Childbearing Year

Fertility Herbs - Red Clover, False Unicorn, Vitex...

I found your site and I had some questions about herbs that I was wondering if you had the answer to.  I have been trying to conceive for 11 years.  I am now 37 years old.  I've tried the medical treatments and they didn't work for me, so now I'm trying the natural route.  I have unexplained infertility though my doctor found very mild endometriosis, some fibroids and I had a burst ovarian cyst over 12 years ago, which might or might not have to do with my trouble conceiving.  I am doing research and I see some many herbs that can help, vitex, maca, red clover, false unicorn root and many more.  For unexplained infertility, which are the best herbs to try?  How many can I take at once?  Are there any that will interact with each other?   Thank you Simple is better.  This is the opinion of some, myself included.  The top herb I know for unexplained lack of conception is Red Clover blossoms prepared as an infusion.  Susun Weed writes in this article on herbs for fertility:

"One of the most cherished of the fertility-increasing plants is red clover (Trifolium pratense). Common in fields and along roadsides, it has bright pink (not really red) blossoms from mid-summer into the chilly days of fall. A favorite flower of the honeybees, the tops (blossoms and appending leaves) are harvested on bright sunny days and eaten as is, or dried for medicinal use. The raw blossoms are delicious in salads and nutritious when cooked with grains such as rice or millet.

"To make a fertility-enhancing infusion, I take one ounce by weight of the dried blossoms (fresh won't work for this application) and put them in a quart size canning jar. I fill the jar with boiling water, screw on a tight lid, and let it steep at room temperature overnight (or for at least four hours). Dozens of women have told me that they had successful pregnancies after drinking a cup or more (up to four cups) a day of red clover infusion.

"It is especially helpful if there is scaring of the fallopian tubes, irregular menses, abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or "unexplained" infertility. It may take several months for the full effect of this herb to come on and pregnancy may not occurs until you have used it for a year or two. You can improve the taste by including some dried peppermint (a spoonful or two) along with the dried clover blossoms when making your infusion. Treat the father of the child-to-be to some red clover infusion, too!"

False Unicorn root might be helpful, and I don't know of contraindications with the Red Clover.  I consider it more of an herb to take as needed, whereas the Red Clover I see as a long term food-like herb.   Vitex berry tincture I think can be wonderful when unopposed excess estrogen increases ovarian cysts and fibroids and endometriosis.  Also, when conception happens or appears to happen but is lost as early as the first few weeks because progesterone levels do not stay high enough.  Again no contraindications that I know of with the above two herbs. Maca I consider an exotic plant that was food to a people and is now being marketed by drying a tiny piece of the root and stuffing into a capsule.  I would favor rich root foods that are grown close to home, even if Maca :), so long as it is prepared in your kitchen.  I do not recommend capsules of anything. You can read Susun Weed's thoughts on the importance of Simples. Let me know if I can help with anything further! Blessings, Karen Joy wisewoman@herbshealing.com www.wisewomanweb.com

Weight Gain and Hormones

Q: hi susun and justine!

thank you for all your efforts and love. i love both of you dearly.

i am writing to you about me this time. i have gained forty-three pounds in three years especially around my mid area and arms, very, very thick.

i am 38 yrs. old. a friend has told me that i need magnolia oil. she said this will fight the access chromium that is being released into my system caused by stress and worry. is this true?

she said so many women suffer from this but so many do not understand why. could you help me understand this better or point me into the right direction within one of your articles.

i have never been able to conceive either. i was also wondering if perhaps something with my hormones are off. my husband and i have tried to have a baby for years, and have been unsuccessful. i excitedly say that we are now in the process of adoption.

please note, i drink sooooooooooooooooo much red clover.

   

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  I will share your kind words with Susun and Justine.  I personally have not heard of chromium, weight and stress.

Have you had a chance to read this article by Susun on weight?  If you believe hormones have a play in your concern, it may be wonderful if you are drinking Red Clover blossom infusions, though it may be you are drinking too much.

