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

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 During Pregnancy

Q: Hello,

I have been taking red clover dried blossoms as an infusion tea a few times a day. I may be pregnant and am wondering whether it is safe or recommended to take during pregnancy. I have had 2 miscarriages this year, so I want to be safe (I am forty years old and have a 2 year old daughter). Thanks so much for your time.

A: I do not know that Red Clover would support a miscarriage. It is certainly not used to help one who intends to miscarry. For the general population, if using it to help conceive, I would encourage one to keep drinking the blossom infusion until you are sure you have conceived, then gradually switch over to Red Raspberry leaf and Nettle infusions. However, if you have concern I would prefer you make the decision. If you miscarry you may think it was the Red Clover. And each knows her body more intimately than someone else. I personally see this herb as wonderfully nourishing, and later nourishing to your abundant breast milk as well :)

Please let me know if I can help further. I hear you wish to be pregnant and so I wish a blessed pregnancy and child for you too :)

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

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

 

Pregnancy, Red Raspberry and Nettle

Q: Dear Susun,

I'm 4 weeks pregnant and i'm very excited!!! I want to take red raspberry and alternate it with nettles, is that ok ? I want to prevent any chance of miscarriage. Is red raspberry ok to use in my 1st trimester? thank you so much for your time.

 

A: Congratulations!!  Yes, these are two wonderful infusions to drink through your pregnancy.  Red Raspberry is superb especially in the first trimester, and especially for those dealing with nausea.  Nettle is especially superb for the last trimester for its vitamin K content.  And, yes, do please alternate both through your whole pregnancy, do a little more of one or the other as your cravings dictate. :)
Please let me know if I can help further!

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

Nourishing and Letting Go

Q: Hello angel Karen Joy,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me.

Also I have gone ahead and ordered Susun's Books - Menopausal, HealingWise, Childbearing Year; and Natural
Children and I am really excited to get reading.

I also have joined the wonderful forum.

Since you have asked me to go ahead and ask questions, I am going to. It seems that I need
to be told a few times before I get it, but here goes.

This is my plan for a successful pregnancy, Please advise okay.

(1) Drink my nourishing herbs. Red Raspberry Leaf, and Nettle.

(2) Drink Red Clover also as from my deduction it is a good fertility enhancer and a good
hormone balancer.

I honestly think I am not able to keep the baby because of my hormones level.

So my question to you is Red Clover the way to go until I want to conceive for balancing
both the estrogen and progesterone? Or do you think something else.

I don't want to have to beg to my doctor for a cortisone shot. He'll probably just
say no, and my time is ticking. I have read the Wild Yam, but wouldn't Red Clover
be enough.

Also hear goes, I am still lactating and I read in one of the postings that it affects
hormones and words on that.

Thanks Karen Joy.

Love and Light

PS (I had to laugh at the name GreenTit, my gosh so many like minded people out there,
I must be living under a rock)

 

A: Yes, I saw your book order, wonderful!! So glad to have you at the forum.

Based on what I have learned up to this point, I would strongly encourage you to nourish yourself in all ways that you know, including food, rest, time, friends, solitude, etc., as well as explore any (if any) emotional resistance to becoming pregnant.

From what I have learned I encourage you to nourish yourself with infusions just as you mention below. Absolutely to Nettles and Red Raspberry, regardless of what you choose with the doctor. My personal vote is to try this way for some time that you feel comfortable before considering more invasive options. I must stress from what I know at this point, since I am not thoroughly versed in possible biological more serious concerns in this situation.

I am gathering from our brief interaction, that these nourishing infusions, plus the Vitex perhaps may go far to help you. I also think Red Clover blossom infusions may be wonderful for you. I nurse and have not come to believe over the years that this has been in any way a problem for me. I do not drink this every day, though, just about once a week. on average.

Does this answer all? I suppose basically in the end it is up to you what you choose; not being you I can only make suggestions. I hear your passion and determination.

