Healing Wise

THC use for Cancer

Q: Hi Susun.

My mother has undergone brain cancer tumor surgery just recently and the steroids she is on are the only thing helping her ... when they ran out last week she stopped eating completely ..which is what happened a couple of weeks after the surgery.. I'm wondering how long they'll be able to keep her on the steroids as I know Karen Joy had concerns about those ? She has access to straight THC powder and I was hoping you would know the amount to use daily for her. She had two angioplast surgeries in the past and I know that her heart rate might increase with the use of marijuana. So if you have any idea or a doctor who could tell us. Please, because shortly they will have to stop using the medicine and I'm afraid that that will be her demise. Thanks in advance
... We are in BC Canada ...

 

A: Hello, Susun does not have internet. Justine and I answer emails for this reason. This time of year Susun takes off of her free phone consultation night to be able to focus on home and writing books. I am sorry she can not answer for you. Did you try the forum or email group I have mentioned? In the book i mentioned, Susun writes about smoking marijuana as the best way...

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

 

Q: Hi there,
If I had the cancer .. no problem , i smoke it daily to ward off anything i might have lurking ? Being 49 and my mom's first lung operation was when she was around 52 i think ? You can see my health worries? But she has had two lobes removed and doesn't smoke ? So I thought the straight THC power which she can attain easily where they live...could be of a big help. I have sent them pages of emails from forums that show how THC will help ... not sure if they'll listen as they think because i smoke it ... i must be crazy ? They are in their 80's so it's hard to change. I'm just hoping she'll keep eating once they remove the steroids out of her daily diet. My dad thinks she's okay because when she's on them she's able to do things. But they are really damaging so I'm not sure what's going to happen next . I've actually had quite a problem relating this info to them ? My 55 year old brother is also against marijuana and has been all of MY life....disregarding any good that I can do ...he has put me down but went on drinking and driving etc ? So I will hope to hear good things from somewhere. If you get any info on the amount to put in a gel cap ( straight power form) please do let us know so I can at least try it when or if the time comes they allow me to care for her. I'm suppose to be the person who gets that job when my dad can't do it? NOt sure if that will happen now. Thanks anyways and do keep in touch.

 

A: In Breast Cancer? Breast Health! Susun writes: "Isn't smoking bad for the lungs? No. Smoking herbs from a pipe is a traditional medicinal treatment to open the bronchi and warm and tone lung tissues. Unless you're allergic to all smoke, your respiratory system will appreciate an occasional gentle 'smoking.'" When helping others we often have to learn about them and work from there. The leap from where they are in life to what WE might do if in the same situation may be too big to be worth taking when life is tenuous enough already. Perhaps knowing more of what they are comfortable with you can choose from a list of choices what might best help. It is not just about what option we use, but how we work with those we care about to help them feel safe, knowing we value their comfort levels.

Love and Blessings,
Karen Joy

Sore Breasts

Q: Hi.. I was reading your entry about cystic breasts and that you have many remedies..

I have had horrible cystic breasts all my life.. Now 42..
Over the past months.. Instead of being swollen and cystic just a week or 10 days BEFORE my period.
They are now incredibly swollen and painful for 3 weeks of the month.
????

I can not figure out why... I am hypothyroid and take T3 & T4 for it and have for years.

I have tried edgar casey’s castor oil packs in the past.. As well as homeopathic remedies.. Which have seemed the best to rid of them..
But now that they are over a size larger just from the swelling, I am in so much discomfort I am looking for more help.

Can you recommend anything that you have found to be helpful..
I don’t drink coffee.. I do eat chocolate(oops)

Many thanks!

 

A: Have you tried any of the ideas in this article on PMS, specifically relieving sore breasts:

~20-30 drops of the tincture of cleavers, another common weed, works wonders. This plant, also called "goose grass" was used as a black tea substitute by the colonists. The dose may be repeated every hour or up to 6 times a day.

~ Women who get a lot of calcium and magnesium from their diet (leafy greens, yogurt, and many herbs are rich in these minerals) have less breast tenderness. Increase the minerals in your diet with a cup or more of red clover/mint infusion daily.