Another wonderful nourisher of healthy hormone function is Vitex. You can read about this here, even though cessation of menses is not your concern, some of what is mentioned may still relate.  Do you also drink other nourishing herbal infusions?

Please let us know if we can help further.  Congratulations on your adoption.

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

Natural Fertility Control

Q: Hello,

I am trying to find an alternative to hormonal birth control - I have been using the NuvaRing, but am concerned about side effects.  When I googled "herbal spermicide" I learned about a clinical trial in India using neem and a couple of other ingredients.  However, my pharmacist says he is familiar with no spermicide other than nonoxyl-9, which, when I tried to use it several years ago, gave me a terrible reaction.  Can you offer suggestions?  Since finding an alternative has been such a challenge I am debating starting the ring again...are you familiar with side effects and/or herbs to counteract them?  Thanks so much for your time and energy.

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  This is an interesting question.  I personally have never heard of an herbal spermicide.

The birth control option I have heard many of us choose when concerned about the health of what we put in our bodies is Natural Family Planning, also called Fertility Awareness Method, using charting of three signs - temperature, cervical fluid, and cervical position - to determine when we are fertile.  The book I am using on this is called Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler.  There is also a book and website by Katie Singe, Garden of Fertility.  And I know this topic has been discussed at the Wise Woman Forum as well.

Please let me know if I can help further.

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

Safety of Herbs While Trying to Conceive

Q: Greetings, Susun!  My partner has been a great enthusiast of yours for quite some time now.  i am quite new to alternative medicines, but after just a year, she has convinced me as well!

We are working with an herbalist as we attempt to conceive our first child this year.  My partner is 36, and it will be her first try to become pregnant.  Needless to say, we are quite excited, yet we have some lingering questions that the herbalist hasn’t really answered well for us. i’m hoping you could help a little bit.   

My partner is currently taking 2 herbal teas and 1 capsule (2x/day).  The tea and capsules from the herbalist contain the following: Ginger, squawvine, false unicorn root, sassafras, dandelion. The other tea we are using is red clover tops and red raspberry leaves.  Is it fine to be taking both teas daily? 

We also have read your book, and have a couple of questions about when to stop taking herbs, in other words before pregnancy to promote fertility vs during pregnancy:  lemon balm, ginger, lavender, rose, slippery elm, oat straw, and mint.

We are trying the “not-so-old-fashioned way” of conception:  home insemination with a known donor.  So, in the couple of weeks every month where we don’t know whether or not conception has occurred, should we assume yes or no for purposes of herbs?

I know these are a lot of questions, and anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.  Likewise, any thing we can do to show our gratitude, please let us know!

Thanks

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  I understand your questions.  I am a student of Susun's and help with her correspondence.  If you or your partner wish to talk with Susun you may call her during her free Tuesday night phone consultations which run this year from March 30 to the end of October.  During that time you can reach her by calling 845-246-8081, Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm Eastern time.  In lieu of, or in addition to, the phone consultation, Susun Weed's Wise Woman Forum is a wonderful resource, with the experience and wisdom of many people from around the world to draw from -

From my years of study with Susun, I have come to feel most drawn to simplicity with herbs.  This means to me choosing only a few herbs to work with at a time, sometimes only one. 

As well, I have come to prefer infusion as a way to get what I usually want from nourishing herbs, over teas.  Teas I save for essential oil rich herbs.  The difference between the two is that while a tea is a pinch of fresh or dried herb steeped in water for a short time, an infusion is more herb, always, dried, steeped for a longer time.  I use one ounce of herb in a quart jar, boiling water poured over, the jar capped, and the whole thing allowed to sit for at least 4 hours, sometimes overnight.  Of the herbs you mentioned, I do this with Oat straw, Red Clover blossoms, and Red Raspberry leaves.  I know the first to be an overall wonderful nourishing food/herb, the second primarily to nourish our fertility, and the third to nourish our reproductive organs, especially uterus. 

