Healing Wise

A Few Short Questions Regarding Herbal Infusions

Q: ...in your article under "Green Blessings" in yr mid-month March

newsletter:

 

I want to take ALL four: Comfrey, Red Clover, Nettles and Oatstraw.

You suggest brewing each separately.

 

Are they just as efficacious brewed together?

 

Or at least imbibed together by pouring  together after brewing

separately?

 

Is a sun-tea infusion just as good for these particular herbs?  Is

four hours enough?

 

(I already know root herbs need gentle simmering, and these  are all

above-ground plant parts.)

 

In advance, my thanks for your response.  Keep up your great work !

 

Thanks and blessings,

Jean-A Warner

Pearl Arrow

 

 

A:  Jean-A, I think you will find your answers in these two articles.

Yes please do brew them separately, and it is best to drink them

separately, for the reasons mentioned in the first article.  A sun

tea is not the same as the water does not get hot enough.  Four hours

is enough, overnight is great.

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/September04/healingwise.htm

http://www.herbshealing.com/Weed_letter_June02.htm#surprise

Do let me know if I can help further.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

Benefits of Nettle Seeds

Q: Hi my nettles plants were picked for fresh greens all spring but now they are about 8ft. tall and going to seed ..can the greens still be picked to dry and are the seed of any benefit ? I was confused by the CAUTION written in the newsletter regarding the use of nettle while in flower Thanks for any info.

A: Hello, yes we are often warned against taking Nettles internally once it has gone to flower because some have adverse allergic like reactions. 

There are uses for nettle seeds however.  Susun has a whole section on Nettle in her book Healing Wise.  The seeds can be used in cooked foods, such as muffns or porridge.  In the book, Susun writes:

Nettle seed nourishs the endocrine glands, antidotes poisons internally and externally, and provides a curative, unique wine.  Hair and skin are strongly influenced by nettle seeds.

A teaspoon of seeds can be eaten daily, or an infusion of them can be made in water as a skin or hair rinse.  As well, they can be ground and mixed with honey to apply to the skin.

I hope some of these ideas help.  I hear you enjoy your nettle, so it would be nice to find ways to continue to utilize her!

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

Mold in Infused Oil

hello karen
please tell me if i infuse fresh arnica flowers into oil will it not go bad mold? after a while ? should i dry first the arnica ?

please advice
thanks a lot
god bless

Hello
I prefer to infuse the freshly dried Arnica flowers in oil.  Some, like Susun Weed, prefer using fresh plant material only.  I have not experienced fresh flowers (though have not had access to fresh arnica to try this plant) mold, when done correctly.  If you remove the air by stirring with a wooden stick, like a  chopstick, to release air bubbles, be sure to pick the flowers when sun dried, and not wash thereafter, you should be fine.

It is also important the jar and lid be clean and dry, then the oils infuse in cool dark for 6 weeks.  The oil level should be above all plant material, and checked a few days post putting up to be sure to top off if needed.  This is all if you do it with fresh plant material. 

If using dried you may wish to use a heat source, like crockpot, woodstove, or pilot light in oven.  You can read Susun's approach here.

Please let me know if I can help further!  This is a wonderful herb, and what a treasure if you have access to grown Arnica to work with fresh or freshly dried.  I would not harvest in the wild though...

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

Hello Karen
i did put the fresh flower of arnica  a month ago in olive oil and everything was good i took the air out as you told me but yesterday when i did want to put it into a container i notice that it had some mold on the top so i took it out and warmed the oil so if any water was still there or moisture from the flower it would  evaporate, what do you think?

I don't want to waste and throw away so i'm planning to do salve or ointment with beeswax and use it. Is that ok?

blessings

was there herb material sticking out the top of the oil?  Was the oil on this or on the top of the oil?  Was it in the inside of the jar or throughout the oil? 

If just the jar I would transfer to a new jar.  If throughout the oil, it is spoiled.  If just on the top, as it sounds, especially if on the plant material, remove the oil and remove the top bit of herb so it is all submerged and it should be fine.

It can be used as is or made into a salve or ointment as you wish.  I would not have heated it though as this may promote more mold. 

