Dear Susun
My daughter is 14 years old and has been menstruating for
approx 1 1/2
years. Her periods have been coming approx every other month
and then
she bleeds fairly heavily for 2 weeks. This month is a bit
puzzling.
She has been bleeding for three weeks continually and still
going
strong. I have been giving her a tonic tea for about 3+ years
that
consists of raspberry, nettle, alfalfa, mint, dandelion lf,
licorice,
motherwort & lemongrass. 1 c 2x day about 5 days on and
2 days off.
About a year ago I made up a tincture of Licorice, black cohosh,
pau
d'arco,cramp bark, echinacea & kelp to help regulate her
endocrine
system. She takes a dropperfull from a 2 oz bottle 1 or 2
x day but I
have stopped that for the time being. She craves kelp which
I order
from Ryan Drum and she eats it like candy, sometimes a sandwich
bag full
about 2-4x week.
Should I be concerned about the duration of her period? She
is in good
health and except for having to wear pads for such a long
period, has no
complaints. She has never had cramps or other uncomfortable
things with
her period although right before and during her period her
face breaks
out with acne a fair amount. We did a Rights of Passage ceremony
after
her first period and she has a good healthy attitude about
her period.
I must mention too that she has a "learning disability"
and functions at
about a 7 or 8 year old level according to "the experts".
I am thinking about starting her on Vitex tincture 1/4 tsp
2 x day to
help regulate her endocrine system and blending another herb
tea using
raspberry, nettle and yarrow to help control the bleeding.
I would most appreciate your input. It could simply be that
her body is
still adjusting to this new cycle but better safe than sorry.
Thanks for your time.
Laurie
Susun's Response: Menstrual hemorrhage
Dear one,
First, let's get that bleeding stopped. It does not seem healthy
to me that she bleeds so much and for so long. I like shepherd's
purse tincture, a dropperful every four hours until the menstrual
hemorrhage stops. Second, that kind of bleeding depletes the
body's iron supplies, and when iron supplies are low hemorrhage
is more likely to occur, so let's end that vicious cycle.
Iron supplements are difficult to digest; yellow dock tincture
or decoction is easy to digest and very effective. (More info
in Wise Woman for the Childbearing Year, available at http://www.wisewomanbookshop.com
) And see below yet more information.
I am concerned that you are using so many herbs together.
How will you ever know what is having an effect? You say you
are using combination of raspberry, nettle, alfalfa, mint,
dandelion lf, licorice, motherwort & lemongrass. 1 c 2x
day about 5 days on and 2 days off.
Instead, I would suggest that you make an infusion of nettle
one day and raspberry leaf another day (you can flavor with
mint.) Use one ounce of dried herb in a quart jar, fill to
the top with boiling water, cap and steep for at least four
hours. If you wish to use dandelion, use the root tincture
and take 5-10 drops before meals. I would not use licorice
with an adolescent (or most adults) as it can have severe
side effects (thyroid disturbance, blood pressure problems,
adrenal stress).
As for your tincture of Licorice, black cohosh, pau darco,cramp
bark, echinacea & kelp. . . yikes. I would not use this
at all and am worried that it may be increasing your daughter's
problems. The raspberry leaf and nettle infusions will help
her more than this formula. I have never heard of using kelp
in tincture form and am very pleased that she is eating it.
That is the best way I know to take it. The other herbs in
this mix I would not use at all in this situation.
Chasteberry tincture is an excellent hormonal tonic. I think
it is a great idea for you to use it. Read more about it at
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm
Yarrow increases menstrual bleeding and is frequently used
as an abortifacient; I would avoid it in this situation.
Green Blessings, Susun Weed
susunweed@hvc.rr.com
http://www.susunweed.com
http://www.herbshealing.com
http://www.wisewomanbookshop.com
http://www.wisewomanbookshop.com
_____________________________________
here
is what Susun's book,
Wise Woman Herbal For
The Childbearing Year says for Iron:
page 36
Yellow Dock root: The yellow dock roots of many Ruminex species,
prepared as a decoction, syrup, or tincture, provide and excellent,
fully absorbable, non-constipating source of iron. To prevent
anemia, use 1 tablespoon of decoction or 25-40 drops of the
tincture daily. If anemia is present, use the same dosage,
but take it three times a day. Yellow Dock root is commonly
used by herbalists to replenish hemoglobin after a hemmorhage.