~ Large cabbage leaves, steamed whole until soft, and applied as warm as tolerable, can be used as a soothing compress on breasts which are sore and swollen.

And please let me know if I can help further as you explore your options. I am always available through email.

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

 

Q: Karen
Thanks so much for your email, and helpful ideas..

My acupuncturist mentioned something about cabbage leaves which is why I was searching your site.. Thanks for the how too.
Does this reduce the water retension, or just ease the pain, do you know?

Also.. The link to being magnesium or calcium is very interesting.. I was told I was magnesium deficient in the fall.. So I’ll get right on that red clover/mint infusion. I am not quite sure of “infusion”.. If I get red clover tea and mint tea and steep it, is that what you mean?

Thanks so much karen.. And happy fourth!

Best.

 

A: I do believe the cabbage actually reduces some of the water retention as it is not a pain killer. Yes it is amazing how many women benefit simply for increased magnesium. An infusion differs from a tea in how much herb is used and how long it is steeped. You may use tea bags, but will have to use enough to equal on ounce of herb per quart jar you are filling. I use an ounce of Red Clover blossoms (I do not use tea bags though since I can not see the quality of the herb), and complement this with a nice pinch (or perhaps a tea bag) of dried mint. I pour boiling water over to the top of the quart jar, cover and let sit on my counter for at least 4 hours, sometimes overnight, then strain and drink.

Write any time!! I am happy to answer questions, and always enjoy hearing how you are doing, what is working or not...

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Q: Karen.
Thanks SO much.. It is so wonderful for finally get some help for this.. My western docs seem so unable to me. Actually I have been trying to find a doctor who will actually work with my alternative approaches but this seems so hard to find. Upsetting, as my acupuncturist and homeopath have helped me with so much, it is upsetting to not be able to find a doc to work with them. ( note I am in boston, so if you have heard or know of a great doctor, I would love to know his/her name)

Ok.. Back to breasts! Hahah
I was introduced to a woman named Joanne Larsen, who teaches at the Bancroft School in Worcester MA. She has written a book on Self Breast Massage.. she called me on Friday and was just so fascinating all her knowledge. She told me that like the foot/reflexology, that the breast also represents every part of the body, and the nipple specifically to the glands. And to try doing the self breast massages.

With regard to the magnesium.. I am thrilled that that is so helpful. And when you say to take the Red Clover blossoms in an infusion, is that because that is stocked with magnesium? Or should I be or also be taking magnesium pills.

Thanks so much.. I can’t tell you how helpful it is to have someone who is not only able to listen.. But also have so much great help, advice and support! Perhaps that is the best medicine in itself.

Thanks so much karen.

Best..

 

A: I so much agree with you!

I can’t tell you how helpful it is to have someone who is not only able to listen.. But also have so much great help, advice and support! Perhaps that is the best medicine in itself.

This medicine can not be overlooked!! Have you ever read Susun Weed's Seven Medicines? You may enjoy it :)

Red Clover and Mint are mineral rich, specifically calcium and magnesium. I personally prefer food sources of minerals and vitamins. Some other mineral rich herbs and foods are:

Foods - leafy greens, seaweeds, nuts, whole grains, yogurt, cheese, potatoes, corn, peas, squash, beans, figs

Herbs - Oatstraw, licorice, kelp, nettle, dulse, burdock root, chickweed, althea root, horsetail, sage, saspberry leaf, red clover, valerian, yellow dock, dandelion greens, carrot tops, pastley leaf, evening primrose

These I get from Susun's New Menopausal Years book. Susun also mentions that some things that deplete magnesium are - hot flashes, night sweats, crying jags, alcohol, chemical diuretics, enemas, antibiotics, "soft" water, excessive fat intake.

Breast self massage - so lovely! I think all women should learn it, perhaps even a part of health classes for teenage girls.

lots of love,
as always write any time,
Karen Joy

Lichen Sclerosis

Q: Hi, I was wondering if I can get the information on treating Lichen Sclerosus in the vulva. Supposedly it's a condition I'll have to live with the rest of my life but I don't want it to get worse and the only treatment I can get from the medical system is a cortisone cream.

