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

Mercury Detox

Q: Suggestions for detoxing from mercury toxicity would be helpful. Thanks. Stephanie Costello

 

A:  Hello Stephanie, thank you for writing with your interest.  I have heard the concern of mrecury toxicity before.  I would be most interested to nourish the body's ability to process unwanted elements, mostly by nourishing the liver with herbs such as Dandelion, Yellow Dock, or Burdock.  In addition, seaweed is a supreme ally in these situations.  Here are a few articles, the first having many wonderful recipes to help bring seaweed into your diet.  I would recommend this rather than supplement products, usually lacking in quality, like the last article supports (I included it simply for the mention of seaweeds helping remove mercury).

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_August02.htm#recipe

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0820/n236/19255451/print.jhtml

http://kitchendoctor.com/articles/cilantro.html

 

You will see in the last article Cilantro mentioned.  It is also mentioned in this thread from our forum about detoxing from dental mercury: http://www.susunweed.com/weedforum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=3516.

 

Let me know if I can help in any other way.

 

Blessings,

Karen Joy

Questions on Infusions and ABC's of Herbalism

Q: You say drink the infusions one at a time but is it ok to make 2 or 3 and drink them in the same day example oatstraw, nettle and red clover.

Also I am very interested in taking you abc of herbal's course when does it start and do I pay 50.00 per month?

The reason I want to take it is that I am very interested in herbs and healing. It all started with your breast cancer book I had calcifications in my mammo and the dr. immediatly wanted to do a biopsy and I said no so now I am supposed to go back for a repeat mammo in Jan but I just felt that it was not the right thing to do. When I said no to the biopsy he said oK then why did you want me to have it I said, he said so  you know for sure!!!! I said know what for sure, he said nothing anyways hence my interest in your work, I also was very tired of taking vitamins and supplements I want my life simpler than it is, I want to go back to the old ways.

Anyways I love your books

A: Hello,  thank you for writing.  We are so glad you enjoy Susun's work and want to study further with her.  We enjoyed your story; always nice to hear people question and choose for themselves!

Susun's newest correspondence course, the ABC of Herbalism, can be taken any time that best suits you.  As a correspondence student, your course is between you and Susun, so when you start is your choosing. 

If you choose to pay in the ten $50 installments, it would be monthly.  If you pay online through www.ash-tree-publishing.com, the payments will automatically be deducted each month.  You also have the option to pay by mail to Susun Weed at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498.

You can drink the infusions however you feel compelled.  It is recommended you make one at a time both so that none will go bad, and so that you can get a body feel for each, rather than having them all mixed together.  I used to do it one at a time, then even chose to drink only one for a whole month before doing another for a whole month, etc. helping me to know each more intimately.  After years now of drinking them, and now that I am not the only one in the household who drinks them, I often have two or three going at a time.  This way we can choose what best fits us in the moment.

If I can help you further as you register for your course, with any more infusion questions, or in any other way, please do let me know!  Susun looks forward to hearing from you and beginning your course :)

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

Nettle Infusion and Poison Ivy

Q: Dear Susun, I have started a nettle infusion for about 2 weeks, and actually notice more energy and less hot flashed. But within those two weeks I was also exposed to poison ivy with subsequent allergic reaction with hives and needed to take prednisone tablets. My question is, can the nettle infusion exacerbate my poison ivy reaction? Do you think its safe to continue nettle during this allergy? My physician has no idea. Thanks for your response.

A: Hello, this is a great question.  I have never yet heard Nettle infusions exacerbating a reaction to poison ivy.  In fact, it is often recommended for those who tend to be easily allergic.  I am glad you have been drinking them, and otherwise have been getting great results!!  My vote would be to continue the infusions, unless you feel otherwise :)

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

Learning about Nourishing Herbal Infusions

Q: Dear Susun,

I want to begin taking your recommended fertility herbs. Would you recommend getting the red clover flowers, nettle leaves and red raspberry leaves and taking the infusions separately but on alternative days? Or should I just begin with the red clover flowers alone?

Please advise. Thank  you so much.

A: Hello, these are all wonderful infusions.  As nourishing foods, I invite you to drink all of them, alternating every day or two.

The advantage to making each herb a separate infusion, then drinking individually, is your ability to know each more intimately. Eventually this helps you know when you would or would not like a specific one as best fits your needs at the time.

I wish you wonderful health and the best of blessings toward your dreams. 

Please do let me know if I can help further!

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

Q: dear Karen

Greetings of Peace! i am finally finally (as we speak) doing my very first (red clover) herbal infusion. My question is, over the next couple of days, do i drink it cold?? or room temp? or heat it up a cup, like tea??