Other herbal sources of iron include Parsley, Nettles, Amaranth
greens, Dandelion root, and Kelp. Also see Appendix 1(below)
Best food sources of iron are liver, leafy greens, beets,
oysters, heart, and tongue.
Vitamin C aids assimilation of iron.
Avoid coffee, tea, excess bran, alkalinizers, and phosphates;
they inhibit absorption of iron.
Anemia Prevention Brew - See Appendix 2 (below)
page 151 (from Appendix 2)
IRON TONIC
2 ounces dried Yellow Dock roots
4 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
Put the roots into a quart jar, fill completely with boiling
water, cap well. infuse for eight hours or overnight. Strain
plant material out a discard. Steam liquid over a very low
flame until it is reduced to one cup. Do not boil or simmer.
Add honey and stil until it dissolves. Turn up fire and bring
mixture just to the boil. Pour boiling hot into a very clean
jar. Add brandy or other liqueur if desired. Cap. Cool. Then
store your tonic in the refrigerator.
Yellow Dock roots concentrate iron from the earth and ofer
it to us combined with the minerals and vitamins needed for
best iron absorption in our bodies. Rises in the hematocrit
(a measure of iron) of as much as a point a week are reported
by women taking this iron tonic during pregnancy and after
hemorrhage.
The dose is one or two tablespoons daily.
page 151
ANEMIA PREVENTION BREW
1/2 ounce dried Nettle leaves
1/2 ounce dried Parsley leaves
1/2 ounce dried Comfrey leaves
1/2 ounce dried Yellow Dock root
1/2 ounce dried Peppermint leaves
Measure herbs and put them into a glass half-gallon juice
jar. Pour boiling water in until the jar is totally full;
cover tightly. Steep for at least eight hours.
This brew contains three excellent sources of iron: Nettle,
Parsley, and Yellow Dock. It provides folic acid from the
parsley and vitamin B12 from the comfrey. The green herbs
all contribute vitamin C which aids iron absorption. The mint
makes it tasty.
Drink freely, up to four cups a day, for one week each month.
Page 164 (from Appendix 1)
Herbal Sources of Iron: Nettles, Dandelion, Alfalfa, Yellow
Dock, Chickweed, Burdock, Kelp, Mullein, Sorrel, Parsley,
Comfrey, Chicory, Watercress, Fennel.
Iron is depleted by: lack of high-quality protein, coffee,
enemas, black teas.
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Menstrual
Pain
Merry Meet,
My name is Barbara. A SiG of mine suggested I contact you directly.
Recently I have been informed I have adnomyosis (uterine wall
infection). My MD has performed a DNC and I am still having
problems.
He has recommended a hysterectomy.
I was born with two uteri and two ovaries. The uteri share
a wall.
For years, I have had painful periods. I use all natural/herbal
remedies with the occasional ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a heavy
duty as
I get.
Recently my periods have escalated to a new realm of pain.
I pass out
from the pain. I broke down and took codine. The first time
I've had
a narcotic in 16 years.
I am seeking info on the hysterectomy and menopause. I will
not take
medically prescribe hormones.
If you have any ideas, I would gladly accept them.
May the Goddess bless you with a sweet and abundant harvest
during
this season.
Barbara
Susun's Response: liferoot
for women with severe menstrual pain
Dear Barbara,
As I understand it, the normal pattern for mammals is to
have a bifurcated uterus. Strange as it may seem, your uterus
is normal for most mammals (just not so normal for humans.
But maybe as many as one in a thousand women have a doubled
uterus).
I am not convinced that your pain has much to do with the
doubling of your uterus. Have you been checked for endometriosis?
fibroids? How close are you to menopausal age?
Whatever the cause, Liferoot may help you. I make the tincture
from the flowering top of the Senecio aureus plant. A dose
of the tincture is 5 drops per day from ovulation to menstruation
(luteal phase). I have seen this completely eliminate severe
menstrual pain within three months for many women. Severe
= incapitating pain for 3-7 days with vomiting, diarrhea,
fainting, and migraine headache.
I write more about it in New Menopausal Years, available for
preorder from http://www.wisewomanbookshop.com
for $16.95 plus shipping -
plus $3 shipping from Ash Tree Publishing, PO Box 64 Woodstock,
NY 12498
Liferoot is sometimes hard to find in a store, as it is considered
poisonous (but only in really large doses). Red Moon Herbs
sells it. www.redmoonherbs.com
There is also a small section on hysterectomy in my menopause
book. I know a lot of women who have had hysterectomies who
do not take hormones and all of them are healthy and happy.