How is it doing now?
Karen Joy

Dear karen
the oil looks good,but i have to tranfer again through a coffee filter so i get only the oil and like that i will be able to make the salve (it has some staff at the bottom looks brown like water maybe? i dont know.

anyway i really appreciate your help, by the way can i make some thyme oil infusion now , is full of flower or if too late ? the same with sage is ok now or to late for the season

god bless you
have a great day everyday

once we strain the herbal material out of the oil, it is best to let the oil sit covered for a day, then decant into another bottle leaving the watery residue on the bottom behind.  This keeps water out and allows the oil to stay fresh longer.

I make most of my mint family preparations from the flowering plant, so should be fine :)
Karen Joy

Karen
sorry to bother you but what about the thyme i ask you ?
thanks a lot

no bother at all.  Sorry I wasn't clear.  When I spoke about making mint family preparations when in flower I was referring to you query about sage and thyme, since they are mint family plants :)

love and blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

How to Use Herbs Effectively: Navigating the Terrain of Various Opinions

Q:  Hi,

I just signed up for your newsletter and find it informative.  I have a question that I've wanted to ask.

I've researched various herbs that boost one's immune system like astragalus, olive leaf, medicinal mushrooms, etc.  There are different approaches regarding using/combining these herbs.  Many say it's wise to alternate them.  One article mentioned using olive leaf for 2 weeks, then mushrooms for 2 weeks, then back to olive leaf.  Other articles say just stick to one and take it daily.  Because the body treats herbs, basically, like food, there isn't a need to alternate using different ones.  Some of the mushroom products, like Host Defense by New Chapter, synergistically combines 16 medicinal mushrooms and recommend taking it daily.

What is your objective opinion about this?  Does one's body need a "break" from taking certain herbs?  Does one's body get "use to" a herb making it less effective?  Is it better to alternate different ones or just stick to one daily like other supplements?

Your feedback is appreciated - thanks.

A:  Thank you for writing.  Yes there are varying opinions on this.  From my years of study with Susun Weed, I gather that she does not see a need to take breaks from herbs in general, however have heard her mention the strength of some herbs warrant they be used for weeks or a month, then discontinued for a longer period of time.  Or I have heard her mention the use of an herb or two that is taken only during a particular phase of a woman's cycle.  I have also heard her mention, like when referring to asparagus, the value of paying attention to a food's availability in a season.

I personally find it a variable that needs attention to the person and the herb and the situation.  I do not generally subscribe to the one day or week or so on, then one off.  However I have found for myself similar variations.  I encourage you to gather up the varying opinions, organizing them by the value of the source to you, then experiment for yourself and see what feels right with any herb at any given time.

Please let us know if we can help further!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Length of Storage of Dried Herbs

Q: Have been using Your book for a long time. My question today is: “How long are dried herbs, such as Gentian roots viable?”
Would they still offer a good tincture? Thanks for an answer.

 

A: We are so glad you are enjoying one of Susun's books! We will be sure to let her know.

Many of us herbalists store herbs a maximum of a year, that is until the next harvest season comes around. Dried leaves though I think lose much even in that time. Roots are probably the longest lasting.

Susun says (in Healing Wise):
"Keep the herbs as whole, cool, and dark as possible during storage. Under optimum storage conditions, well-dried volatile, delicate herbs last about six months; roots and barks maintain potency for six or more years."

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

Comfrey Leaf Infusion Safety

Q: Hi Susan:

I read your article at Glenbrook farms on healthy bones and did some research on the herbs you use for the infusions. I wanted to incorporate the infusions into my lifestyle to help my bones during postmenopausal years.

I have experienced breast cancer twice, 2006 being the most recent. hormone receptor positive. I have 4 years remaining on Femera (a chemotherpy drug) Two bone density test 2005 and 2007 are below the normal I guess for women my age. I have become leary of these finding and the doctors recommendations. Both maternal and paternal women in my history have experienced deminished bone density, but nothing severe. Otherwise I feel I am and active, healthy 56 year old who wants to take care of my bones without the depressing side effects of prescribed meds.

Can you tell me if the oatstraw, nettle. red clove, or comfrey leaf infusions (each seperately) are ok to take? Also can you comment on this information I found at an herb site I frequent and shop at on occasion?