I hear your concern about what should be taken before and what during pregnancy.  Of the three I just mentioned I see no harm in crossover.  I would focus more on the Red Clover blossom now, then shift over to more focus on Red Raspberry leaf when you are sure of conception.  Of the other herbs you mention - lavender, mint, lemon balm, and ginger - I would save them for the occasional tea, and again use them as simples, one at a time.  This is just my preference.  Slippery elm inner bark is a wonderful healing herb that I save for very occasional use, only as needed to soothe stomachs or throats, mainly because of the tree endangered status, and some of the poor harvesting that has contributed to this.  Dandelion is an incredible nourishing herb and food that I consume and recommend in various forms - greens as food, root and leaves in vinegar or tincture, blossoms as homemade wine.  I would probably never take dried though, since it is so abundant and what is lost may be too much in the drying process (whereas with some herbs the drying enhances our ability to reach nutrients, in others exactly what we are wanting is lost in the drying).

I think what often happens in this international culture is that one looks for all the herbs reputed to enhance fertility for example, all around the world.  Then those herbs are put together - sometimes disregarding the part traditionally used, or how it is traditionally prepared - usually in a tea bag or capsule.  I prefer simples partly because we can take the time to know a plant, and befriend it as we ask it to help us.

Well, maybe a long answer to a short question :)  If I can halp in any other way, please do let me know.  And please, either of you, do call Susun one Tuesday night if you want.  We all wish you the both the best!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: Dear Karen,

Blessings and thank you for writing!

We will definitely try to call Susun!  Unfortunately, this Tuesday, we will be out of state!

Yes, we are going to focus on the red clover flower and raspberry leaf infusion for fertility. With the last insemination, I worry that I had all the wrong things just after!

I bought Susun’s book Childbearing Year and I’d been having some of the things listed as emmenagogues, like ginger (I love crystallized ginger, ginger tea and Jamaican ginger beer and the stronger, the better) and vitamin C (I love to eat lemons and limes and limeade and such.  I can eat several lemons in a row!)

Then on the before and during “don’t” list:  I like chocolate every now and then (dark) and we love to cook with basil, rosemary, pardley, sage, thyme.  In fact, I used to eat basil in my eggs :every: morning.

Do you think it’s possible that I caused myself to not get pregnant or to miscarry very early in eating these things?

We’ve been trying to be so careful, but it seems that :something: in nearly every meal is on a don’t eat” list somewhere!

The herbalist we consulted with made a tea and pills of ginger, swawvine, false unicorn root, sassafras and dandelion.  The book says to avoid False unicorn root as well as ginger so TWO ingredients I’ve been downing in large quantities are on Susun’s NO lists...

I’m just a bit freaked right now because I’d felt the first insemination worked and yet got back a negative pregnancy test then got my period early and heavy...  Being 36 and really wanting a baby :now: has me overly attached to the process and last month brought such sadness.  If I know what :I’m: doing is ok, I think I will feel better about early auto-abortion since that just means the fetus isn’t strong enough to make it to term anyway.

I’m thinking that we’ll do the tea/capsules up until insemination and then stop, but continue all month except menstruation days with the clover/raspberry.  Does this sound “safer” to you?  BTW, do you agree with one day off all herbal/vitamin supplements per week and not taking any during menstruation?

Any thoughts appreciated.  Blessed be.

A: Hello, I hear your strong desire to have a child, and to be sure you are treating yourself optimally to help this happen. 

You ask my opinion of your choice of herbs and when.  I trust your wisdom; I trust your desire to have a healthy child will lead you to what is most deeply nourishing for you and your child.  Each herbalist is different and I imagine you feel good with the herbalist who mixes the herbs and makes them into teas and capsules.  How you feel with this person I believe is as important as how you feel with her/his suggestions.

Personally I like having a personal relationship with the plants I ingest and share with others.  Part of how I do this is by ingesting usually one at a time, so we can experience the plant simply and know better how it affects us, and if the effect is something we want.

