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BACK TO ASK THE HERBALIST
INDEX
ANSWERS FROM LORYHL:
QUESTION: Nearly 2 years ago I had my tubes tied,
and I was looking into having a tubal reversal.
I was surfing the internet and came across a tampon
called Felopio. It was said that this tampon is to be
inserted once every 24 hours for 24 days straight or
until your next menustrul cycle. Is this a way of
unblocking my tubes or is it best to surgically have my
tubes reversed, or is this basically the same thing.
Please help me understand.
ANSWER: I am not a medical Dr. and am not
familiar with this, new tampon. I do know some people
have a tube reversal, as far as I know it can only be
done with surgery.
If you would like some herbs to help you, and build your
health, we can help you there.
QUESTION: Do you know of an herb that will help
increase breast milk production?
ANSWER: I have always used with great success the
herb, milk thistle seed, and milk thistle herb.
Drink, 2-3 cups two times per day and this will promote
the production of milk. Make sure you eat well, avoid
caffeine, soda, and processed foods, drink lots of pure
water, and drink the herb tea, as suggested. Eat nuts,
fruits, fish and some red meats, if not vegetarian.
QUESTION: I was very excited when I saw your
website, extremely helpful and I will make sure and keep
it close to me. I have a question that I hope you can
answer. I have been trying to get pregnant for 4 years
now, tried everything under the sun except IVF, tried
acupuncture, homeopathic drops and more. Right now I am
using some herbal remedies for infertility that I got at
Whole Foods as well as a colon cleanser, I just got fed
up with doctors and doctors so I am now doing something
for myself. I am all about getting pregnant naturally
and don't think 43 is too old to get pregnant naturally.
Please help me if you can.
ANSWER: Pregnancy for most people is attainable,
if the uterus lining is receptive, the gall bladder
clean, cigarette, drug and alcohol addiction is not part
of the scene. Also what is the MD's diagnosis of your
infertility? I will need to know a little more about
you, like the diet you are eating, and your blood type
if possible. Please look at the downloads in this
email, for cleanse to follow. We have the herbs, and
will make some special blends for you if needed. What
you are doing from Whole Foods is fantastic, and along
the right road. Looking forward to assisting you, in
this most important adventure.
QUESTION: Hi, I'm a 24 year old female. I found
out when I was 18 that my fallopian tubes were blocked.
Since then I have had an IVF and two laposcopies. I'm
still worried that my fallopian tubes may have blocked
again and was wondering if there were any herbs that
could help unblock them without me going back into
surgery or paying for another IVF.
ANSWER: Thank you for the inquiry.
Please read the download, on diet
suggestions with some of the herbs you could take, and
also remember to add as many fish meals as you can like
wild caught Salmon, Halibut etc, with the 3-6-9 omega
oils in them, this is important for your reproductive
health, and to open the tubes.
Do a gall bladder flush, this will help to
soften the tubes also see a very skilled chinese
acupuncturist, this will help shed some light on the
existing condition and pre disposition to the tubes
being blocked.
There are several supplements that are
recommended:
- Life Force Fiber Food, mild detox and softening of
mucous membranes
- Vitamin E , 800 IU daily for 3 months, full range
tocopherols
- Borage oil, 6 capsules daily
-raspberry leaf tea blend with other herbs for you
specifically, we will mix this if desired
-after finding out a little more about you, age, what
your personality is like, and your blood type, then I
can further suggest , herbs and essences as well, the
above suggestions can get you started, and read the
downloads
QUESTION: I am a big proponent of natural healing
and herbal remedies. I am not certified in any way
but take all my information from books, especially those
of Susun Weed and debaracli Levy. My daughter has
recently become pregnant while in the midst of battling
with severe Crohn's disease. She is presently
weeding off narcotics and high doses of steroids.
We are trying to keep her as medication free as possible
since she is already compromised. I am trying to
anticipate what she may need to keep her and baby safe
thru the next 7 months. I read a lot about
stinging nettle tea being beneficial during pregnancy
and just thought I'd get your opinion on that before I
actually start. I wasn't sure if it was
contraindicated with steroids or dilaudid that you might
be aware of.