Mountain Rose Herbs

Comfrey Leaves
Precautions

"Not recommended for internal use. Not to be used while pregnant. Not to be applied to broken or abraided skin.

"Comfrey was widely used and recommended until the mid-1980s, when reports began to surface about the possibility of liver damage from the pyrrolizidine alkaloids that some plants contain. In 2001, the FTC and FDA combined to issue an injunction against products containing comfrey that were meant for internal use.

"This view has been countered by herbalists, who state that common comfrey, the plant most often used for medicinal purposes, contains only negligible amounts of those alkaloids. In fact, one laboratory study of three different sources of comfrey found no pyrrolizidine in one sample, and only negligible amounts in the other two. Still, many herbalists recommend that comfrey preparations should not be taken internally because of the possibility of liver disease and damage. Comfrey should also not be used by pregnant or nursing women."

Thank you in advance for your expertise,

 

A: So wonderful you wish to drink herbal infusions. All the herbs you mention are like nourishing foods to me, so I see no reason for concern. I understand the debate about Comfrey, so would do best to refer you to a thread at our forum where the debate has been shared by some, for various viewpoints on it: Comfrey - internally - safe? - help me research?! As well, since you ask of Susun (she does not have internet to be able to correspond through email), here is a bit she has written:

Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems
Some people feel that Comfrey is not safe to use during pregnancy. Some people feel comfrey is not safe to use internally at all. I disagree. The roots of comfrey do contain compounds that are best avoided during pregnancy. (As do all parts of the wild plant.) In fact, I rarely use comfrey root because of the possibility of liver congestion, and I strongly caution those who have had hepatitis, chemotherapy, or alcohol problems to strictly avoid comfrey root. Yet even these people can benefit from use of comfrey leaf infusions. I harvest the flowering stalks when they are fully formed; and I am careful to use the cultivated garden comfrey, which grows very tall and has purplish, pinkish, bluish flowers. I avoid wild comfrey which stays rather small, even when flowering, and has cream-colored, white, or yellowish flowers.

Natural Remedies for Breastfeeding Concerns
~ Comfrey roots (Symphytum uplandica x) contain the same liver-damaging compounds sometimes found in borage. But comfrey leaves do not.

...an Interview with Susun Weed...
And then the last one is an herb that I have used very consistently for more than a quarter of a century, and that’s Comfrey Leaf. And you may be surprised by that because if you’ve heard anything at all about herbs in the past couple of years you may have heard some warnings about Comfrey. What my studies show me is that those warnings are true about comfrey root and I don’t use the root of the Comfrey. But the leaf, so far as I can tell is absolutely benign. As a matter of fact there was a man named Henry Doubleday who worked very hard all of his life to create courses of Comfrey that would be completely safe to eat. And he set up a Henry Doubleday Research Center in England where there’s a group of people there who have been eating Comfrey as a cooked green for three generations now, through pregnancies, lactations and no harm to anyone.

Natural Health and Healing in the Wise Woman Tradition
Like the women she has long been associated with, comfrey has a mixed reputation. I use lots of comfrey leaf, brewed as a strong infusion (put one ounce dry herb in a quart jar, add boiling water to top, cap tightly, steep overnight); but I rarely use comfrey root -- if for no other reason than that comfrey will colonize the garden if her roots are disturbed. The healing agents in comfrey are concentrated in the petiole, or leaf stalk, and the flower stalk. Cultivated comfrey has sterile flowers, so I harvest while it's flowering, cutting leaf and flower stalks near the ground and hanging them individually in a dark, well-ventilated place to dry.

Healthy Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way
Comfrey (Symphytum) leaf is free of the compounds (PAs) found in the root that can damage the liver. I have used comfrey leaf infusion regularly for decades with no liver problems, ditto for the group of people at the Henry Doubleday Research Foundation who have eaten cooked comfrey leaves as a vegetable for four generations.

Minerals Make the Difference
Comfrey (Symphytum uplandicum x) is controversial. Ingestion of its roots can cause severe liver congestion. The leaves are safe, though labeled otherwise.