I DO understand your concern about the herbs on "the lists" since I read them fretting that even a little pesto on toast could cause me to lose my child!  Now that I have seen the other side - those who read the same lists and try the herbs to bring on a seemingly delayed bleeding or even try to end a pregnancy - I can relax and understand it so much better.  As these women make their attempts, they must ingest huge doses of the herbs mentioned, and since in the case of abortion, they are ending life beginning, they walk the line of doing harm to themselves (beyond the one desired).  If sucking a few lemons a day could end a healthy pregnancy there would be many happy women who would have an easy failsafe in case.  I have seen so many of these women try much harsher herbs, make themselves horribly sick, and still not be able to abort or complete a miscarriage.  So I can completely relate to your concern, and now I have heard enough to believe that as long as you are simply eating some herbs to flavor food and such, and are in tune with your body to know if something is causing harm, I believe you will be alright.  These lists are to help you be aware, and to help those wanting to bring on thier bleeding, but not to scare you from ordinary cuisine. 

When I was pregnant I started having cramping that would keep me up at night.   Before I knew I was pregnant, I had a horrible flu (perhaps just hormones :)) and dosed myself with powdered vitamin C (was just starting my herbal studies then) and got Susun's Herbal.  I read about the vitamin C and interpreted it as in this form, but wasn't concerned about citrus.  Anyway I was able to know something was wrong and i believe the vitamin c crystals may have played a role, but I knew to pay attention and took it easy, and soon after continued my healthy pregnancy and birth!

I like to start simple, with things without risk of harm, like encouraging nourishing foods, people, activities, movement, words (I read Conscious Conception by Jeannine Parvati Baker).  With these, there is little question or controversy (though always some of the latter!).  I then like to add nourishing herbs, those without question from the various sources you have researched.  Then if I feel drawn to add more stimulating, sedating or just tonifying herbs, or any with conflicting opinion, I would add one at a time, in a form I can relate to, and see how I react to it.

Have you read these two articles by Susun Weed?:

Fertility After Forty (still applicable to you)

Herbs for Fertility 

Oh and you asked about my thoughts on skipping herbs one day a week or during bleeding.  Of the nourishing or tonifying herbs I have enjoyed, I have not felt need for either of these.  I do change my diet usually during bleeding as feels natural, but have not felt drawn yet to do this with herbs, though if I did feel like I wanted to I would :)

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Nourishing Fertility with Infusions

Q: hi Susun,

I recently came across your website and tried red clover tea for fertility and am happy to report that after only a few weeks of using this infusion, I had an increase in my menstrual flow, which was previously very scanty.

I'm very excited and was wondering if you would recommend anything elseto increase my monthly flow.

A bit of background: I'm 40-years-old and have been trying to conceive for the past 4 years. My husband, who has a low sperm count, and I have tried chinese medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathy, and even IVF.

Despite my husband's increase in sperm count, and my decrease in menstrual cramps, during this time, we have not been able to get pregnant. Also, over this time, my period has shortened to 2 days and remains very scanty. In fact it has been scanty for over the past 10 years. I have low energy despite a very good diet, with no coffee, sugar, or processed foods, which all tend to make me feel irritable and contribute to menstrual cramps.

Any advice would be appreciated!

thank-you for providing such a wonderful resource for women.

   

A: Hello, I am glad you are feeling success with Red Clover blossom infusions (or are you preparing teas?) Think of these as nourishing and please do continue them as you feel they are helping. They will nourish you deeply and long lasting.  I hear you desire to conceive, so it is important to nourish your fertility.  While decreased bleeding in your cycles can likely be a symptom of whatever is also keeping you less likely to conceive, and therefore their return a likely sign of success, this can not be the only goal.  The main goal being a healthy vital reproductive system and conception.