If that is what you choose, you can still be healthy afterward,
but I do hope liferoot can save you from this drastic step.
Hope some of this helps.
Green Blessings, Susun Weed
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Herbs
to Bring On Menstruation
Question: I'm 20 years old and haven't had
a period start naturally for 2 years. My doctor put me on
progesterone. I used it twice, but it made me feel horrible,
lash out at those around me, and gain weight. I feel as if
something is lacking, my connection to the moon has been gone.
Is there anything I can do to get my body to have normal cycles?
Thanks, Gina
Susun's
Response: try nourishing herbal infusions
Dear Gina,
There is a section on this in New Menopausal Years, available
from http://www.ashtreepublishing.com
I know you are too young for menopause, but the info on missing
periods would apply to you.
Meanwhile, is there enough fat in your diet? Do you eat meat
at least occasionally? When did you periods begin (at what
age?)
The herb wild yam, taken two weeks out of each month, seems
to increase the amount of progesterone you make.
Also nourishing herbal infusions and a whole foods diet, including
meat, has worked wonders for all the women I know. Info on
making those nourishing infusions is in each of my books.
Hope this helps.
Green Blessings, Susun Weed
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Polycystic
Ovaries-Irregular Periods
Hi there -
I was told I had polycystic ovaries when I was 16 and was
put on the pill. From then until 21, I was on and off the
pill. I got pregnant at 22, and had an abortion. Since then,
my moons have been totally sporadic. I'm now 26 and have been
trying to get pregnant. I've taken vitex tincture on and off
for the past year but I sense I should be doing more. Do you
have any recommendations?
Thanks.
Michelle
Susun's Response:what is your diet like?
Michelle,
What is your diet like? Low fat diets could be causing sporadic
periods.
Is your room dark when you sleep? Light at night can cause
sporadic periods. You can read about this (it is called LunaCeption)
in my book New Menopausal Years, now available at http://www.wisewomanbookshop.com
How much vitex are you taking? In what form? I think tincture
is best, and the dose needs to be quite large: a dropperful
2-4 times a day for several years is the usual recommended
dose.
You may also want to ask my past apprentice, the midwife Sheri
WInston, for a consultation. You can contact her through her
website http://www.wholisticwomancare.com
Green Blessings, Susun Weed
Thanks so much for replying.
My diet is actually probably high in fat. I weigh 128 lbs.
and eat many olives, eggs, beans, sesame oil, nuts and seeds.
I also eat brown rice or brown basmati regularly. It's strange,
last year I actually weighed 117 lbs and bled every 35 days
for 4 cycles. That's the most regular I've ever been. I eat
cheese probably once a week. I do avoid all meat except occasional
fish. My room is dark when I sleep. I take 4 dropperfulls
of vitex a day.
There are some details that I suspect have a lot to do with
this as well. I have been from one relationship to another
for the last 8 years, most recently with a person who is severely
depressed, uninspired, and angry. When I bled regularly for
those 4 moons last year he and I stopped using condoms. Since
then we haven't used any form of birth control and I haven't
gotten pregnant. We are in the middle of breaking up right
now and I've theorized that my body has taken the reigns and
is telling me that pregnancy with this person is a mistake.
My emotions are just now catching up as I realize that I need
to end this relationship.
Are there herbs that also address emotional infertility?
I don't really know what to call it.
Thanks,
Michelle
Subject: Re: do nothing
Dear Michelle
Guess it just goes to show why women are not used in medical
studies -- we are so strange!!
I agree with you that your body is saying slow down here.
Since you are eating well (and drinking nourishing herbal
infusions?) I think it is safe to wait. Have you read the
info in New Menopausal Years on erratic menses? If your period
is still missing in May, get in touch again, by phone, if
possible. I do free consultations on Tuesday evenings (only
from the end of March to the end of October) from 7:30 to
9:30 east coast time.
Green Blessings, Susun Weed
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Elevated
prolactin + no period for 2-1/2 years
Hi Susan,
My empowerment advisor in Rockland county suggested that
I find
you and speak with you concerning my health.
