I am 34 yrs old and I have PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian
Syndrome). I have been trying to get pregnant. I did 2 cycles of
Follistim/Ovidrel/double IUIs(Injectable medications). My husbands' sperm is
excellent. I do have Type II diabetes and I just started taking Glucophage XR
2000mg a day.

I just recently bought Dong Quai and Licorice Root both in pill form. I can't
seem to find a health food store around me. Some of the girls I have spoken
to have gotten pregnant using these pills. What I need to know is; when during my
cycle do I take them and for how long?

I think Dong Quai, you take for cycle days 2-8, but I am not sure, as well as how
much should I be taking? Also I'm not sure when and how much Licorice Root I
should take. Could you please help me! My husband and I are desperate to have
a baby.
I never get a period unless I use Provera or Prometrium.
I need all the help I can get.

Thank You,
Cindy

      Susun's Response: I will try my best to give you simple advice, but you seem to have a complicated problem.

Dear Cindy,

The herb most effective in establishing pregnancy is red clover. Read more about
it: in my article on fertility http://www.susunweed.com/Articles_Susun_Weed.htm
or in my chapter on fertility over forty in New Menopausal Years or at www.susunweed.com
or in Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. Both books available at www.wisewomanbookshop.com

I would not want you to use licorice at all since you are diabetic and dong quai is
an herb that is never safe to use alone. Plus I never use herbs in pill form at all, too dangerous.

I would like to see you drinking at least a quart of red clover infusion a day for
five days out of the week for at least three months. Also curious as to your lack
of menses. How is your diet? Do you eat enough fat? Do you eat at least a little meat?

Wild yam can help you ovulate when taken daily for the first two weeks of your
cycle. It can help you hold a conception when taken for the last two weeks of the
cycle. It can prevent conception if taken daily.

Good luck, and let me know if any of this helps.

Green Blessings, Susun Weed

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On a personal note, I am hoping you can provide some assistance. We have a
very close relative who's having problems conceiving. They've been married about
4 years. He has been diagnosed, after exhaustive testing, with very low sperm count.
She managed to get pregnant last year, but miscarried immediately.

She's 40, he's 38. Neither has ever had children. She's a nonsmoker, he smokes
cigars occasionally. Neither is an alcohol drinker. Both are healthy. She's an M.D.
They have proceeded with adopting a foreign baby and this should be finalized in
about 6 weeks. Any suggestions? If they would like to consult with you further, what would this involve?

Thanks for getting back to me on this when you have time.

Sincerely,
Janice

Susun's Response: Red clover is the herb for fertility

Dear Janice,

Red clover is the herb for fertility. I use it as an infusion using one ounce of dried
herb in a quart jar filled to the top with boiling water. I have two articles you can
read on this.
Check http://www.susunweed.com/Articles_Susun_Weed.htm
also go to http://www.susunweed.com/Weed%20newsletter_september%2001.htm#article

Hope this helps.
It is a joy doing business with you.

Green Blessings, Susun Weed

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Desperately trying to get pregnant at 42

I am trying desperately to fall pregnant at the ripe old age of 42, but have
damaged tubes and therefore need to have IVF. Prior to treatment, my Day 3
estrogen level was too high. Once I was on the treatment, on Day 8 I was told
to abort as I was not producing enough eggs and as my hormonal levels were not
as they should be. Everything else seems to be working normally.

If we can enhance other aspects of our health, what natural products can I take to
increase my chances of a pregnancy? I don't drink alcohol, smoke or use other
drugs, I take a multivitamin every day, Vitamin B complex and folic acid. I also
go for acupuncture once a week. Please help! My doctor wants to try me one
more time with 375 ml of Perganol injections (as opposed to 225 ml). Also, I need something which will kick in reasonably quickly as my next cycle will start in 3
weeks' time.

HELP!!!
Layla,

Susun's Response: Time is not running out!

Dear Layla

Perhaps you are pushing yourself too hard. It is quite normal for women to have
babies in their forties, even in their fifties. Time is not running out and you may
injure your own health by taking IV hormones.Herbs that increase fertility and
encourage pregnancy tend to work slowly. I know you are impatient. Nonetheless,
I urge you to slow down.

I know many women who were told their tubes were damaged but who
conceived without IV. What did they use? Red clover infusion. (Not tea, not
tincture, not capsules. If you don't know how to make an infusion, instructions
are in all of my books.) Try drinking red clover infusion for three months. During
this time, visualize your tubes opening and accepting your egg and then your lover's
sperm. There is lots more information on red clover and on fertility after forty in my
book New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way, available from
www.wisewomanbookshop.com

If you are not pregnant in three months, you may want to continue drinking red
clover and also add tincture of Chasteberry (a dose is a dropperful, taken several
times a day. More information on this incredible herb can be found on my website: http://www.susunweed.com .