In your many attempts to help yourself have you ruled out any particular approaches or cause for the challenge?  In addition to continuing the infusions, especially for those 40 and over, Vitex tincture has been proven to help some.  You can read some in here: Fertility After Forty

As well you mention your low energy.  You may wish to read this article on combatting fatigue, and consider drinking nettle leaf infusions.

Are you currently takng any drugs, herbs, or supplements?

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

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

 

Q: Hi Karen,

Thanks for your very personalized reply. I really appreciate it. I continue to take both the Red Clover and Stinging Nettle infusions, and I love them both. As I said before, I haven't felt such dramatic improvements in all of my years of taking supplements, acupuncture, etc.

I'll also try the Vitex tincture, as you advise. I will keep you posted on any success!

thanks again.

p.s. I also take vitamins (shaklee brand) and dhea supplements; besides being treated for "mycoplasma" (an STD), all other "technical problems" have been ruled out.

   

A: Wonderful, yes please do keep me posted.  I will be curious to hear, and of course am happy to talk with your further if you ever feel the need.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: hi Karen (and Susun),

I had to write you back to let you know that after only 1 month of starting the red clover, nettle, and comfrey (alternating), and 1 dropperful of vitex each morning, I had near success! After years of *nothing* happening, this is amazing.

Unfortunately, it was a "chemical" pregnancy, and didn't last beyond 10 days after ovulation.

I have come this close only 3 times in the past 5 years. So I'm both encouraged and discouraged, because I never make it beyond this point.
I'm wondering if you would recommend anything else I could do to nourish my reproductive system. My doctor thinks it's an egg quality thing.

Should I drink more of the tea, or more of a particular kind? Red clover seems to be my ally. I feel like I could drink gallons of it a day! But I also like the way nettle and comfrey make me feel stronger, even if their taste is not as pleasant.

A: This sounds wonderful.  And so telling!  I support you in continuing all three infusions and the vitex.  And if you wish more Red Clover increase that please.  The infusions are nourishing, think of them as foods....

And please do keep us updated!  And always feel free to write with questions :)

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

Q: thank-you Karen. I was so excited about the Red Clover and Nettle teas that I've started my whole family on these. If I can trouble you again, I just wanted to ask you about my sister, who is 33 years old. She suffers from lots of grass and weed allergies, and finds that she is experiencing a lot of water retention in her face and eyelids the few days after after drinking a litre of the Red Clover tea. She did not have this reaction to the occasional mug of Red Clover tea that I served her before this. Now we're not sure if the symptoms are related to the tea, but she stopped, just in case. I'm wondering if you have any thoughts about this. She has very heavy periods, and tends to have low iron levels, and is very fatigued all the time. I was hoping the Red Clover would help her. Any feedback you may have would be very appreciated. Thank-you again for your wonderful help!

A: So wonderful you are enjoying these!! and sharing them with others :)  It is no trouble at all, feel free to write any time with questions.

Is your sister drinking nettles infusions?  Most all of what you describe would lead me to suggest this - allergies, water retention, iron, tired....

Regarding Red Clover, I have never heard this reaction to it, nor a reaction coming days later.  We are all unique however, and if she feels she does better with smaller amounts per day I suggest she do that.  For some of us sometimes it is best we simply sip it through the day, not overdoing ourselves.  It is like a nourishing food, so you will not cause harm, but we need to acknowledge our uniqueness, AND our self-healing, and trust our wisdom when it comes to what we like or don't.  We never need to force infusions.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, and Contraceptives

Q: could you tell me if dandelion root will cause me to have breakthrough bleeding on pill. i have been taking contraceptive pill constantly without 7 day break for 6 months.  (had to on drs advice as suffer from very heavyperiods) Been having breakthrough bleeding for last 3 weeks.     want to know if dandelion root would cause bleeding as know that it is good to take if on pill. Only thing is just read on net that it can cause period to start.  taking milk thistle as well for the last 4 months.

      

could you tell me what I should take so that i don;t have any bleeding would it be best to leave dandelion root alone.