Hormone levels that can be quantified are not the end all. Your passion and focus go far. Inviting nourishing ways into your life goes far too. And maybe at some point we can research and decide and take action and want and desire, but in the end I wonder if we are best to let go, while continuing our ways, but ultimately allow what is to happen simply happen. I want for you all that you desire!!! And yes, still you may ask all that you want to!

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

 

Q: Dearest Dear Karen Joy,

You are so wise. And you have a wonderful way of speaking or writing to people. So very gentle and elequont.

Thank you for all your words Karen Joy. I will let go and let God. I have a personality of taking the bull by its horns and I sometimes get in my own way but I know my pregnacies weren't meant to be at this point in my life.

I just want to make sure that my body is functioning better then my previous tries. I never
once considered inviting herbs into my regime though...and have to say I feel so blessed to have been
led this way.

I once again have to say "Sister Nettle" makes me feel so wonderful, and same with Red Rasberry. I am
alternating them though. And as far as Red Clover thank you for some ideas. Do you mean you
limit Red Clover once a week or all infusions? I'm addicted to my infusions now Karen Joy
because they make me feel good.

Once again God Bless you.

 

A: I am so glad you have enjoyed our interaction; I have too. Yes, it does sound like Nettle and Red Raspberry are wonderful herbs for you. And I agree to take the approach of nourishng our selves so we are "functioning better" THEN allowing what is to happen to do so. I don't limit any of my infusions, I simply don't seem to crave the Red Clover as often. Please do let us know how things go!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Watercress in First Trimester?

Q: Hope you are having a wonderful day. I have a question for you. I have been pregnant for about a week. I have read your book, Herbal for the Childbearing Year several times and was wondering about Watercress. I have been taking this Iron Tonic tincture mixture .... The tincture has Nettle leaf, Yellow dock root, Watercress leaf, Spirulina, Burdock root, Dandylion root, Kelp and Lambsquarter's leaf. My body has been loving this tonic as I have been a little deficient in iron. I have had four miscarriages in the past for various reasons and wondered if this tonic was safe to continue taking during pregnancy. I have been taking it twice to three times a day (It says 2-4x day) this past week. It has Watercress in it and in your book you state to be aware of Watercress during the first trimester. Could you let me know what you think? I know that with alot of mixtures, the herbs and their qualities balance eachother out. Obviously, I do not want to take anything that will increase my risk. Any information would be helpful. Thank you so very much and thank you for all of your wisdom!

 

A: Hello, I am not sure if the small amount of parts of watercress (as can be extracted in a tincture) can do the harm she warns of. Susun does not have internet to be able to correspond through email and answer you direct.

Did you have the miscarriages before taking this tincture? Do you know reasons for the miscarriages? I would first focus on caring for whatever needs you have for carrying the conception to term. Then if you do feel concern, perhaps you can ask for a tincture without the watercress. I hear the iron is very valuable to you! Perhaps there is a simpler form she or someone else offers, or you can make, that gives you what you need while eliminating the herb of concern, at least through the first trimester. Watercress is actually mentioned elsewhere in the book for a pregnant woman's iron needs.

I would also love to invite you to our Wise Woman Forum and Email Discussion Group for more ideas and support. If the source is who I think it is, she participates in the forum regularly. Even if not, if you feel such great benefit from this herbalist's preparation, I encourage you to also inquire her opinion on the matter :)

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

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

Carob Safe for a Pregnant Woman

Q: I am trying to become pregnant and want to know if carob is safe. I found a website that talked about ancient Egyptian practices using carob to cause abortion. Do you know the validity of this?

 

A: Hello, I have not heard of this, though this does not mean it is not valid. In fact, it is recommended as a good source of calcium for pregnant women in this article by Susun Weed: Herbal Allies for Pregnancy. I would guess that if carob was used to abort a pregnancy, large amounts would be used, so much larger than any of us consume to snack. To be more sure, if you would like, you may post this question on our online international forum. Being pregnant there are many things that in moderation are fine, but can harm the pregnancy if taken in large unnatural doses. I would just watch to see how you feel, though in the absence of ever hearing concern before, I would guess that food amounts are fine. Doing a quick web search, I only see recommendations for carob as a snack that is rich in calcium, so needed for a pregnant woman :)

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