Here are two resources Susun lists in New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way:

"The Comfrey Controversey." Journal of the Northeast Herbalists Association. Winter, 1994
Awang, D.V.C. "Comfrey." Canadian Pharm Journal. 101-4, 1987

I actually commend Mountain Rose. By law, they are required to state that warning. In addition they have added the voice of many who think differently about plants than does the FDA, "This view has been countered by herbalists, who state that common comfrey, the plant most often used for medicinal purposes, contains only negligible amounts of those alkaloids. In fact, one laboratory study of three different sources of comfrey found no pyrrolizidine in one sample, and only negligible amounts in the other two."

I personally enjoy comfrey leaf infusions and have shared them with my son since he started drinking other than milk. I also take anything in moderation.

Please let me know if I can help further.

Love and 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

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

Adrenal Health

Q: Any herbs for the adrenals?

 

A: Stinging Nettles are a wonderful herb for strengthening the adrenals!! You can read about them here.  Either gather and cook up like greens in spring, or dry (or buy dried) and prepare as an infusion you can drink every day :) You can read about how to make infusions.  Susun Weed also mentions the benefits of the vitamin C complex for adrenal health: food and herbal sources.

Please let me know if I can help further!

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

sadness

Q: Hi,

My son is now 8months and my partner and I have been feeling pretty depressed and tired for while. We are new in this relationship (we got pregnant after four months together) so we have a lot of kinks to work out but we haven't been doing a good job of this because we are so tired and blah. Our friend has been taking antidepressants because she feels like life should be about joy and she is accepting to bend her prejudice against conventional medicine. I am thinking about this... I do not want to expose my baby to yelling any more and if this can give us the energy and cloud-clearing we need to get our lives in order well maybe we should take them... They seem like they would give us relief sooner than the herbs which could take months or longer. We want to feel better.

We want to be good parents... But we are afraid of side-effects and feeling drugged. Is there anything on the forum about this kind of thing?

Have you any resources or counsel for me?

Thank you infinitely.

Peace, R.

PS: I know meditation helps but have you ever felt like you don't even have the mind room/motivation for things that you know are good for you and would feel good?...

 

A: Hello R., I DO know what you mean about having so much going on it seems overwhelming to do something that another moment may seem simple and obvious. I support you in doing whatever right now feels possible and pleasurable. So many of us have gone through, or are going through, times where we may "know" we could just do this and this and this, but we want relief and change now! I hear you want peace and you want the best for your child. This is beautiful. I hear you know that nourishing choices take time, and a pill may be faster, though bring other possibly unwanted affects.

I do think the forum can be of help, in many ways - emotional/mental support, alternative ideas and knowledge for and against the pills.

Whatever you do! please also, as soon as you feel able, start doing those things you know can help you. Even if you choose pills, choosing too one thing, no matter how simple, like an infusion one day a week, a ten minute walk one day a week. Make it small and easy and just do it. These littlest things help us towards other steps.

I am happy to talk with your more. I will keep an eye for your email so I can respond sooner...

lots of love, Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Herbal Allies for those with Ovarian Cysts and Endometriosis

Q: Dear Susun and Justine,

Thank you for your dedicated and loving work. Would you please direct me to information in your writings about treatments for ovarian cysts and endometriosis. I am seeking information to help my beautiful daughter with her pain.

Thank you, M.

 

A: Hello M., here are some resources for you. On our websites are these question and answers with Susun:
Chickweed and Castor Oil Packs
Comfrey Leaf Poultices 

More raves about chickweed ...

and of Poke

.... and Seaweeds:
An Ally for Women's Mysteries
Seaweeds and Nettle

Violet leaves

Red Clover

Plaintain

... and Calendula.

Also, I encourage you to explore the past threads, and post one of your own if you would like, on our online forum. It is a great resource!

I would imagine much of what we do for a woman dealing with endometriosis, and even ovarian cysts, would be similar to what we would do for one dealing with fibroids or infertility.

I hear and understand your concern for your daughter. If you do choose to post at the forum, it might help to elaborate a bit - does she have other health concerns, how long has she had the cysts or endo, how do they manifest, how old is she, what is her diet like, etc?

I understand good fats to be important for people to produce healthy needed hormones. Same with good exercise. There are many theories on the causes of endometriosis, as you may already know. You can read more here. One of the theories is that it is a result of a poorly functioning immune system. In case this is true for your daughter, either of you may appreciate reading this article on strengthening our immune system.