Please let me know. thanks so much!

Blessings,

p.s. Susan suggests filling up a quart jar to the top. if i use a bigger jar does it matter if it is not filled to the top? i don't imagine so, but thought i'd ask.

Q: dear Karen,

if they are infused for more than 4 hours, is this alright?? (just in case i am not home after the 4 hours...)

thanks again!

Q: hi Karen,

i wanted to ask.... Is it okay to finish the one infusion in one day instead of two? or is that too much in one day??

THANKS so much!

A: In response to all three emails...

What I do is put an infusion up before bed, then strain in the morning, so it is sitting for at least 8 hours usually!  This is okay.  I know the directions for infusions say 4 hours for blossoms, but a few are exceptions, like Red Clover.

I think it is best you fill the jar to the top with boiling water, so all the herb gets covered, or else you may have some left dry.  Not crucial though.  If you do this, just adjust the amount of herb proportionately.

You may drink it in whatever way pleases you - hot, iced, room temperature, mixed with juice, honey, milk... whatever helps you drink it and enjoy and get variety if you need.  I tend to drink them as is, room temp.

I believe for Red Clover we are recommended up to four cups a day, so this is not too much. I encourage you to tune into yourself and see how you feel. Maybe right now you want lots of it, but in a few days or week you just want a cup a day, or a quart a week.  Red Clover is one I have found people don't usually want to guzzle as much as Nettles, for example.  Find what feels right for yourself.  Think of it as nourishing food - like a bowl of lentils - if you want to eat many bowls all day long, there is no harm, but soon you may tire of it and favor something else, or have less each day.

You can ask as many questions as you would like!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: Thanks so much Karen. I am starting to get a clearer picture which will emerge even more as i continue with the infusions.

Susan's book actually says infuse for TWO hours with blossoms. I only just realized this. Although the red clover i have is a mixture of flowers and leaves -mostly leaves. They did not have straight blossoms (which apparently are very expensive).  Although it seems from your e-mail that infusing longer is okay.... Is 8 hrs okay for nettles and for red raspberry?

I am excited to infuse the next ones tonight. And you recommended alternating between the 3, right?? Do you think they need refrigeration overnight or is one night out okay?

Thanks again!!!

A: Hello, yes overnight is okay for Red Clover, Red Raspberry, and Nettles.  There are a few exceptions to the 2 hour blossom rule, and tough red clover blossoms are one of them.  I leave my infusions on the counter overnight.  I think this is preferable while infusing.  After you strain in the morn, you can then  refrigerate them :) 

Yes, please do alternate between them.  I understand what it is like when strarting on something
new and wanting to get it just right.  I am so happy to answer your questions.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: HI Karen

i have been enjoying taking the herbal infusions. I am not pregnant, but wondered if they are beneficial to take during pregnancy?

I am alternating between the three as you suggest but I am not sensitive enough to actually feel a difference. I sometimes feel ever so slightly nautious since I started the infusions. Have you heard that this can happen or is it just me?

THANKS so much

A: Hi, yes they are okay while pregnant, in fact I strongly recommend Red Raspberry leaf infusions through pregnancy, especially early on, and Nettle leaf infusions especially nearer to the end.  Red Clover is safe but monitor yourself.  Some have concern, so you may wish to cut down on consumption of this while pregnant. 

Perhaps you would like to experiment with the nausea, and try only one infusion for a period of a  week or two to see if you can isolate which it may be.  This also gives you a chance to know these infusions more intmately and individually in your body.  They are like eating nourishing foods, and take some time to notice much difference, but once a year has gone and you look  back, I am sure you will see it!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Q: thanks for your patience with my questions.

today it ended up that i infused nettles for about 11 hrs. is this too long? if this ever happens with either nettles, red clover or red rasberry is it still fine to drink??

thanks again

   

A: Hello Rachel, yes usually this is still okay.  The concerns are primarily if the taste gets too strong for you, or if it had been sitting in a temperature too hot, if it spoiled.  You would know by smell and taste.  I know some who leave the herb in the infusion and place the whole thing in the fridge after about 8 hours, and strain only as they drink it :)

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Allergic Reactions to Nourishing Herbs?

Q: Good afternoon.

I recently attended Susun's seminar in Cincinnati at Shine yoga and I have a question for Susun.

I have added the nettle, oatstraw, comfrey and red clover infusions to my diet. About two weeks ago I started experiencing joint discomfort (all my joints - wrist, hands, hips, knees, feet, ankles).

