Childbearing Year

Essiac While Breastfeeding

Q: Hello,
I can't get a straight answer from anyone on whether it is safe to take

turkey rhubarb
burdock
slippery elm
sheep sorrel

aka "Essiac tea"  while breastfeeding. I am currently undergoing all kinds of tests to see if I have ovarian cancer, or a benign growth, and would like to begin these herbs. Any advice or insights here would be so mostly appreciated!

Thank you, and be well!

A: I deeply apologize for such a late reply.  I have a handful of emails in my inbox I have been wanting to get to since injuring my hand and taking a typing break.  I am back now and look forward to speaking with you more as you wish.

Unfortunately I can not answer the question for you.   It is harmful as many things that combat cancer can be.  I imagine any who are nursing and dealing with cancer, or any strong health challenge, have a tough decision to make.  Besides, from my learning of herbs with Susun, I personally do not even recommend Essiac.  I instead favor her version, Wessiac, which may have been the original formula.  I highly value Burdock root and consider it nourishing for both mother and child.  I think slippery elm is great too, though imagine it was added to counter the effects of the turkey rhubarb.  I like to eat sheep sorrel, though do not know its use in this way.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
http://www.wisewomanweb.com

Conception After 40 and Seizure Disorder

Q: Dear Susun,

I have seen your article regarding childbirth after forty and plan to follow your advice. I thought I'd ask you a few questions specific to my situation to see if you have any other advice. 

I have recently had a yearning to have another child--I have two, five years old and almost 3. had no problem getting pregnant with them, though an earlier pregnancy was ectopic (they believe, never could find the baby on ultrasound--gave me methotrexate to expel any tissue remaining). I will be 44 in Dec but still feel very healthy and fit. My biggest vice of the past couple years has been 2 or 3 cups of coffee a day and I have for the past 6 months been working out vigorously. If I were indeed to start trying again, I would focus on doing all I can nutritionally to conceive a healthy child and would prob cut back a bit on the exercise. I will also take the herbs you recommend.

I have a seizure disorder and take one of the safest meds out there--lamotrigine. Both of my children are healthy and bright and I breastfed both--still am breastfeeding the almost 3 yr old once a day or so.

Question finally is, anything else you think I should take given my health issue (very well controlled--2 grand mal seizures with first pregnancy early on but forgot to take my meds, none with second and only one since bc of med lowering and other extenuating circumstances. I guess I am scared that I am "tempting fate" bc I already have 2 healthy children and worry my age will make another pregnancy more high risk somehow, though I look and feel young! My husband and myself would find a baby with challenges difficult to say the least, although I feel bad saying that. Any words of wisdom or advice for additional herbs to take? 

Thank you,

A: Any of us at any age take that risk. If you are wishing a child I encourage you to consider what is too much to handle, are they things that can be tested for early in  conception, and if you found specific issues what would you two choose at that point? Besides what Susun writes in the article I do not have further herbal suggestions to change your percentage risk. I imagine this is a hard decision, I wish I could help more.

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

Q: I am 44 and in good health and am trying to get pregnant--have tried for only 3 mos. My naturopath who I trust and think is a great doctor--after talking with me today at my visit, "prescribed" 1 tsp of phytoest diluted in water 2 times daily on day 1-14 of menstrual cycle and 1 tsp twice daily of phyto progest on day 15-28 of cycle along with prenatal vitamins, omega 3's, lunaception and something called pregnenolone, to help me conceive. Was wondering if those supplements (specifically the phytoest and phytoprogest by Wise Woman Herbals which is what he sold to me) IN YOUR OPINION make sense for someone looking to get pregnant at 44. I have no known issues with fertility and have a 3 and a five year old currently, although periods seem lighter than before (when younger) and I have some spotting before it starts which I don't recall Also my premenstrual symptoms-sore breasts, irritability, etc. seem to have gotten "lighter" for lack of better word. Cycles are usually somewhere between 28 and 33 days I know you can't diagnose, treat, etc. My children took 3 (1st) and 1 mos (2nd) respectively to conceive so I'm now over that timeline but I am older!!

as I said, I do trust him very much but just remembered I had emailed you and thought I'd ask.......... any info would be helpful

Thanks

A: Hello again!

First, I am curious about the pregnenolone, after reading here:

Due to its antagonistic effects on the GABA receptor in the central nervous system, pregnenolone therapy may be contraindicated in people with a history of seizures. Pregnenolone may inhibit drugs used to increase GABA activity (i.e., neurontin); these drugs are frequently used in the treatment of epilepsy and depression.