I've not had my period since 1999 and I've been battling
an elevated
Prolactin for the same amount of time. No doctor (whether
homeopathic,
naturopathic or medical) has been able to help me.
Do you have any suggestions?
Karen
Susun's
Response: give me some details
Karen,
Susun will be here Monday to answer your email. In the
mean time can you give her some more details about your life/health/diet
so she
has a better idea of what is going on with you.....
What happened in 1999 just prior to /during the onset of
your condition, were you nursing? How old are you? What is
you diet like? Are there other circumstances that she should
know about? For example, if you are on a low-fat and/or vegetarian
diet or are under alot of stress this may be affecting your
lack of period.
Are you taking any prescriptions/medications, oral contraceptives,
or
recreational drugs? Having emotional issues or in a stressful
environment? What
about your thyroid? Have you had known tumors or cysts?
There are so many factors that could affect you and your
body...Help her a little by sharing more about yourself so
she has some clue about what is going on...Please
detail your symptoms (of elevated prolactin), how elevated
it actually is,
and what you have done in the past few years to remedy (as
you say
battle") the situation.
With love,
Here
are some details
Justine---oh my GOD!
Thank you so much for answering me. I'm crying now
because I didn't think I'd hear from anyone and if I did not
for
about a month. Thank you, thank you!!
To answer your specific questions: No, I've never nursed.
I've had 2
miscarriages, one at age 21 and another at 30 - D&C was
done after
the second one.
I've had 3 abortions (one at 18, 19, 20). I'm embarrassed
to say, but
I was using methods other than the birth control pill and
they
didn't work. I couldn't have a baby at any of those times.
....
In 1999 I broke up with my boyfriend of 3-1/2 years after
a long traumatic relationship because I wanted children and
marriage and he didn't. I moved in with him 9 months before
we eventually broke up. He cheated on me. I moved out and
moved back to my parents.
__________________
How old are you?>>>>>I'm 38 years old now
.
What is your diet like?>>>>I eat as healthy as
possible (I've been off sugar and processed foods for the
last 3 weeks) I did suffer with a terrible sugar addiction
for cakes, cookies, ice cream. Under a lot of stress. I've
since married and am very happy, but he is having slight financial
issues and we are living in a 2 family with my mom. The only
thing I worry about now is not being able to have sex on a
regular basis with my husband due to the lack of natural female
juices.
Are you taking any recreational drugs?>>>Occasionally
pot, but very rare.
See Below for more details about my battle:
From the age of 21-36 I was on and off birth control pills--very
low dosage because I suffered with the nausea, easy bruising
and chronic yeast infections. I had regular periods throughout
these years.
In May of 1999 under the care of my gynecologist and at
the age of 36 I decided to get off the pill for the last time.
In addition, I was suffering from a traumatic break up with
a boyfriend. I replaced my grief with exercise (6 days a week,
3 hour days). After 6 months my period still had not returned
and my gynecologist suggested to begin blood testing. He discovered
a very high prolactin level (around the 104 range) and sent
me
for a MRI. I've had 2 MRI's now (1999 and 2000 results in
file) and both have come back negative except for a cyst that
is dead center in my brain (again according to the report
see in file). But no one seemed alarmed over that nor did
they see a correlation to my amenorrhea.
My symptoms were sweating, agitation, irritability, palpitations,
weight gain, thin brittle finger nails, dry flaky patchy skin,
decreased taste, absent of menstruation, muscle spasms, dry
hair, bloated face, visual changes- I'm now near sighted,
decreased sex drive, and headaches.
From 1999 to now, I've been to see 3 endocrinologists, one
reproductive endocrinologist, an internist, a gastroenterologist
and 4 different gynecologists. I've had an osteoporosis test
(so far I'm fine)
along with a battery of other tests (sonograms - pelvic and
throat & 24 hr urine analysis and bloods for my thyroid
and allergies).
The first endocrinologist put me on dostinex for about a
year
(October 1999 to Sept. 2000) and the prolactin had decreased
during this yea (.71,) but my period did not return and I
gained 28 pounds. What ended our relationship
was that he said I was developing a goiter. I researched it
and discovered that it is quite serious. I asked what were
his plans to control this. He said he didn't know what to
do for the treatment but if I really wanted him to do something,
he would put me on some kind of medicine that would be experimental
because he wasn't sure what kind to give me. Needless to say
I never returned to him.