Green Blessings, Susun Weed

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while looking for info about lunaception. My man
and I have been trying for a baby for 1 year. I am now 46. He is 38. I am very fit
and healthy and young for my age.

I do have a slow acting Thyroid though and am on 200mcg of thyroid hormone a
day and have been for three years.I have had the whole gamut of fertlity tests. My
FSH level is 2 so I am still producing all hormones, I ovulate and produce reasonable
size eggs each month with a normal uterine lining. I have one blocked tube and one
good one and have already had two boys, now aged 21 and 23.

I have tried one cycle of stimulated IVF where I only produced 1 viable egg, which
did not fertilize. We have decided to just try naturally for a while. But I am very
interested in a natural, lunar or herbal method. I was interested to read about fertility
after 40.

Unfortunately, I live in Bali, Indonesia and do not have access to health shops. But I
have a friend coming to Australia next week who could possibly search for some
herbs for me. Can you help? - Is there anything I can do to increase my chances?
I would appreciate any advice or help you can give me.

Kind regards and best wishes
Shana

Susun's Response: Re: Fertility over 40

Dear Shana,

There is a whole section for you in my new book New Menopausal Years,
available in stores here in the states soon. You will want to preorder at
www.wisewomanbookshop.com

Red clover is the herb of choice for women who want to get pregnant. Make
an infusion by putting one ounce by weight of dried red clover in a quart jar and
filling it to the top with boiling water. Cap and let sit 4-8 hours. Drink up to a quart
a day. Your husband can drink it too.

Also you will want to read my article: Feeling Frisky, Herbs for Fertility at
http://www.susunweed.com/Articles_Susun_Weed.htm

Green Blessings, Susun Weed

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Fertility Problems

Hi Susun

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions. I having been trying to
conceive for 10 months, after having taken birth control pills for many years and
have been unsuccessful. I have a renal disease and suffer from high blood pressure
in the midst of trying to get pregnant. I am in need of some herbal remedies to assist
with my conditions and conception. A friend, I met in a health chat room told me
about you and I am so excited.

I have a great herb store that sells fresh herbs; if only I knew what to buy and how
to use it? Last Friday, I found out that one of my tubes is slightly scarred and I need
to naturally repair it as well. Is that possible without surgery? What would you
recommend and do you ever hold workshops in Atlanta, Ga. or close by?

Thank you,
Pamela

Susun's Response: Nourish yourself!

Pamela,

Nourish yourself with herbal infusions :
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Article-healthy.htm

Read the following articles to help you :

Feeling Frisky? Herbs for Fertility http://www.susunweed.com/Articles_Susun_Weed.htm

Fertility After Forty http://www.susunweed.com/Weed%20newsletter_september%2001.htm#article

Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems
http://www.susunweed.com/Weed_letter_Jan-02.htm#article

And, remember to Use herbs safely :
http://www.susunweed.com/Weed_letter_Nov-01.htm#article

Susun does teach all over the USA., but she will not be in GA this year. If you
have connections and want to instigate something for next year...she is now booking
for 2003 and 2004.

Yes, you can heal your body naturally. Nourish yourself well and follow the
suggestions in the above articles.

You may also consider ordering your own copy of Susun's Wise Woman Herbal
for the Childbearing Year to help you in your intention to have a wonderful and
natural pregnancy and delivery.

Love,
Justine (Susun's daughter)

green blessings,

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Fertility-Wild Yam- when should I take it?

Hi Susun and Justine,

I was wondering if I was supposed to take the wild yam and stop until I got my
period or just when I was due for it. I missed this month and did a pregnancy test,
which was negative. But this has happened before and I was pregnant. Just
wondering if the wild yam had something to do with it?

Thank you, Samantha

Susun's Response: Missed period or pg??

Dear Samantha,

Take wild yam to increase fertility from the first day of your period until ovulation.
When taken every day it is considered a contraceptive.

Love, Susun Weed
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Dear Susun:

In your article on fertility, you write that the hormone-like substances in wild yam
may convert to progesterone, "thus decreasing the possibility of conception". I am confused about this. Why would progesterone production decrease fertility? Would
that mean that Vitex is not a good herb to use if one might want to get pregnant?

I am 42, have some perimenopausal symptoms-such as a changing cycle-but may still
want to conceive. I had started using Vitex to regulate my cycle, but have switched to
red clover.

Thank you for all your wonderful work.
I heard you might be coming out this way to Arcata. Is it true?

Danielle

Susun's Response: The confusion about Wild Yam

Dear Danielle,

Yes, I will be in Arcata next year thanks to Jane Bothwell. (Details on when and
where from her.)

The mechanism of action of wild yam is hotly debated. Some researchers believe it
impacts the hypothalamus and normalizes ovulation. In my experience, it depends
on how you take it. A large daily dose decreases fertility (the original birth control
pills were made from wild yam progesterone). When you are pregnant progesterone
is high and you stop ovulating.