Thanks for what info you can send.

 

A: Hello, I am glad you wrote. I would not accept it is something you will have to live with all your life. My research shows at this point it is a label for a set of symptoms with no known clear causes as far as the MDs are concerned. In this case, as others like it, I hear doctors prescribe some drug and say accept it will always be there and this will only be temporary help. Perhaps the case is different for you. Aside from the label given can you describe what you are experiencing, when and how long? Also did the person who diagnosed it offer a cause and explanation why he or she thinks you will have it for life?

A wonderful nourishing herb for those with skin conditions, especially the "mysterious" ones, is deep digging burdock root. The root tincture is what is used, 1-4 dropperfuls drunk in water a day. Similarly, the roots of Dandelion and Yellow Dock help some women.

If you are postmenopausal, Motherwort tincture, 25 drops in water drunk each morning, can help bring moisture and thickness to the vaginal walls.

Topically, you could try some herb infused oils. Again which herbs are best will be for you to explore. Plantain leaf oil is soothing for most, as is Calendula flower oil. Comfrey root oil is healing to damaged tissues.

Cortisone cream is the common response by doctors to relieve symptoms, which it can do successfully, but does nothing to nourish the health of the tissue. Long term it has its own irritating effects, like thinning tissues.

Comfrey leaves can be prepared as infusions and drunk to support skin health and elasticity. The infusions can also be used topically on the skin, daily as a sitz bath if vaginal or anal tissues are involved. You may wish to try this before the oils. Or if using the oils, do so with breaks in between so air can get to your skin.

The above suggestions take steps not only to help soothe the discomfort, but add to long-term nourishment of the tissues to keep this from returning.

A final thought involves your diet and digestive health. It has been found that some dry itchy heated skin conditions respond well to increased good quality fats in the diet, and for some an increase in water. But the latter without the former may not be enough. There is also speculation that lichen sclerosis is an autoimmune response. Some have found that many autoimmune conditions abate when digestive health is increased. This can be done with the root tinctures mentioned above - burdock, yellow dock or dandelion - and yogurt or other fermented foods to help increase gut flora.

Simply, focus on the skin's overall health and all that supports it, internally, externally, with thoughts, actions, exercise, and fresh air and sun.

I am happy to dialogue with you further on it, please let me know how I can help.

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

 

Q: Hi Karen,

your reply was warming (and informative), also your prompt response was much appreciated,
thanks.

[response in below, with earlier note in italics]

Hello, I am glad you wrote. I would not accept it is something you will have to live with all your life.
Good to hear.

My research shows at this point it is a label for a set of symptoms with no known clear causes as far as the MDs are concerned. In this case, as others like it, I hear doctors prescribe some drug and say accept it will always be there and this will only be temporary help. Perhaps the case is different for you. Aside from the label given can you describe what you are experiencing, when and how long?
The short version is that for health reasons I was on a serious cleanse (Gerson) which included doing 4-8 enemas a day. I did this for about a year ( I know that many enemas and for so long isn't my best option), unfortunately about 90% of the time fecal water from the enemas would get into my vulva. The specialist say that isn't the cause of my Lichen Sc. but I disagree. About a few months after I started the enemas I started to get some itching in my vulva area. The gyno couldn't see anything so told me to do the basic stuff (cotton undies, mild soap...), about 6 months after that she finally started to see growth so she put me on the steroid, and told me what I most likely have. I saw a different gyno who took a biopsy and confirmed I had Lichen Sc.

It's now about 2 years since the itching first started, once the bacteria builds (on a daily basis) sometimes my skin acts up. My natural skin color was brown since the disease it's now pink (fortunately there is still some brown area where there wasn't an itching problem). About 1/2 and 1/2 coloring, the itching was around the inner lips and the clitoris. My inner lips look smaller than they use to be and every time I see or feel them they are always swollen. The itching is now mild and periodic, before it was severe and often. I change my underwear 2-3 times a day and rince 1-2 times a day, both those actions help keep the itching at bay. I believe sexual friction exasperates the itching (but I'm not sure as I haven't been sexual for a couple of years)

Also did the person who diagnosed it offer a cause and explanation why he or she thinks you will have it for life?
No, the specialist (gyno at the woman's health clinic, the people are very good there but are traditional) basically just said the way to manage the symptoms is to apply the cream often (gave more detailed instructions) until symptoms go away, then for the rest of my life, 2 times a week apply a small pea size quantity, and have a yearly check up. In doing so it will cause the deterioration/damage to stop, and keep my vulva skin functioning well, that has been their experience. Everyone else is saying the cream will cause thinning of the skin and by the time I'm 60 my vulva will look and feel like it's 80 or 90.