The reproductive endocrinologist took me off Dostinex and
gave me (vegetable based) estrogen along with Provera. I had
a fake period that lasted about 6 days. On 1/26/01 he ran
a blood test and my Prolactin was up to 56. After I had the
fake period he said that he was done with me, unless I wanted
to become pregnant (which I did not at that time).
Jan. 2001, the 2nd endocrinologist suggested I take Parladel
or Dostinex; even though my Prolactin level was at 39.5 (August
2001). This number was achieved without medication for over
a year and a half. I refused to take the Parladel or Dostinex
because the side effects were too much for me to handle. She
said that if the Prolactin was raised beyond 50, Dostinex
would be necessary. Low and behold around December 2001 my
Prolactin was at 54.9,but I still did not take the Dostinex
because the pharmacies did not have any in stock. I'm still
seeing her.
Feb. 2001 I found a gynecologist that gave a name to my
condition (Hypothelemic Amenorrehea). She believes that my
period may never return. She is a specialist with menopausal
women and assured me that I am not pre or post menopausal
despite the symptoms.
Sept. 2001: I found a naturopathic internist that recommended
a hormone replacement compound (Trieste 5 mg combined with
Progesterone SR 50 mg in one pill every evening) because she
believed that I was menopausal. I took the HRT; it has alleviated
some of my symptoms like: hot flashes, painful intercourse,
headaches, dizziness, extremely low libido, vaginal dryness).
But these symptoms still persisted (elevated Prolactin, itchy
rectum and vagina, teeth grinding, tooth aches, ear ringing,
heart palpitations, heaviness in chest, foggy clogged feeling
around sinuses. Also periodically if I begin to read I will
have unfocused vision with a feeling of floating--you know
that feeling you experience on a rollercoaster or elevator
when it descends).
December 2001: I developed severe bloating in my stomach along
with a cyst on my stomach. I was given an antibiotic for the
cyst (from the naturopath internist) and it went down, but
not all the way. I had a CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis
and am awaiting results as part of the visit with my gastroenterologist.
I suspect now that I have chronic systemic Candida and it
is at the root of all my problems. I took a Candida test and
a normal number was 140 and I had 393. On January 2nd I got
off sugar and on January 7th I got off white floured products
and many of my vitamins (B-12, C, Omega 3, Berry oil). The
3rd endocrinologist (a specialist) took blood on 1/2/02 and
wants a second blood test on 1/23/02 without any HRT or Dostinex
in my system. I stopped the HRT that night. My hot flashes
have started to return.
(1/6/02), I've developed a cold and I can't sleep well. On
Jan. 7th I went back on the vitamins and some echineacea and
golden seal and the cold is holding back a bit.
During my frustration with regular MD's I also tried a couple
of holistic routes. I've had 20 sessions from an acupuncturist
and during this time, I had another fake period (July 2001)
using estrogen and provera. This time it lasted about 8 days
in all.
The acupuncturist suggested I take my morning temperature.
My body temperature range for this one month test was anywhere
from 94.7 to 97.0. After he was done with me, I saw a Repatterning
Systemic Chiropractor (2 sessions) nothing happened. I'm seeing
an osteopathic (so far 4 sessions and nothing); however, he
has now suggested a candida detox from MetaMetrix from Ideal
Health (after I told him about my candida research).
Can you help me? I'm so frustrated and saddened by my
experience--I'll await your response
Thanks again and also with much LOVE!!!!
Susun's Response: there is no such as a
disease called "Candida"
Thanks so much for sharing so much. Susun will be here on
Monday and she willtake time to answer you as best she can.
I know she will, among other things, recommend you start to
drink nourishing herbal infusions such as Stinging Nettles.
It is wonderful that you are cleaning up your diet and eliminating
white sugar and processed foods. She will most likely also
suggest you eat yogurt! Also, according to Susun there is
no such thing as a disease called "Candida"... I
am copying a response she wrote to another woman, there may
be something helpful for you here:
Subject: Bladder
infection, or Interstitial cystitis BUT not "Candida"
Susun's
Response:
Every healthy human has Candida in their gut. It is one of
the most important organisms of the 400 molds, yeasts, bacteria,
and fungi that colonize our intestines. Without these microbial
helpers we would be unable to digest Any food at all.
The problem is not having Candida, But not having the other
helpers, thus causing the Candida to grow. Your diet needs
to include high concentrations of fermented foods -- yogurt,
miso, sourdough bread, home brewed wine and beer, sauerkraut,
and cheeses like Camembert and Brie -- not to be devoid of
them.