I do not see any harm at first glance with the herbs listed in the Wise Woman Herbal product, HOWEVER myself feel odd about using things that are so vague, besides I like one herb at a time. I do not see online if these are tinctures, oils, etc. and how the are used. I myself like to know what plant, how and when harvested, exactly how prepared, etc. before even deciding if safe or not. Those products are as foreign to me as a bottle of vitamin tablets.

So you ask me if it all makes sense for someone looking to get pregnant. It makes sense understanding how some think about it, yes. To me and my approach to health, no. Especially as I see nothing "wrong" needing "fixing" as it sounds you are wonderfully fertile and healthy, just older. And even if I did feel you needed assistance this would not be at all the route I would go.

HOWEVER, part of helping one along one's path is following intuition, whether it makes sense or not. It feels good sometimes to trust someone and add things to our life, whether they make sense or not. I hear you trust this person. That means a lot in my opinion :)

I am not sure if this helps or not. I am glad you asked, and am happy to share my opinion any time. As well I am very happy to support you on the path you choose for yourself, whether or not it is the one I would choose for myself. We are all unique. Besides I will be curious to hear how you are doing.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

An Ointment without Beeswax, for Breasts

Q: Hello Susun,

I am working with breastfeeding mothers and lately we are seeing more and more mothers with big gashes of opening on their nipple. They find that none of the ointments and cream work to help them heal. Other than helping them correct the latch I figured I can come up with an ointment for them.

I made for my family plantain ointment and we just love it. We use it on bruises, scraps, mosquito bites, even on the lips when my boys go outside during the cold winter months.

I have looked up how to make the ointment I also looked up to add calendula which can also help in the healing. My concern is the beeswax and these young babies. Do I need to worry about allergies? Can I use something else other than bees wax?

I would really appreciate any information you are willing to share and give me.

Warmly

 

A: This is an excellent question! I have never heard of concern of this, however myself tend to shy away from beeswax on skin for personal preference. So I use simply herbal oils, and sometimes prepare them in coconut oil for their ability to be more solid when cooler. Perhaps these are options for you?

Thank you for all you do for mothers!!!

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

 

Q: Thank you Karen for the suggestion of Coconut oil. Now I just need to figure out what amount I need in the olive oil and coconut oil. The plantain is now soaking olive oil.

Take care and thank you again.

 

A: I would use the same amount of herb to oil as I do for my olive oil infusions :)

Karen Joy

Herbs to Decrease Milk Production

Q: Hi,

I read the Wise Woman Herbal some time ago but I don't have it with me at this time and have a lactation question. I remember the book gave information about galactagogues but I don't remember if it gave information also about plants that discourage milk production. I'd appreciate it if you could help me with this. I know sage, parsley and peppermint are known to decrease milk supply but I'd like to make sure that whatever method or amount I use is safe for me and my child. My child is 3-years old. I've been trying to wean her for a year, gradually, but she resists the weaning and keeps nursing numerous times, day and night, every time she needs comfort or is tired or bored or wakes up. The weaning experiences a regression every time she's sick with a cold. It's hard to deny comfort to a sick child. I don't have huge amounts of milk, but since she breastfeeds so often, it seems that I always have milk. I think that given her age and stage of development it would help if milk was less available. I think she would understand that there is no milk more than other explanations that might make her feel rejected. Please let me know if Susun Weed has written anything on weaning and what would be the proper technique/herb dosage to use.

Thank you very much for your help.
d.

 

A: Hello D., yes Susun has written a bit about herbs to help decrease milk production in her Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. I too am away from my library until after the new year, and at that point I am happy to look at more details. I know Juliette de Bairacli Levy goes even into more depth on this. Not only the herbs to decrease production, but the foods to introduce while weaning your child, and even a suggested routine to follow.

I am a mom too and have talked with many as I struggled over the weaning. Many of us do. I know it seems easier to just get rid of the milk so they are forced off, since it hurts us to say no and watch our dear little one cry. Even if we can say "sorry, not my responsibility, the milk is gone" I believe they will know our resistance and desire to stop. It seems to that as we near our desire to wean our child they cling tighter. This then happens in later years as we near to enforcing a boundary of any sort as they test to be sure the boundary is there. As much as possible it is great if we can be firm in our boundary and let go of our guilt enough to stay present and loving with our child.

Sage is a great tried and true way to decrease milk. Used often enough, I do not believe it is harmful to the child in the amount she or he would receive. I have heard some use the tincture, and more often and what I favor is drinking the infusions of the dried leaves. Sip it through the day until you find an amount that has effect.