Also, I would like to make some marigold
cream for sore nipples and wondered if you could direct
me to a recipe that you felt was safe.
If there is anything else that you feel would be
beneficial for her, books included, I would be most
interested in hearing about it.
ANSWER: Two very excellent books that
you refer too. I personally do not have a
formula for Marigold salve. However , there
are plenty of formulas for salves on the
internet and in books ( I thought Susun Weed
had some as well?).
One book I have used a lot is, "Encyclopedia
of Herbs and Herbalism". It has many
different types of recipes contained there
in. We produce a wonderful fresh Comfrey
Compound Salve, that is soothing to the
nipples, and other tender areas. It
contains, marigold, as well as comfrey, neem,
olive oil, shea butter, essential oils, and
others ( the Africans use shea
butter extensively on Mom and Newborn).
We have extensive
experience with Crohns and other bowel
conditions, providing , support that is non
invasive, and in most cases completely
compatible with this type of situation.
(please see attached download).
A very important factor is her diet, it
needs to be clean, healthful, and vibrant
for her and the baby, yet mild.
I suggest you get a really good pro biotic
and make sure she stays on it, about 2-3
weeks per month. Longer than that will not
be of benefit at one time.
The drugs she is on, seem excessive.
Have you checked again with your Doctor on
the safety while pregnant?
I do know raspberry and blackberry tea, berries
of all kind, that grow locally, over the
summer, would be wonderful for her and Noni,
Acai, are all safe for pregnancy. As a tea
or a food, these are anti oxidant, and
healing to damaged tissue.
Also tumeric, would
be excellent, it is anti inflammatory, anti
oxidant, and will help fight free radicals,
and restore normal bacteria activity in the
gut, as well as sugar and starch
assimilation, and it is not harmful to Mom
or baby. About 1-2 tspns per day, or more,
and also on food.
Some other suggestions:
- read our cleansing diet sheet, however,
she can follow most of it, but will need to
have more steamed veggies, and mild foods,
you will have to find what her body agrees
with for food, find her blood type, this
will help in identifying problem areas for
her, there are plenty of books on
compatibility according to blood type and
diet
- Louise Hays book, You Can Heal Your Life,
( do affirmations)
- google EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique,
learn and do, powerful and effective
- castor oil packs on abdomen, 4 nites per
week
- garlic packs with castor oil, on bottoms
of feet, 4 nites per week
- Life Force Fiber Food, our blend for
Crohns and irritable bowel
- digestive enzymes that agree with her, you
will have to search it out ( try Jarrow,
Bile Acid) we have many of these items in
stock in our Natural Farm Store, you can
call for information, or email us
- mild and raw, steamed foods, nuts, seeds
as part of diet, easy on the grains and red
meat
- contact a really good Chinese Acupuncture
Dr./herbalist as well, I would find the best
one you can, and listen closely to them
Bless you on the Journey for Health with
Mom and Baby
QUESTION: Hi, I'm a 24 year old female. I
found out when I was 18 that my fallopian tubes were
blocked. Since then I have had an IVF and two
laproscopies. I'm still worried that my fallopian tubes
may have blocked again and was wondering if there were
any herbs that could help unblock them without me going
back into surgery or paying for another IVF.
ANSWER:
Thank you for the inquiry.
Please read the download, on diet suggestions with some
of the herbs you could take, and also remember to add as
many fish meals as you can like wild caught Salmon,
Halibut etc, with the 3-6-9 omega oils in them, this is
important for your reproductive health, and to open the
tubes.
Do a gall bladder flush, this will help to soften the
tubes ( see other download) also see a very skilled
Chinese acupuncturist, this will help shed some light on
the existing condition and pre disposition to the tubes
being blocked.