I would guess that you have a sub clinical bladder infection.
Have you been drinking (non-sweetened) cranberry juice? Have
you tried a course of uva ursi, an excellent bladder disinfectant?
There other possibility is that you have interstitial cystitis
(tiny ulcers in the lining of the bladder). Recommendations
for
women with IC are in my book New Menopausal Years the Wise
Woman Way.
Further, Susun does not believe the body ever needs to be
detoxed! So,
you will hear something about that from her too...
And, of course, I personally think you would benefit from
picking up a
copy of her NEW Menopausal Years book, which is specifically
for women 30-90 and has so many great cures in it....Including
remedies for lack of natural
female juices!
Anyhow, Expect to hear from Susun on Monday, she no doubt
will have something good to tell you!
> >Love,
Happy Friday Justine,
I'm just gearing up for my conversation with your Mom on
Monday.
Should I call her and if so what time?
Thanks for everything you are doing for me!!!
Dear Karen
I don't know if I can help, but I am certainly willing to
share as much as I know with you.
To start, can you tell me what has not worked? Also, will
you please take a
look at my six steps of healing. Go to
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-101-six_steps.htm
I will want to follow that pattern in trying remedies with
you. Let me know what you think. I will be here again in a
week and we can continue then.
Green Blessings, Susun Weed
I'm confused by a couple things in the six steps of healing....
After looking at your six steps of healing I'm confused by
some things:
Step 5a: Use supplements (synthesized/concentrated vitamins
or minerals,
special foods like royal jelly or spirulina). Supplements
are not step 3.
There's always the risk with synthesized/concentrated substances
that
they'll do more harm than good, e.g., the men who took fish
liver oil in
capsules and had a greater mortality from heart disease (the
oil was
rancid).
"Should we use supplements or not, don't want to do
anything that will kill
me---I love life and want to live a long and healthy one."
Step 5b: Use drugs (synthesized alkaloids, oral and injectable
hormones,
high dilution homeopathic). Overdose may cause grave injury
or death.
"In previous e-mail you said not to take hormones now
this says to use them
or are you saying not to use them?"
Step 6: Break and enter (fear-inspiring language, surgery,
colonics,
Rolfing, psychoactive drugs, invasive "diagnostic"
tests such as mammograms
and biopsies). Side effects are inevitable and may include
permanent injury
or death.
"So I guess I shouldn't bother getting an MRI on my
head again to see if
there is a tumor in there----which is reflective of the elevated
Prolactin.
Can't wait to hear from you next week. Oh please
don't forget to tell me
where to send the check and also the range of a donation!"
Susun's Response: I am sorry I was not clear
in my previous message
Karen, I am sorry I was not clear in my previous message.
My mom does not do free phone consultations in the winter.
When I said she would answer you on Monday, I meant by email.
Every week she visits me (and my computer) so she can answer
the special emails I have saved for her.
We get about 50 emails per day; I select about 10% for her
to answer personally, which means she has 35-40 emails to
answer personally. Your message to her (and my response to
you) is in her folder so she can write to you and share her
thoughts. Often, women will write back to her and she will
continue to
answer until they get as much help as they need. This may
take a few weeks,
though so patience is a virtue. But, it's all free so who
can complain?
From the 150 emails she answers each month, I select about
10 to include in
her monthly newsletter; of course confidentiality is respected
and we don't
include any names or email addresses. The rest I keep or discard,
depending
on the nature. The keepers I will put on a web page sometime
soon, when
time permits, so other women can benefit from these messages.
This of
course will be big work, but it will allow Susun to answer
less emails as
the demand for her time grows in the busy months.
During the summer months she devotes a few hours per week
to free phone
consultations. You may want to call her then, but for now
lets work via
email. You have given us lots of details in your follow-up
email so it
should be easier for her to answer you comprehensively. I
hope she has
something helpful to say. Also, have you visited the links
I included in
the last email I sent and are you staying to your no sugar
diet?
Ultimately, your good health is in your own hands and Susun
can only help
guide you in the right direction...
Please accept my apology for my lack of clarity in my former
email.
Sending love,
Subject: Re: hello right back at ya!
And to answer your questions
Hi Justine,
I'm sorry, you did provide comprehensive info---I just forgot
the set up.