At three you can still talk with your child and be true and direct about what you want.

lots of love,
please do let me know if you would like me to type from the above mentioned books for further support,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Hello Joy -- Thank you very much for all your kind advice and sharing. You're very right about all those emotions both for mother and child during weaning. It seems particularly hard when the child already communicates and can clearly articulate what she wants and has the physical and cognitive development to ask for it and even go and get it. I have not wanted to wean her cold turkey and have waited to see if she weans herself, but she doesn't. I just want to be prepared and use herbal or other gentle aid when the moment comes that she seems more ready -- and I feel more ready -- to end breastfeeding.

Of course, I'd very much appreciate the additional herbal advice that you kindly offer. Thank you! 

Blessings,
d.

 

A: D., I do understand, I too had an image of my son weaning slowly on his own. And this happens for many so I do hope it is a wonderful gentle transition for you :)

I see mention of the sage tea or infusion in Susun's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, with no warning about consuming it while nursing.

Here are some excerpts from Juliette de Bairacli Levy's Nature's Children. She has a unique writing style. I love what she writes though do not personally agree with every choice. I love her passion. I trust you to find in there what feel appropriate for you and what not....

"Breast-feeding, when the mother is normally healthy and strong, is the easiest stage of child-rearing. But weaning can be difficult for mother and babe... With every new child the mother has to choose the time for beginning the weaning from her breast milk. There can be no fixed rule for this. The time factor differs with every individual child, and with the mother herself...."

"Weaning is a time of delicate mental adjustment for the child who could easily feel rebuffed and deprived. The new foods should be offered with enthusiasm and love, with care taken to ensure that the child enjoys them...."

"When true weaning begins, in order to slow the production of milk, the mother will cut down her consumption of liquids. She should take several charcoal tablets before meals and eat plenty of garden mint, also sorrel if it can be obtained. There are several kinds of sorrel and any will serve. The great reed (Arundo donax) is also credited with possessing powers which inhibit secretion of milk. The white inner pith is chewed, about a teaspoon, several times daily. Drinks of comon salt in water are also taken by the mother. Vinegar in which caraway seeds have been soaked for approximately ten days is applied to the chest and breast, using a flannel soaked in the lotion, and binding into place at night for seven nights in succession.... Next, begin to omit one breast-feed every seven days; give the infant cow's or goat's milk, warmed to moderate heat (but never boiled), and fed by the cup and teaspoon. If the milk has been pasteurized, then it should be fortified by adding some "strong water" made from soaking rolled oats overnight in tepid water to cover, then pressing out the liquid the following morning and adding a table spoon of honey [not if under a year old].... After three weeks of this slow weaning treatment, it is time for complete weaning. Fix some food such as "Slippery Elm Gruel" [recipe in book] twice daily, at midday and in the evening. Follow it with some mashed raw fruit... or offer finely grated vegetables such as carrots....Frequent drinks of water (or herbal teas), as advised for the breast-fed infant, are especially important for the weaning infant. On waking, let the child have a drink of lemon water...or add the lemon juice to barley water...."

It appears to me this is designed for the younger child weaning as she goes on to say by 18 months the child should be completely weaned. She lived with gypsies, so her ideas are tailored to this lifestyle. She favors vegetarianism, raw fresh milk, and raw foods. Perhaps something of what she writes will be a support :)

lots of love, write any time, for more ideas, discuss options, or just caring from anther mother, Karen Joy

Hypericum Tincture while Nursing

Q: Good morning,

I have a question about St. John's Wort tincture and I couldn't find an answer on the Web sites. I was wondering if it is safe to use the tincture while breastfeeding.

Any advice/recommendations you could share with me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and have a good day,
A.

 

A: Hello again A.!

I have not heard of contraindications for Hypericum tincture taken while nursing. I have used it periodically over the years while nursing, and have seen no ill effects that I know of.

Doing a quick websearch, I found most often "no contraindications" and occasionally "not recommended for pregnant and lactating women" but those with no explanation, so I read it as the generic statement put on most herbs. This website of a well-respected scientific herbal journal, HerbalGram, specifically says no contraindication for pregnancy and lactation.

I think answers to questions like these are not black and white, so we need to look inside. I personally do not feel concern with my occasional use of this wonderful herb, and my nursing son.

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

 

Q: Karen, Thank you so much, again, for sharing your knowledge with me. I have received the course description and I am considering registering for the Green Witch course...or attending the intensive course next summer.

Blessings, A.

 

A: You are so welcome A.