      

what do you suggest. ( dont want to start dandelion root if going to make me bleed) whole point they put me on pill.

      

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  I know dandelion root to be very supportive of our overall health.  And believe the pill, especially used with no break, to be quite harmful.  So if the dandelion is causing bleeding to happen I consider this health.  Though I do not know if this is the culprit.  It is natural for us women to bleed in cycles between menarche and menopause, when not pregnant or heavily breastfeeding.

Perhaps there are other options you would like to explore.  If this is what you choose I support you.  I do hear you write you "had to" - I invite you to know you do not have to, though of course are welcome to choose to.

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

      

      

Q: Hi Karen

Thanks ever so much getting back to me.

I think i didnt put my question clearly enough as you know been on pill 6 months without break but for last 3 weeks had breakthrough bleeding (quite bad yesterday) .

have also been on Milk thistle for 4 months. I havent tried dandelion root yet

1) Can dandelion root when taken on pill cause breakthrough bleeding

2) Can Milk thisle cause breakthrough bleeding  IS THIS SAFE TO TAKE WITH CONTRACEPTIVE PILL can this cause the bleeding. (v important question) helps my emotions

please get back to me

      

 

      

A: Hello,

I do not know if Dandelion root when taken on the pill can cause breakthrough bleeding.

I do not know if Milk Thistle when taken while taking the pill can cause break through bleeding.  I do not know any contraindications for the common form of this herb, milk thistle seed extract, with the pill.

Please do write any time.  I believe I did understand your original question, yet did not reply clearly.  And I added further thoughts you did not ask for.  I hope this response is clearer.  I am happy to help any way I am able, and am sorry I do not have a more definitive answer for you.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Conceiving with the Help of Red Clover

Q: I am very interested in trying red clover for enhancing my fertility.  I am currently taking organic maca root powder everyday.  Is there any reason I should not take maca root and red clover at the same time?

I have read that the red clover tincture or pills are not as effective.  Can you tell me how or where I can purchase the dried red clover blossoms to make the infusions?  Thanks!

      

      

A: Hello.  I understand dried maca root to be like dried potato or any other starchy vegetable, so do not know any reason they should not be taken with Red Clover blossom infusions, which is nourishing.  I do not work with Maca or capsules so could not comment on this more definitively. 

It is true the pills or tincture are often found to not be as effective as the infusions of the Red Clover blossoms.  Most herbal suppliers carry them.  You can check this list of herbal vendors.  Be sure to choose the blossoms, not whole herb.  When I harvest, I harvest only the blossom with the three adjacent leaves attached.  For cost, I favor Frontier and Mountain Rose for these.

Write any time!

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

      

      

Q: Thanks for your response!

Does red clover increase or decrease estrogen?  I read that maca root decreases estrogen.

I have only used maca for part of one cycle.  I want to give it a good 2/3/4 cycles to see how it helps.  I also want to try red clover, if necessary, but I do not want them to work against each other.

But you are correct about the maca, it is a food, much like a turnip.  It is an adaptogen.

Thanks for your wisdom.

      

      

A: Hello, I understand you wish to take these herbs to enhance fertility.  Red Clover does contain phytoestrogens, among many other rich qualities.  It can not contain human estrogen.

I do not know if these two plants work against each other - this is a good question.  I do however still see Red Clover as wonderful for enhancing fertility, for qualities likely beyond just the phytoestrogens.  The article you mention promotes the use of soy for its isoflavones.  While I do not agree with the use of unfermented soy, Red Clover gives the same benefits of soy without the side effects we do not wish.  You can read a bit more about this in the article Phytoestrogens: Friend or Foe?

It is a bit confusing I know.  The article says Vitex increases progesterone.  However it is my belief and that of many others that it more directly supports hormone function so that we naturally increase the progesterone if that is needed in our system.  This may be the case with the statements of both maca and red clover. They support our system to do what is in our best interest.  In which case one would not counter the other, but moreso compliment each other.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

      

      

Q: Thanks, Karen!  Just wanted to let you know that Ken Johnson, of the website "therootof the matter", wrote me this about maca and red clover:

I don't know "precisely", but I can assure you there is no problem using both of them together.

