported to have been successful even when hemorrhage and regular contractions have begun.

Lobelia tincture can cause profound relaxation of the uterus and the whole body if the dose is large enough. If the 60 drops recommended here does not have a relaxing effect, increase the dose; the action of Lobelia varies widely according to the preparation used and the individual using it. Burning in the throat and a mild, but exceedingly brief, nausea accompany use of Lobelia.

Increase the effectiveness of this brew by resting in bed and taking 500 IU of vitamin E every six hours.

You are welcome to ask all that you want. I am happy to help!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Perineal Tear

Q: Aloha Susun! We have been blessed with a new baby girl. In the mean time, my sister is healing from her major perineal tear. She tore from the outside and up the vaginal canal. I'm wondering if you will advice me with herbs, ideas to promote supportive healing. She also lost blood to where she was on IV for 2 days, borderline loss to having a transfusion. She is still pale colored and weak. Has appetite for carbohydrates and ice cream! Intaking lots of fluid... H2O, juices. She wants to leave the birthing center tomorrow. I am praying and providing her what she feels she needs. Thank you for your time and thank you for teaching us all the beautiful wise womyn ways!

 

 

A: Hello M., congratulations!! I have understood comfrey leaf to be superb for this, the tear. Taken internally as infusions and externally sitting in very regular sitz baths of it, once strained of course until the open wound heals. Also she may find that Nettle leaf infusions will help tremendously with her recovery. It is what I recommend for large blood loss, or any other electrolyte needs. She had both. And of course any iron rich foods. I trust her cravings and would be sure to make sure the carbs contain the best available nutrition, same with the fluids.

I am sorry Susun is not available to reply herself. She does not have internet in her home so is rarely able to correspond through email.

All our best wishes for your sister and her new little one!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com