Healing Wise

Mammograms: Choices and Effects

Q: Hello,

My thermographer referred me to your website.

Since the labs where I live in NJ will only take a mammo although I am only interested in a sonogram, she suggested your website to proactively do something to reduce the radiations's effects.

I would sincerely appreciate any recommendations or referrals you might give me.

Thanks so much.

A: Hello, if you decide to have the mammogram, here are two articles from Susun that offer suggestions to help you deal with the damaging effects:

If You Decide to Have a Mammogram, and Surviving Radiation the Wise Woman Way.

If there is anything in there I can explain further, please let me know.  It is your body; I encourage you to give it the best care.  I know you know whatever that is for you right now!

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

The Wise Woman Center

Q: Hi,
I am interested in finding out more about what your org. is offering.

Thanks and blessed be

 

A: Thank you for your inquiry. I assume the group you refer to is the Wise Woman Center. The Wise Woman Center was founded by Susun Weed, and resides in the Woodstock, NY area. Susun and many other teachers there offer moonlodges, work exchange days, correspondence courses, workshops, intensives and apprenticeships, to women and men (though the women-specific classes and those requiring overnight stay are usually women only). The teachings center around the Wise Woman Tradition and are primarily about herb knowledge - identifying, harvesting, preparing, and allying with - and nourishing women's health and spirituality. Susun travels the globe teaching these things as well.

Here are some links to our websites which will offer more information:

About the Wise Woman Tradition
About Susun Weed and her offerings at home and abroad, including her four books
About the Wise Woman Center and its offerings

The following websites are sponsored by Susun Weed and offer over 800 pages of free information, articles, and book excerpts. This is in addition to the wealth of information you can find shared at our very acitve international online forum. You will also see below Ash Tree Publishing, the publishing company also founded by Susun Weed that provides her four best-selling books, as well as many other treasures, including music and medicine bags.

Ash Tree Publishing Herbal Medicine Resources for women’s health and well being. Find information on menopause, fertility, pregnancy, breast care, and more. Plus books you’ll treasure & information you can trust.

Wise Woman Forum Susun Weed’s Wise Woman Forum - an open space for discussion. Make yourself at home, post a message or start a discussion. This place is for you to share your questions, concerns, and comments with other wise women and men like you. Take a moment to register and become part of the community. Enjoy!

Menopause Metamorphosis Gentle solutions for body, mind, and spirit: alternative approaches, herbal remedies, wise woman support. Your body knows more about menopause than your doctor does!

Breast Health, Cancer Prevention For women who want to maintain breast health and for women diagnosed with breast cancer. This site is designed with the purpose of empowering women in their health care choices.

Wise Woman Center Herbal Medicine and Spirit Healing Workshops, Intensives, Apprenticeship, and Correspondence Courses. Susun Weed founded the Wise Woman Center over twenty years ago with the purpose of offering a safe space for women to rediscover the Wise Woman Way. Studies include plant identification, herbal medicine, cancer prevention, women and chanting, goddess belly dancing, and feeding the creative spirit.

Healing Wise Q & A with Susun Weed

Let me know if I can explain any further!

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

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

"No Herbs" with cancer treatment?

Q: Hello Susun, I bought your book on breast cancer and LOVED it.

I have breast cancer and just finished TAC chemotherapy. Had surgery last week to remove tumor and now healing. In three week I have to start radiation. My immune system is very depleted from the chemo. I want to boost it and keep healthy.Doctors tell me I can't take any vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants during radiation just like the chemo treatment they told me that. My cousin told me about COLOSTRUM by Symbiotics. Do you think I can take this during radiation treatment?? Are there ANY side effects of it?? Also do you know anything about Goji berry juice? I know it has antioxidants in it so I can't take it now but was thinking as soon as I am done with radiation I would start. Any information would be very appreciative.

THANKS, P.

 

A: Hello P., thank you for writing. We are glad you have and appreciate Susun's Breast Health book. Susun does not have internet in her home to be able to correspond through email. I will be sure to share your kinds words with her however :)

It is tough when the doctors tell you you can't take things you may find helpful. I think it is a broad statement to say NO supplements, herbs etc. since we use herbs in our foods and salads and teas. While I can not speak specifically about the herbs you may wish to use and the treatments you are undertaking, I think that statement by the doctors is way overgeneralized and comes from fear of the unknown. It is also an easy way to stay safe. Meanwhile though you may miss out on something you could dearly use during such a trying time. I suppose what I am saying is to explore deeper what "no herbs" means to you. Perhaps you wish not then to use any tinctures at all, but nourishing herbal infusions can be like nourishing foods. I would liken Nettle infusion in many ways to a bowl of well cooked greens. And there are wonderfully immune enhancing "herbs" that for the time being you could call foods, like garlic and ginger and oregano and marjoram. I would be eating pots of soups with these :) Unless of course the doctors you spoke with specified none of these either.

I have heard recently of colostrum, and personally have a hard time with it simply because I think it was meant for a baby calf and was diverted into our hands So I have not researched it much, though do know the source I heard it recommended was one I trust greatly. This would not count as a supplement? I know little about goji berries.