But a low dose taken from the beginning of menses to ovulation increases ovulation
and improves fertility. Confused? Everyone else is too!!

Wild yam creams confer no benefit. Take your wild yam as a tea, an infusion, or in capsules. There's lots more information on wild yam in my newest book (due out by Halloween) New! Menopausal Years.

Green Blessings, Susun Weed

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Wild Yam Tincture-how long does it take to work?

Hi Susun and Justine,

I just had a couple of questions about the wild yam tincture. The first one is: how
long does it take to start to work? I know that some things you have to take for a
long time in order for them to start to work . Other things that you take work almost instantly. Also is there any way to tell ( signs or symptoms) when it is working??

Love to you, Penny

Susun's Response: Re: Wild yam

Dear Penny,

Most of the time herbs work quickly. Most women notice results from taking wild
yam within the first menstraul cycle, some within two weeks. You would of course
be taking it for the first three months of your pregnancy and so would be in the
position to say it was working only if you did not miscarry. You might find that
your early pregnancy symptoms are more or less severe, which would be another
way to guage the effectiveness of the wild yam. Keep in touch and let us know what happens.

Green Blessings, Susun Weed

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Fertility herbs for my husband?

Dear Susun,
I know that there are specific herbs that are good for fertility in general, but I am wondering (and have been unable to locate any info) if there are any that may help
in cases of infertility due to male immunological issues. My husband has antibodies
to his own sperm and we cannot afford the traditional medical approach - and
would much rather look for a natural approach anyway!!

If you can offer any help in this, it would be much appreciated!!
Thanks soo, Robin

Susun's Response: nettle infusion

Dear Robin
My standard answer for everything is nettle infusion, and it would not hurt to try it.
I know dozens of people who claim it completely eliminated their allergies and I
would consider your husband allergic to his own sperm. If it does help, be sure
to let us know, so we can share with others.

Green Blessings, Susun Weed

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Red Clover for fertility?

Dear Wise Woman Susun

I was told recently to put my trust in the universe and that it was no accident that
I found your website or the dried red clover blossoms. I subsequently discovered
that most of our health shops have never even heard of red clover! There is
obviously divine guidance at work!

I agree with you not to delay the aging process, I love being my age - I just meant
that there may be a way to enhance those eggs which the doctors say are too old
to be fertilized and of such poor quality!

Unfortunately, I do need to have IVF (I wish I didn't) to fall pregnant, as my tubes
are tied. Years ago, I had a cell change and had to have a cone biopsy. I was 36
years old at the time and in an extremely abusive marriage to a crack addict (which
my doctor knew). She convinced me that it was best for me to be sterilized. I was vulnerable and traumatized at the time and agreed, much to my regret afterwards.

After much trauma, I am now very happily married to the most wonderful man, who
is such a calming and spiritual presence in my life. In fact, his mother (who lives in
North Africa) used to treat most of her family's ailments with herbs and he is very supportive and extremely interested in your articles - A Wise Man in the making.

As you advised, I will stop taking my vitamin tablets and just drink the red clover
infusion with some Chasteberry tincture. I have postponed the next IVF treatment
as I have decided to take some "spiritual time" until early next year to cleanse the
mind and heal the body and soul.

In regard to your question about the Chinese herbs, they are for nourishment of the
kidney and are in granule form.

I have just received the dried red clover blossoms (3rd generation South African)
and will make the infusion. Am I correct that a quart is approximately 0,8 liters? Also, please advise how I should proceed with the herbs given the fact that I would, in all likelihood, not fall pregnant normally.

I am fortunate to live just below the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, which is a most intense energy field. I so wish you were able to do a moon gathering here as it is full of wonder.

Many thanks for your encouragement and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
I will also place an order for your book.

Yours sincerely,

Nancy

Susun's Response: red clover has a special reputation

Dear Nancy,

Gosh, I don't want to delay my aging process. I want to be a vital, curious, alert,
intelligent, sexy OLD WOMAN. And you can be sure I don't use any creams or
any other hormones. I also avoid all drugs, including vitamin and mineral supplements, which I believe do more harm than good.

I do drink nourishing herbal infusion daily. These infusions supply plenty of real
vitamins and minerals so my hormonal system is supplied with all the nutrients it
needs to regulate itself and to make the hormones I need. Pills contain partial
substances which cannot create real health and might even be preventing you from succeeding in you endeavor.

Red clover infusion has a special reputation for helping women get pregnant, no
matter what age. Read more about it in the new section on "Fertility After Forty"
in my book New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way, available from http://www.wisewomanbookshop.com

You don't say what Chinese herbs you take nor why you are taking them. For
fertility? If so, you may want to stop while you are drinking the red clover infusion.
What form are they in? Capsules and pills of Chinese herbs have been found to
contain drugs so care is advised.

Green Blessings, Susun Weed

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