My question is, could I be experiencing some type of an allergic reaction to one of the herbs?

Should I eliminate one at a time and see if there is any change?

Sometimes I make the infusions in the evening and don't get around to straining them until the next morning - are my infusions too strong?

Thank you.

A: Hello, I am a long-time student of Susun's and help with her correspondence since it is difficult for her to respond to email. 

It is rare that there are allergic reactions to the nourishing herbal infusions that you mention, which is why Susun recommends them so highly.  The one I have heard concern for is Nettles, simply because of harvesting practices.  It should be harvested before it flowers.  If the nettle you are getting has seeds in it, it was harvested too late.  I have not heard of this causing joint pain though, just headache. 

If you feel it might be one of the infusion herbs I would follow that.  As a student, one of our practices to help us know in our body the herbs, is to use one only for a whole month, then another for a whole month, etc.  I invite you to do that to help you feel more sure of what you are taking.

As far as leaving them overnight, this is what many of us do.  We put up the infusion in the evening and strain in the morning.  This is no problem. 

Please also be sure you have a good source of the herbs, no chemical sprays on them that could cause the problem.  Please let me know if I can help any further :)

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

Q: Thank you.

I will just eliminate one at a time, starting with the nettle, and see if anything changes.

My source for herbs is Frontier and they are labeled organic, so I don't think that would be the problem.

If you are unsure of that vendor, please let me know. I can get another batch from someone you recommend.

A: I think they are a great vendor and whom Susun often buys from to supply the great number of visitors to the Wise Woman Center with infusions.  I do hope you find the answer!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Lifestyle Challenges: Food Allergies, Depression, Pains

Q:  Hi Susun,

I want to thank you for taking time to read this email and I am in hopes you can help me find an answer to my question. A woman I work with says she has an allergy to celery and of course most folks would say, well...just stay away from celery...which would of course be smart. The thing is, is that she's a cashier for a major grocery store. She was explaining to me that when she handles celery when it comes through her check out stand, her throat begins to close up and she has trouble breathing, expecially with the leafy green part. Might you have any idea of anything she might be able to do to prepare her body ahead of time to counteract the effects of the celery? I was just wondering and would like to be able to help her out. It distresses me just a little to see so many people go running to the doctors office when ever the slightest ill goes on with them. People seem so dependent on Doctors...doctors are God's to these folks.

Too, there's a very nice lady who, though very strong and independent, has depression issues and this last November she went to see the doctor and they put her on about 2 or 3 different kinds of meds for depression and a short time later she began having constant pains in her baby making parts. She's at the right age for the change of life, but I was wondering if the meds might have kick started the trouble in her uterus where it might not been an issue with her at all otherwise? Now they're telling her she's going to have to have her uterus removed and all the while I can't help but wonder if this can be avoided all together.

Any suggestions? I'd appreciate any input you have, thanks so much~



A:  Thank you for writing.  For allergies, I have heard Susun often recommend Nettle leaf infusions to help strengthen the adrenals, and therefore our ability to handle the challenges of life.  Beyond that I would consider options through her employer, changing jobs, and exploring how much of the reaction from handling can be worked with mentally, say through hypnosis.  If at one time we ingest something and have an unexpected adverse, or even scary, reaction to it, it is natural that we respond again that way when seeing the item or handling it, more from the memory of the trauma still held in our body.

For the woman who chose to do those medicines, first please empower her to research and make choices based on knowledge.  She has pain, this in itself does not warrant removal of a part of her body.  Perhaps there are more details to what she has found in regards to her pain that you don't now.  Otherwise, I would consider new doctors.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

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

Foods for nauseous cancer patients...

Q: Hi there,
My mother recently underwent 10 radiation treatments after the removal of a cancerous brain tumor. They gave her 4 one week and 5 the next and 1 the next giving her the two weekend off. she is now not eating or drinking ..she has no apetite and i was hoping you had an idea of what would taste good for her. She has always been a strong person and the change could be from the medicine. My dad is at wits end..I'll be going to visit and stay for a few days this week and was hoping to have some ymmy ideas .. She presently can't stand the smell of grease and stuff that my dad has been trying to force her to eat ? He is 83 and she 81 ? Any good advice for me would sure be appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

A: My thoughts are with you and your family. Is there anything at all that she craves? Your mom has been through so much, physically and emotionally. I can only imagine what she may be going through. She needs to heal deep. I am sure she needs much beyond just food, but as you know nourishment is essential right now. When healing often we need simple foods - broths are top of the line for this for me. Defat the broth if fats are nauseating to her. Is nausea part of the issue? I prefer chicken bone broth, but if better for her to start a simple potassium rich vegetable broth may be good. I would also try some nourishing herbal infusions, are you familiar with them? - though not great amounts of the Red Clover blossom if she is on blood thinners. Please let me know how I can help further...