I would love to invite you to our Wise Woman Forum and Email groups accessed through www.wisewomanweb.com for more ideas and support. There you may find others who know more about these resources, as well as more details about what is and is not contraindicated during the treatments you are having, should you wish to question any particulars.

My thoughts and love are with you. I wish I could answer your questions more directly, and do hope you make use of the above resources in your search for how to best care for yourself during this time!

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

Sore Breast after Mammogram

Q: Hello Susun!

Thank you for taking the time to read my note.

I am a 33 year old woman who has just had a mammogram -- benign mass in my left breast (thankfully!) however, the technician had to repeat the procedure on my left breast (spot mammo) and it has been tender ever since. This was almost 3 months ago!

I am very upset that I had one at all :( I am afraid that my breast is now damaged in some way -- the shape shanged slightly too, which I was really upset about. I plan to have my doctor give me a physical exam next month, just to be sure everthing's ok.

Any ideas on what I can do? It feels like I was punched in the breast. My nipple is a little tender, discomfort fluctuates. Bottom line is that my breast feels different than it did pre-mammo.

Thank you so much for your time and thoughts or for passing me along to someone who might be able to help. I will never have a mammogram again.

Sending love and healing,
R.

 

A: Hello R., I hear and understand your concern. I have heard of lasting discomfort from mammograms, though do not know how long or if this is what is happening for you. Are you able to phone Susun on a Tuesday evening between 7:30 pm and 9:30pm Eastern time? She does not have internet in her home to be able to correspond through email. I am sure she would love to talk with you about your concerns. Her number is 845-246-8081.  [This runs until the end of October 2006; she will resume again in spring 2007.  This is not available through winter.]

I hear you wish you hadn't had the mammogram. At this point what can best be done is nourish your health now. Do you have Susun's Breast Cancer? Breast Health! book? It has directions for self-examination as well as herbal breast oils you can use to nourish your deep health and possibly even soothe the soreness. Since you have already been exposed to the radiation of the mammograms you can simply add some foods to your diet to help you deal with it, especially since it was only one time and 3 months ago. You may appreciate these articles:

Anti-Cancer Lifestyle

5 Easy Things you can do to Prevent Breast Cancer  

Surviving Radiation the Wise Woman Way

Breast Health!

Please let me know if I can help further...

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

 

Q: hello karen!

thank you so much for your response. it's true that all i can do is to move forward and take care of myself now -- i'm sure holding on to things from the past and harboring feelings of regret are not conducive healing. my most immediate concern is related to physical injury of the breast due to excessive compression (combined of course with the radiation -- agh).

i would like to purchase a copy if susun's book.

finally, i would also be interested in talking to susun. i have a couple of questions: is there a fee for the conversation? and is there a specific time i should call between 7:30 and 9:30?

thank you!
r.

 

A: Hello R., I do understand. I too have many times looked back and wished I had done different. I think this is normal and natural, and can be quite helpful when we use this to look forward, as I hear you doing when you say you will not have a mammogram again.

I also understand the concern for the bruising and the need to know better what is going on. This is not hanging on to the past, this is the present.

I am glad you will speak with Susun. I wish I knew more on this to help you directly. There is no fee for this talk time, it is offered free by her. You can call any time during those two hours, just know if she is on the line you will get a busy signal. So you may wish to start closer to 7:30pm (but not before of course) and keep trying up until 9:30pm. If you are unable to get through you can try again next week, though if dilligent I am quite sure you will get through. In the meantime you may wish to make use of our online forum, just to have others to talk with about it, and bounce ideas off. If you wish you can purchase Susun's book online directly through Ash Tree Publishing. 

Let me know if I can help further.

All my love,
Karen Joy

Cystic Breast Information

Q: Greetings!  Do you have info on your site about cystic breasts and remedies... or in one of Susun's books?

Thank you! Great site!
Best, H.

A: Hello H., thank you for writing.   If you are meaning fibrocystic breasts, here is some that Susun has written in her book Breast Cancer? Breast Health! -

Ready for more good news? Having fibrocystic breasts won't increase your risk of developing breast cancer.  Really.  Even if you have lots of lumps.  Numerous cysts can make a tiny cancer difficult to feel, but cystic breasts are no more likely to develop cancer than non-cystic breasts.  Nine our of ten women will find benign a cyst in their breasts at some time in their lives.  Clinically, most women could be diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease; microscopic examination of breast cells finds signs of this "disease" in 90 percent of all women.  Regular mammograms of women with fibrocystic breast disease are as likely to initiate cancer as find it.  An anti-cancer lifestyle and regular breast self-massage or self-exam, on the other hand, can actively prevent cancer, as well as providing early detection.

She also writes a lot of suggestions for those finding breast lumps, but reminds again that fibrocystic lumps tend to disappear post-menopause, unless using hormone replacement.  I am happy to type up a list of nourishing salves, creams, and poutices suggested, as well as internal nourshing herbal infusions, if you like.  Then you can tell me which you are more drawn to for me to elaborate on.  The section is too long for me to type it all out :)

We also have a wonderful resource available 24 hours a day.  This is our online forum, where people from around the world come to share life experiences and questions.  You might find some more ideas here!

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