E-mail is great!!! And free advice from someone like Susun
is the best gift
I could have received whether it is in the winter via e-mail
or phone calls
in the summer. Because I have gone through most of my savings
trying to
find out what is wrong with me and how to correct it. I feel
so privileged
that you have taken up my cause and chosen my story for your
Mom to respond
to!!!! Thanks so much. Did you do it because you remember
Chantal or just
that I sounded so pathetic and desperate? LOL ;-)
I slipped up today and had something sweet but I'm already
feeling the
effects and won't do it again. I want to get her book this
weekend; can you
recommend a health food store where her NEW menopausal book
is distributed?
So far I do have 9 specific questions that I'd like you to
save for Susun:
1. What does she think of Vitex (Chaste Tree?).
2. I have a very distended belly anything I could do for that?
3. What does she feel about prescriptions of Hormone Replacement
Therapy
from gynecologists?
4. Does she believe in having a fake period through gynecologists'
prescriptions?
5. Has she heard of Nature's Sunshine products "Female
Comfort" it has these
ingredients in it:
Red Raspberry Leaves (Rubus idaeus)
Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis)
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Blessed Thistle Whole Herb (Cnicus benedictus)
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Queen of the Meadow Herb (Eupatorium purpureum)
6. If she were in my shoes---what tests would she have a medical
doctor
perform other than the ones I've done so far (thyroid, blood,
urine, saliva,
stool, sonogram on pelvis (there are eggs still in my ovaries)
7. Has she heard of Dr. Biamonte and his philosophy on detoxing
parasites?
He gave me some herbs to take for this and the side effects
sound the
same as how I felt prior to my abandoning sugar.
8. I know she doesn't believe in detoxing but is detox the
same as
disinfecting?
9. Has she ever known someone to lose their period through
consuming large
quantities of sugar, white rice, pasta, bread and then regain
it back by
giving up sugar, white rice, pasta, bread?
Thanks Justine and feel free to tell my story!!!! I want
it told; my Mom
said if I ever get better, I should write a book myself.
Can't wait to hear from your MOM--I've waited 2-1/2 years
so I can wait a
couple of weeks more to get my new lease on life!
Subject: Re: answer your 9 questions
Dear Karen
My first email answered your first email letter to me. Now,
nearly an hour later, I have finished reading the entire correspondence
between you and Justine. I will do my best to answer your
9 questions. I would like to ask you to consider making a
donation to the scholarship fund in return for my help. You
are paying others big bucks for their help. I won't charge
you, but would really like it if you could find it in your
heart to help other women who want to learn how to use herbs
but can't afford it. Thanks.
1. What does she think of Vitex (Chaste Tree?).
I suspect that taking a dropperful
dose of this four times a day for 3-6 months could make some
strong changes in your system and symptoms.
2. I have a very distended belly anything I could do for
that?
Is it from gas? If so, eat
more yogurt. Also, you could try taking 5-10 drops of dandelion
tincture before meals. If neither of these work, then the
bloating is not related to digestion, I would say, and we
could try something else.
3. What does she feel about prescriptions of Hormone Replacement
Therapy from gynecologists?
Menopause is a passage like puberty.
Taking hormones short circuits this passage, keeps you infantile,
and prevents you from being a powerful woman. Additionally,
it increases you risk of lung cancer, uterine and endometrial
cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, and gall
bladder disease. Sounds like you have enough problems without
creating new ones by taking drugs. (Remember the six steps
of healing; HRT is step 5)
4. Does she believe in having a fake period through gynecologists'
prescriptions?
Absolutely not. If having a period
is a sign of health, having a fake one is a sign of fake health.
You seem to me to be very uneasy about your body; many people
are. That is why so many people use drugs: to make their bodies
do as they will, instead of listening to the wisdom of the
body and doing as it wills.
5. Has she heard of Nature's Sunshine products "Female
Comfort" it has these ingredients in it:
Red Raspberry Leaves (Rubus idaeus)
Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis)
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Blessed Thistle Whole Herb (Cnicus benedictus)
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Queen of the Meadow Herb (Eupatorium purpureum)
If we are
going to work together, I will ask you not to take anything
in pill form. Herbs in capsules are dangerous. I avoid them
completely. In addition, we will probably only work with one,
at the most two, herbs at a time. Needless to say I would
not want you to use a formula like the one you listed. Several
of those herbs could worsen your symptoms.