How exciting you may have chosen a correspondence course! That or the intensive are both wonderful choices in my opinion... you can even do both.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

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

Fertility Herbs while Breastfeeding

Q: Hello there,

I read with great interest your article on StorkNet.com titled, Fertility After Forty, as I am now 40 and hoping to conceive my second child soon. An "amateur herbalist" friend of mine had recommended red clover to help boost fertility, and also dandelion for premenstrual water retention. After purchasing both of these herbs, I had second thoughts and have never used them. My concern is that I am still nursing my 2-year-old daughter and I can't find any information on whether these herbs are "safe" while breastfeeding. She only nurses mornings & evenings, so I could take them after she nurses if that would help minimize the effects to her.

My second question is about comfrey leaves. I've found "comfrey leaves" and comfrey root at my favorite local herb stores, but they are both the Symphytum officinale and not the S. uplandica that you recommend in your article. I've found S. uplandicum (labeled as Russian comfrey) leaves available online, but it says to not use while pregnant.

Can you shed any light on these issues for me? Many thanks!
S.

 

A: Hello S., I understand your concerns. Regarding the comfrey, I believe I have heard Susun say that what you buy through most herbal suppliers is trully the cultivated comfrey she says is safe, even though it is labeled S. officinale. As far as the warning on the internet, this is placed on most herbs. You need to choose which sources you trust because you will find conflicting advice... even amongst those you trust.

Dandelion as a food, or the root tincture, tea, or vinegar is safe for you while nursing little ones. In fact in Susun's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, she recommends you ingest it as well as give it to your newborn when dealing with jaundice, with no warning of a limit to how much.

Red Clover blossom infusions I understand to be a wonderful galactagogue, meaning they help increase the quantity and quality of your milk. Therefore are actually recommended for nursing mothers :)

Please let me know if I can help further!

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

 

Q: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer! Since writing, I decided to pick up a copy of Susun's book but haven't had a chance to read much. I'm glad to know that the comfrey I can get at my local market is the "safe" kind. Thanks again!
S.

 

A: You are welcome S., enjoy!!

write any time :)
Karen Joy

Herbal Abortion while Nursing

Q: Susun: I have a 9 month old baby and had not a period until last month (January). It was very spotty. I' ve heard there is no normal first period after birth and several women in town said they had the same spotty peroid for their first after giving birth. I've had several cravings as I did when I was pregnant the first time so my husband and I are a little concerned that we may be pregnant again and we don't want to be. I was given one of your books, Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, but the pages about herbal birth control were ripped out, so I ordered your books Wise Woman Herbal Series, and then saw the excerpts online. Your book may go into this, but until they arrive my husband and I had a few questions. In the case that I am pregnant and I do any of the suggested herbal remedies, if they don't work will there be any harm done to the fetus? Also, I am still breastfeeding and I wanted to know, is there a method I shouldn't do while I am breastfeeding? I know you are a busy woman, but I would appreciate a response. Thank you, A.

 

A: Hello A., thank you for writing. Susun does not have internet in her home so is not able to correspond through email. I am glad you have one, and maybe soon, all of her books. I am also glad you found the ripped out section on our websites. I assume this is the section you are talking about: Wise Woman Birth Control?

If I understand you correctly you are concerned you may be pregnant and do not wish to be. So you would like to try the herbs mentioned in the article/book to end a pregnancy? Is this right? You are nursing now too? And you have not and do not intend to take a pregnancy test to determine first if you are pregnant? Is all this true?

About potential harm to the fetus, anything you do to attempt to abort will harm it, possibly in small enough ways to be able to heal simply, but possibly in more serious ways. In any case the energy and intention will likely have some effect. I know someone who was concerned about being pregnant so took rutin from ovulation to menstruation date. When menstruation did not come she did large doses of vitamin C hoping to induce the menstruation. This did not work and she eventually went for a checkup and found the fetus was weeks larger than was possible. This signaled possible molar pregnancy. She aborted, and I think likely the intention and supplements are what did the abnormal damage and wonder what would have happened then if she had not gone through with the medical abortion.

It is always your choice of course, but I believe if one wants to abort, it is best to be willing to follow through with a medical abortion if the herbal abortion does not work. If the latter does not work there is possible damage to the baby, that may not even be detected until later.

For the future, if you don't already practice some kind of pregnancy protection, perhaps you would be interested to explore Fertility Awareness using temperature, charting, cervical fluid and cervical position to help you determine if you are ovulating and when.

Regarding these herbs and nursing, my first thought would be concern that if you are taking them at a dose to affect a child growing inside you have the potential to affect the child you are nursing. I do not know for sure however and this would be specific to what herb you choose.

I realize you sent this 4 days ago, and wonder if you have already made some decisions, and if there is anything further I can help with. We are happy to help in any way we can. I would also like to invite you to our online forum where people from around the world come to share life experiences and questions. You are welcome to read and/or post at our "Wise Woman Birth Control" section (or any other of course :)) to help you sort through your choices and wants.