The advantages of working with nourishing - nourishing our immune, endocrine/hormonal, and reproductive systems - is that harm is rarely a concern. The worst that could happen is still having the cysts and/or endo but also having a stronger healthier body. If it were me, I would be focusing on this - nourishment. Nourishing my immune system, mostly with the foods and life habits in the article above; nourishing my hormonal systems with healthy fats in my diet; and nourishing my reproductive system with herbal infusions like Red Clover blossom, perhaps Violet leaf (as a food too). I may even extend to work with one of the herbs listed above - though just one so it has my focus.

If I can help you any more M., please let me know. If you choose too, we would love to hear what you and your daughter feel is the right thing/s for her, and how she is faring. We wish you and your daughter the best!

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

Eye Health

Q: Good Morning and thank you for your assistance.

Please I wish for assistance with eye problems. Both eyes have cataracts, glaucoma pressure and floaters.

I would like to know what herbs may assist and what lutin does and if it may assist and what vegetables contain lutin. I have taken nettle and oatstraw and am presently taking bladderwrack capsules. I looked for lutin in herb form to make infusions but can't find any.

Any assistance will be greatly received.

Thank You
J.

 

A: Hello J., thank you for writing. This is a great question, how to nourish eye health! When you say you have taken nettle and oatstraw, do you mean drinking the infusions, prepared as Susun teaches? How much how often for how long? Are you no longer drinking these?

Lutein can be found in green leafy vegetables.

Some herbs known to help those with eye problems are:

eyebright 
chickweed 
clary sage 
red clover 
oatstraw

Please let me know if we can help further!

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

 

Q: Thank you for your reply and the sharing of this information. To answer your questions...

Yes, the oatstraw and nettle infusions are being taken on a 'mostly' daily basis prepared as infusions as suggested by Susun. Surgery was done on one eye and was good for about 6 mths and started to regress back to impaired vision. I have the Healing Wise book by Susun Weed. I grew allot of Nettle this past year in our garden, harvested it and am now using our own. I have many dried calendula petals I harvested also... is this what you refer to as marigold petal in reference to the Lutein? If so, who an infusion of calendula be heplfull for the eyes? It is a challenge to know what can be made and drank as an infusion. Perhaps, as tincture would assist.

Thank you again for your assistance and time.

Blessings,
J.

 

A: J. that is great you are drinking the infusions. I have to admit there is so much about eye health that is a mystery to me. I only know where to start. There could be structural or other causes for these troubles that I am unaware of.

Some sources say the lutein is derived from marigold (Tagetes spp.) and some interchange this name with Calendula officinalis, which is calendula. The lutein is then extracted in a lab. These petals are edible, so when fresh I would add them to salads. When dried I would make a tea of them. I would compare this though to the greens so encourage you to eat these too. I think sometimes we think herbs are separate from food and somehow more effective. It is easy to overlook the great effects foods can have on our health.

You may enjoy the personal accounts in this website: http://www.ctds.info/eye-floaters.html

I have heard that men and women who have been vegetarian for a while and are older begin to develop many eye troubles. Of course I do not know if this applies to you ;)

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Plants as Allies in Tough Times

Q: Dear Susan,

Please, please help!! I am suffering from depression. I am 51 years old, my husband left me for a younger woman. I refuse to just wither away. What herbs do you recommend??

Any reply is greatly appreciated and honored.

Respectfully, V.

 

A: V., if you refuse that is great, you won't just wither away. Of course you are depressed. This is traumatic! You are 51 and vibrant. There are so many women of your age going through similar things. Talk with them please, know you are not alone. You are not alone!! Herbs won't take the situation away, or your healthy reaction to it. Plants can be friends, allies during our times of joy or sorrow. What plants are you drawn to? Nourishing herbs can help through any transition. I like to benefit from them in the form of infusions.  Some herbs can help us ride through the toughest time, making it easier perhaps, but never taking the experience away. Motherwort tincture is a great ally for this. You can read about this and other support for those in depression in this article.

I would also love to invite you to our Wise Woman Forum and  Email groups for more support. Really truly, you are not alone :)

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