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

 

Q: Thanks for your advice...
I was held up for the week and was unable to go see my parents but i phoned twice a day. After I got mad and sent them some lists with acidic foods and alkeline ..so they could stop feeding the cancer ? My dad realized they had to make decisions for her. She has improved since last Monday quite alot and the doctor apparently increased the steroid she has been given ? What effects will we have to watch for now ? I will make some vegetable soup this weekend for her. And I'm not sure what she has been craving but i'll find out. I know that she likes bacon but the smell makes her ill to her stomach.She eats it with eggs in the morning. They have always eaten alot of fats and whites ? Hard to let them know to stop it all ? Seafood and salmon are something they have quite alot of usually too. So I'll do my best when I go.
Nausea is definately part of the whole thing. But at least she's been up and about and not lying in bed waiting for the inevidable ?
She has previously undergone 2 lobe removals for cancer twice when she was in her 50' s and once in her 60's again they took one out on the other side..then she had a breast removed in around 1998 .. and then they found a tumor in between her lungs that they shrunk a few years ago and it remained unseen with tests until they found the tumor ? She is a strong lady at 81 and I'll make sure to let you know how things go. Thanks for your concern and answers.

 

A: This must be so hard to watch in someone you love. I am glad you will keep me updated. After 80 years of eating one way it is hard to change, and I certainly would not try to change it at this point. I have found for many, though, our own innate passion for health leads us to some seemingly odd cravings in times of trial. Most often I have seen these be a draw toward simplicity, the least processed and complex foods and flavors - broths and salads. I personally prefer chicken bone broth, but say the veggie broth as a second for vegetarians. You could make a bean soup with broth and some bacon to give that flavor, but diffuse the fat, good well cooked greens and even a little live sauerkraut in it - great for gut flora. And hey even a side of white bread for dipping :) Or shrimps and greens sauteed in a broth. In the end though you can't be there all the time. I imagine it would be hard to let go and let others make choices especially when they feel improper. I am glad to hear she is up and moving around. It is hard to say how she will respond to the steroid when there is so much else going on. I wonder why the choice for that and to increase it?

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Q: Hi again,
I went to see them and I felt like I was in the way. I was wondering if you've ever heard of how THC works in the treatment of cancer patients who won't eat anything ? Living in canada it's very easy to get marijuana or the pills they give people to take. The steriods they had her on ran out three days back and mom fell back into a pit ? Then they took her to the doctors yesterday and got her back on them again? I know by your reaction they aren't that good? So maybe the THC deal could be something to try ? I have her doctor calling me sometime in the next day or two . Thanks again for all your help ..I did forward all the information about what to try etc. I'm not sure if they followed any advice or not ?

 

A: Susun speaks of using marijuana to help increase appetite for cancer patients in her book Breast Cancer? Breast Health! She says the prescription Marinol is not as effective as smoking the dried leaves and female flowers. Do you know what the doctors are hoping the steroids will do? What do you mean she fell into a pit?

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

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

Nettles Infusions - Powerful!

Q: Dear Susun,

I claim to be an old friend of yours going back to 1976 when I met you in Boston at "Women's Spirituality Conference" - hard to believe a couple thousand women showed up at Arlington Street Church that weekend . . .wild!

I am writing to thank you for all your books. Your menopause book continues to save me from extra stress.

I have to say: it took me a year to go out and buy a pound of nettle to make daily herbal infusions. I wanted it for adrenal nourishment as you describe. I just wish I had acted sooner.

My partner and I (both in our early 50's) drink one or two cups daily and are feeling fantastic. My partner feels about 10 years younger, after only two weeks of drinking nettle. In addition, she flew cross country for several days, and back. She drank nettle the whole time, and had very little fatigue and no jet lag upon conclusion of the trip. She looks great, and I attribute it to the nettle. It is more powerful than we imagined it might be! Anyway, we are sold on nettle tea and won't be without it!

In a time of increasing complexity, including the maze of health products available, it is nice to know someone still teaches 'the simple things' that work. Thanks so much. Hope to see you again sometime . .

Sincerely, D.

 

A: Hello D., thank you so kindly for sharing your and your partner's experiences. This is always great to hear; and Susun does appreciate it. Nettle infusions are wonderful and a book could probably be written with all the great stories from those who have allied with her!

Blessings on you and your partner's continued great health,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

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

"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