6. If she were in my shoes---what tests would she have
a medical doctor
perform other than the ones I've done so far (thyroid, blood,
urine, saliva,
stool, sonogram on pelvis (there are eggs still in my ovaries)
In your shoes,
I would take them off. I would not have any tests at all done.
I believe that you are making yourself more and more sick
with these tests.
7. Has she heard of Dr. Biamonte and his philosophy on
detoxing parasites? He gave me some herbs to take for this
and the side effects sounded like the same way I felt prior
to my abandoning sugar.
The parasite scam is an old
one. You can fall for it if you really hate yourself. I hope
to help you to love yourself. I can almost guarantee that
you do not have parasites. And if you did, I will guarantee
that your symptoms have nothing to do with that. Did you take
his herbs? I bet they were powdered and in capsules. See my
answer to question 5.
8. I know she doesn't believe in detoxing
but is detox the same as
disinfecting?
There are no toxins in the
human body. When we metabolize we create by products that
are unusable. These are excreted by the kidneys. If we want
to be healthier, we can strengthen the liver and the kidneys.
If we want to be sicker, we can try to cleanse.
Disinfection means to kill disease causing bacteria. It usually
promotes resistant bacteria, in the body, and in the world.
I believe it would be a terrible thing for you to do. A strong
digestive system contains plenty of health-giving molds, yeasts,
bacteria, and fungi, which prevent disease-causing types from
growing. Let's make you healthy and strong with nourishing
herbs instead of looking for something to kill and perhaps
kill you by mistake.
9. Has she ever known someone to lose their period through
consuming large quantities of sugar, white rice, pasta, bread
and then regain it back by giving up sugar, white rice, pasta,
bread?
No. Absurd. Impoverished starving
women have periods. Women who survive on junk food have periods.
Please stop beating yourself up. The taste of mother's milk
is sweet. We all crave sweet; it is the taste of life. Let
up on yourself. Choose healthy sweets like dried fruit, chocolate,
honey, malt syrup, maple syrup, then indulge yourself. Let
yourself love life; it is sweet.
The healthiest diet gives us the most nutrition for the least
calories. The problem with white refined sugar and flour is
that they have little nutrition and lots of calories. But
they are not devils and do not by themselves make anyone sick.
You can disregard my question about what has not worked, as
you have answered it. But do look at the six steps of healing.
We can begin with step 0. Please write back and tell me how
you are going to be doing nothing, be specific.
And we need to set a time frame for this first step.
And specific goals: such as, within two weeks my bloat will
be gone, or within a month I will feel that I am on the right
track.
The goal is up to you. I am here to help you achieve it. One
cannot just say I want to be healthy. One must create health
a bit by a bit, a step at a time.
Green Blessings, Susun Weed
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Ovarian
Cyst, Heavy Periods and Nourishing Herbs
Hi,
I firstly must say I find your site very inspirational!
Approximately 8 years ago I had a large dermoid ovarian cyst
removed in an emergency operation when I was 17 weeks pregnant.
Since the operation, my whole state of health has altered.
I have gained an enormous amount of weight and am prone to
depression and anxiety/panic attacks.
I work as an aromatherapist and massage therapist, mainly
with people with learning difficulties. I also have a large
family. I just want to feel like myself again and renew my
inner strength and peace. I suffer with very heavy periods,which
I feel is due to my weight, do you have any suggestions for
me..........even though I find it easy to guide others to
better health, I am lost...........
thank you H
Susun's Response: Drink nourishing herbal
infusions
H,
You could start to make and drink nourishing herbal infusions
and begin some gentle exercise program. Nettles and Oatstraw
will be of particular help to you, but infuse them separately.
Drink one for a week, then switch to another so you get full
benefit of each. Don't mix herbs or take them in pill form.
Also you may find a friend in Vitex tincture, Motherwort
tincture, and St. Joan's Wort tincture. I am sending you a
few links to articles you will want to read, to explain the
benefits of all the herbal infusions and tinctures I have
suggested above.. Please write again if you have any further
questions.
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Article-healthy.htm
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Vitex_RedMoonHerbs.htm
http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Fear_AW1.htm
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Depression-Weed.htm
If you do not have a health food store near you where you
can find these herbs in bulk and the tinctures premade, then
you can find places to order via mail on our links page.
Love,
Justine (Susun's daughter)
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