Maca and red clover are both two of the most safe, harmless, and not needing to be worried about herbs going. Red clover is about the safest herb in existence. I would not think twice about using both of them.

                     

I have another question about red clover:  I ordered my red clover about a week and a half ago.  It should arrive tomorrow, but I am already one week into my new cycle.  I will be away from home for 3 nights this week.  I am considering waiting until I return home to start taking my red clover infusions.  When is the best time in the cycle to start taking red clover?  Is it a problem to start mid-cycle?

Thanks so much for all your help!

      

      

A: You can start and use Red Clover blossom infusions any time of your cycle.  Perhaps you have already started?  I am glad the words from Ken seem to reassure you.... enjoy!!

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

      

      

Q: Hi Karen!  Thank you so much for being patient with me and answering my many questions!  I started drinking red clover infusion on Sunday.  I have a few questions:  I have found that I prefer to warm my infusion in a cup in the microwave and add a little table sugar.  Is that somehow lessening the effectiveness of the infusion?  Also, is there a time limit as to how long the blossoms should stay in the water?  For now, I am only drinking one cup a day, but I am preparing 2 cups at a time.  If I strain one cup, should I strain the other cup for drinking the next day?  Or is it OK to let the blossoms stay in the infusion for several hours, even more than 24 hours?

Sorry for the questions...I just want to get the full benefit by doing it right!!!

Thanks again, and blessings to you!

      

      

A: I love my work!  Ask all the question you want :)  It does not matter what you do with the infusion once brewed.  If it is getting in your body all the benefit is there, whether you mix it with sugar, juice, soup, or your favorite cocktail!  Many of us do as you do and leave the herb in until we strain to drink, no worries.  I understand wanting to do it right.  You are doing great!!  And write any time.

blessings and love,
Karen Joy

      

      

Q: Hi Karen!  Just wanted to let you know that I took the red clover infusions from April through June (one cup a day), and yesterday I heard my new baby's heartbeat!!! I will be 12 weeks tomorrow.  My husband, our 8 year old son and I are all very happy.  I am a Christian, so I give God all the credit for this miracle, but I believe the red clover infusions definitely increased my fertility!  (I believe God created the red clover for our benefit, and he gave us wisdom to use it!)

I had lost my right fallopian tube 8 years ago when I had a c-section when my son was born.  But even more miraculous, I ovulated on my right side when I became pregnant!  The ultrasound tech confirmed this 5 weeks ago.  She said "are you sure you don't have a tube on the right side? "  She also said "That was one determined egg!"

Should we desire to become pregnant again, I will not hesitate to take red clover infusions again.  Any women I speak with about fertility, I will certainly recommend the red clover!

Please accept my thanks, and please let Susun know my thanks as well.  Thank you both for having knowledge and wisdom about herbs, and thanks for sharing it with women around the world!!!

God Bless.

      

      

A: This is wonderful!!!  Congratulations to you and your family!!  I agree the Earth is richly blessed, as are we with wisdom well beyond our own.  I will certainly share this with Susun.  I would love to hear how your pregnancy goes along.  I wish you a wonderful one and beautiful birth!

love and best blessings,
Karen Joy

      

      

Q: Hi again Karen!  I just wanted to update you on my pregnancy.

I am now 26 weeks.  This morning, I took the 3 hour glucose tolerance test.  I took the one hour test on Friday, and my blood sugar level was 185.  I will get the results of the 3 hour test tomorrow.  Even if I am not labeled as "gestational diabetic", it is evident that I need to take steps to better control my blood sugar.  Can you recommend a supplement that I could take that would help control blood sugar that is, of course, safe for my baby and me?  I do plan to make some diet modifications, but I would, of course, prefer not to take insulin injections.