A wonderful nourishing herb for those with skin conditions, especially the "mysterious" ones, is deep digging burdock root. The root tincture is what is used, 1-4 dropperfuls drunk in water a day. Similarly, the roots of Dandelion and Yellow Dock help some women.
I might hold off on the burdock root as it seems that when I eat it it upsets my digestive system and my vulva sometimes itches a little for a very short period of time. I have dandelion tincture I will start using that

If you are postmenopausal, Motherwort tincture, 25 drops in water drunk each morning, can help bring moisture and thickness to the vaginal walls.
No not yet, but lack of moisture in my body is one long term complaints-my body is very dry and has been for 15 years. I believe it's due to a digestive problem

Topically, you could try some herb infused oils. Again which herbs are best will be for you to explore. Plantain leaf oil is soothing for most, as is Calendula flower oil. Comfrey root oil is healing to damaged tissues.
I will experiment

Cortisone cream is the common response by doctors to relieve symptoms, which it can do successfully, but does nothing to nourish the health of the tissue. Long term it has its own irritating effects, like thinning tissues.

Comfrey leaves can be prepared as infusions and drunk to support skin health and elasticity. The infusions can also be used topically on the skin, daily as a sitz bath if vaginal or anal tissues are involved. You may wish to try this before the oils. Or if using the oils, do so with breaks in between so air can get to your skin.
Good to know. How about sunlight, will periodically exposing my vulva for short periods of sunlight help. I tried it a few times it felt good, but doesn't mean it is in my best interest. I will be by myself for 5 months in the middle of the woods, with a restriction on my water use, so cleaning well and frequent sitz baths is/will be challenging.

The above suggestions take steps not only to help soothe the discomfort, but add to long-term nourishment of the tissues to keep this from returning.

A final thought involves your diet and digestive health. It has been found that some dry itchy heated skin conditions respond well to increased good quality fats in the diet, and for some an increase in water. But the latter without the former may not be enough. There is also speculation that lichen sclerosis is an autoimmune response. Some have found that many autoimmune conditions abate when digestive health is increased. This can be done with the root tinctures mentioned above - burdock, yellow dock or dandelion - and yogurt or other fermented foods to help increase gut flora.
I am working on my digestive problems. I also have a sluggish liver and I am starting to take some pills that seem to be helping ( I believe they are helping because my body bloating seems to be abating).

Simply, focus on the skin's overall health and all that supports it, internally, externally, with thoughts, actions, exercise, and fresh air and sun.

I am happy to dialogue with you further on it, please let me know how I can help.
Thanks again, and blessings to you.

 

A: You are welcome, write any time....

Yes, with the damage you did to your intestines there must be great damage to your intestinal flora. And if you feel you had digestive problems before this, it likely only got worse. An imbalance can cause overgrowth, as well, I agree with you fecal water in your vagina will cause problem, and daily for a year! Yes, please please do take Dandelion root tincture, 10-20 drops in water with each meal or about 3 times a day. And please please be kind to your digestive system function and allow it a rest. Nourish with probiotics and yogurt if possible. The Dandelion tincture can help with digestion, therefore important absorption, and nourish your liver. What is in the pills you are starting to take? If you wish to share.

I am glad you will experiment with the suggestions. And yes sun sounds good to me, but in small amounts to damaged tissue.

If you will be somewhere where water use is restricted, yet you have not yet found other options for relief, I invite you to consider if this trip is necessary right now. Your health and happiness are treasures. You are a beautiful loved person, please continue to give yourself the same value love and kindness, as I hear you do in your emails to me :)

much love,
Karen Joy