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

Herbal Infusions for Toddlers

Q: Good afternoon, I was wondering if it would be safe to give herbal infusion to children (my baby is 14 months) instead of just water? My paediatrician has told me not to give water to my son anymore because according to him, he was not gaining enough weight and he pointed the finger at my breastmilk saying that it wasn't rich enough. I didn't not follow his advice to discontinue breastfeeding. I am still breastfeeding him, and during the day he gets organic cow milk. Unfortunately, he doesn't drink cow milk that much and I was wondering if I could give him an herbal infusion that would supply some calcium, iron (he was iron deficient and has been taking supplement for the past 3 months. We are waiting for blood test results to see if we can stop the supplement) and vitamins.

Thank you for your help with this,

Blessing, A.

 

A: Hello A., absolutely you may give your children nourishing herbal infusions such as Nettle leaf, Red Raspberry leaf, Red Clover blossom, and Oatstraw! Do you believe your breastmilk is somehow lacking? Do you feel your child is somehow unhealthy or underweight? I encourage you to explore for yourself the truth about the situation. All children are unique, and how a child raised on breastmilk develops is different not only from other children raise on their mother's milk, but from children raised on formula and on wholly different foods from what you may be raising your child on. I know I am not alone in my passion when I hear someone's opinion that children are healthier with supplements than their mother's milk. Though this is possibly true in some extremely rare cases, I imagine most often it is not. If you are interested you may wish to explore some resources like our online forum or The Compleat Mother. Even if not, I am so glad you would like to nourish your child with infusions. You will increase the nutrition he receives, and this may help you feel confident enough to follow what you would most like for his life. Let me know if I can help any further!

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

3rd Trimester and Post-Partum Preparations

Q: hi, i am almost into my third trimester with my second daughter. i am looking for the belly balm you have, someone gave me a jar during my first child and i cannot find it even the health food store in town does not have it. can i purchase it directly from you? .... i also would be interested in any tinctures to help with the last bit of my pregnancy, i feel low on minerals and calcium(i know this is when the leg cramps can start). and anything to take to help with postpartum depression...anything i can start taking before. and also any thing for lactation. quite a list but i do like your products and information, one day i will make it to a workshop! thank you, n.

 

A: Hello N., thank you for writing. Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Susun does not make products to sell. She teaches us how to make our own creations. What belly balm are you speaking of? I hear you have a lot of concerns. Do you have or have access to Susun's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year? It will have many answers to your questions. I am away from my books right now so am not able to type anything out for you. Are you familiar with infusions? You can read about how to make infusions. Here are my recommendations from my own pregnancy, working with Susun's books and speaking with other pregnant women over the years...

I personally find the simpler the better. For a belly balm I used a good olive oil put on every time I bathed before I dried off. I did not get ANY stretchmarks on my belly. I DID get stretch marks on the areas I didn't think of :( - my thighs and under my breasts. So I encourage you to put it on there too. I also, every time I bathed, put this same oil on my perineum. I had NO tears, and my son was nearly 9 pounds.

My favorite infusions for a pregnant woman are Red Raspberry and Nettle leaf. We have a list of herbal suppliers in our links directory. Meantime you can purchase in small amounts at the local health food stores.

I hear your concern of low minerals. It is very understandable. Tinctures deliver mostly alkaloids. Minerals can be found in your nutritious easy to digest foods, herbal vinegars, and infusions. Anything that helps you improve your digestion too will help you make best use of the minerals you do ingest. Nettle leaf infusions are very mineral rich, so are Comfrey leaf infusions. Comfrey too will help healing any tears you may have through birth. Stocking up on minerals now will go a long way in helping ease the post-partum adjustments. Continue all that you do now that feels nourishing to you, even after the babe is born. The mineral rich additions will ALSO help benefit your milk production. Again the comfrey leaf infusions help.

Here are a few articles you may find helpful for now:

Herbs for Pregnancy - Talks about the two infusion herbs I first mentioned as well as calcium.

Parts one and two on breastfeeding concerns - Most of it is for use later, but starts out with info on increasing breast milk.

Minerals - Written for menopausal women, but just as applicable to you :)

And one on Nutrition

Depressed? Wise Woman Ways to offer a Helping Hand - Just in case, though I think both this being your second pregnancy and you adding nourishing mineral rich additions to your diet will go a long way to help you!

Please let me know if I can help further, explain anything in more depth or answer any more questions. If you are not able to get a hold of that book and would like me to look something up in it, I am very happy to :) I would love to hear how you are doing and how your pregnancy and birth go, if I don't hear from you sooner!

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