Also, I do plan to breastfeed, as often as I can for as long as I can.  What supplement/herb could I take in the last weeks of pregnancy to help develop wonderfully rich breastmilk?  What should I take after delivery and throughout nursing?

I am so looking forward to holding my baby and nurturing my baby!  I feel him moving everyday!  My eight-year-old son actually felt the baby kick on Friday night...that was exciting!  And last night, my husband saw my stomach kind of vibrate when the baby kicked....he was in awe!!!

God Bless.

      

      

A: I know that excitement, I am so happy for you and your family!!

For me the best medicine for blood sugar levels is food - more protein rich foods, nutrient rich foods, smaller more evenly spaced more frequent meals, and a good solid start to the day.  Is this what you plan to do? 

In general, women nourishing themselves well will have enough breast milk for their babe.  For a list of galactagues to stimulate more milk, you can read this excerpt from Susun's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year.

lots of love,
Karen Joy

                                                      

Red Clover and Scarred Fallopian Tubes

Q: Hello do you think im takeing the right herb to help me with scar tissue? (im drinking red clover tea)

Thank You.

A: Hello!  Have you been drinking this since early January, last time we talked?  Red Clover blossom infusions are great to help your scarring.  I do not know the extent of the scarring, the skill of the surgeon doing the tubal reversal, or how long it was since you had this done.  So in many cases it has helped, I do not know how well it will help you.  It does take time however.  Are you still taking the vitex as well?

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

   

Fallopian Tube Scarring and Red Clover Blossom

A: Can I get some herbs for block fallopian tube with scar tissue, if so can u please help me with any information u have

   

   

Q: Here you can see a list of herbal suppliers.   And you can read about the use of Red Clover blossom infusions for those with fallopian tube scarring in this article on herbs for fertility.

Please let me know if I can help further.

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

Conception after "Blighted Ovum" Miscarriage

Q: I am 41 and just miscarried a "blighted ovum" at 12 weeks.  I went in to the dr. for my regular 9 week check up and she did an ultrasound. There was a sac but no baby.  I elected to go natural and walked around for 3 weeks before taking Blue Cohosh.  I needed to know that there was truly no hope.  Once my breasts were back to normal and I was no longer sick, I knew.  The miscarriage was AWFUL, painful and long!!!  Anyway, getting pg is not a problem for me.  This was my sixth pregnancy. I usually get pg the first time.  I need to know if there is ANYTHING I can do at my age to  prevent (if possible) another blighted ovum.  I lost another baby at 4 months when I was 37.  I have four healthy children and had no reason  to expect to be "high risk".  My dr. was even shocked and we really found no reason that I lost Ryan.  I thought "this time" I would not have to go through it again and I didn't....instead it was a blighted ovum.  I big on herbs and natural methods.  I'm questioning whether or not to attempt another pgy at my age....but I'm really "healthy as a horse" and have no problems other than the two losses I mentioned.

Thank you for your help!

   

   

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  If you are healthy as a horse, at 41 I see no reason for you not to try again.  Other than of course the pain this possibility brings.  As we get older our chances of conception and holding the pregnancy may decrease, but there are many into their 50s who are successful.  And there are many women in their early 40s with better chances of a healthy pregnancy than one in their early 20s.

I do not know of a particular herb that counters the chances of another blighted ovum, just the foods, lifestyle choices and herbs that can increase our chance of a healthy conception, pregnancy and birth.  You can read some in Susun's article Fertility After Forty.

I second the Red Clover blossom infusions, and once pregnant the Red Raspberry and Nettle leaf infusions.  I also highly value yoga, specific to pregnancy (like in Jeannine Parvati Baker's Prenatal Yoga), and the incredible power of positive thinking.  Like many things in life, misfortune may just happen, or it may happen for reasons we will never understand.  If you are willing to brave again the possible pain I fully support you in knowing the likely joy and going forward!!

Please let me know if I can help further in any way, anywhere along your journey.

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