There are several supplements that are recommended:
- Life Force Fiber Food, mild detox and softening of
mucous membranes
- Vitamin E , 800 IU daily for 3 months, full range
tocopherols
- Borage oil, 6 capsules daily
-raspberry leaf tea blend with other herbs for you
specifially, we will mix this if desired
-after finding out a little more about you, age, what
your personality is like, and your blood type, then I
can further suggest , herbs and essences as well, the
above suggestions can get you started, and read the
downloads
QUESTION: I have been given some tablets from
a Chinese Practitioner. Can you please advise if
any of the ingredients could be harmful if I am trying
to conceive or perhaps already am pregnant. The
pills include:
Rehmannia chinensis
Cornus officinalis
Dioscorea opposita
Poria cocus
Paeonis suffruticosa
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Glycyrrhizae uralensis
ANSWER: Although I do study Chinese
herbal tradition, I am not yet an expert. I
suspect the practitioner who gave you the
blend, would be best to consult, as to the
action of the herbs, your condition, and why
he gave them to you in the first place.
It has been my philosophy, when it comes to
conception, and/or birth, it is best to err
on the side of caution. If you are
uncomfortable, then your body is telling you
something. You could also call the
manufacturer. I wish you the very best
on your journey of pregnancy and getting
pregnant.
FROM KAREN MALLINGER
BLOCKED FALLOPIAN TUBES
QUESTION: I went on your website and was very
interested in the information that you provided. I am a
28-yrs. old female who has been married for 5 years and
has been trying to conceive for over 2 years. I was on
the pill for 1 year. I've seen a specialist and had a
Hysteroscopy done last year. The result, as I was told,
was that my fallopian tubes are blocked where they meet
the uterus. My only option, as they told me, is IVF. My
husband and I are not very comfortable with that
option. Through research, I found your site and want to
know what herbs are appropriate for my case. I would
truly appreciate your response, for I like that you are
personal and truthful in your answers.
ANSWER: Do we know why the tubes are blocked and
are they blocked 100%? If endometriosis is why they
think your tubes are blocked, I may have something to
help you. It's called Endo Tea and is specifically
formulated for women with endometriosis. Of course there
are never any guarantees, since each person is unique as
are their health issues. But, if you follow a regimented
diet and work with the tea, it may be a healthy
alternative to IVF which not only involves, the invasive
procedure, but lots of chemicals you don't want in your
body.
If you're
interested in the product, you can find it on my website
at
www.allgoodegifts.com in the Apothecary section of
the Shopping. It's under medicinal teas and is called
Endo Tea. In addition to the tea, you need to take
vitamin E supplements as vitamin E helps break down
excess estrogen which is responsible in part for the
formation of endometriosis. Evening Primrose oil or
flaxseed oil will supply GLA which is also essential. At
least 500 mg per day. Now here's the hard part. The
diet. You need to avoid the following completely:
refines processed foods, sugar in all forms, alcohol and
caffeine. Avoid foods that tend to raise the estrogen
levels like wheat, citrus, and yams. Take a quality
vitamin B complex.
www.trivita.com has a very good one that I like.
Also, lots of green leafy veggies as they contain
vitamin B. Shitake mushrooms are said to inhibit
abnormal tissue growth, so if you can eat these several
times a week, that would also be helpful.
TAKING HERBS WHILE NURSING
QUESTION:
I was wanting to know if it is safe to drink and eat
items with Ganoderma Lucidum in them while nursing my 4
week old baby?
ANSWER: Depends. Ganoderma Lucidum is reishi
mushrooms and they are very good for you. If you are
taking something "with" reishi in it, my question would
be, what else is in there that could be harmful to your
baby? The best possible course when nursing is to stay
simple. Eat all the reishi mushrooms you want, but don't
start taking a bunch of formulas or compounds that may
have other things like fillers, preservatives etc. that
you certainly don't want going to your baby.
PREVENTING
MISCARRIAGE
QUESTION:
Hello, I was wondering if you ever recommended black haw
to prevent recurrent first trimester miscarriage. I am
28 and have had consecutive 3 miscarriages in the past
18 months, all at about 6 wks. King’s states:
"The condition for which black haw is most valued is
that of threatened abortion. It is the most
prompt drug in the materia medica to check abortion,
provided the membranes have not ruptured. In all cases
of habitual abortion it should be given in small
doses for a considerable length of time. The abundant
testimony as to its value in this condition alone gives
it a high place among drugs. By its quieting effects
upon the irritable womb, women who have previously been
unable to go to full term have been aided by this drug
to pass through the pregnancy without mishaps which
would otherwise have proven disastrous to both child and
mother. Small doses of the specific black haw should be
administered throughout the dangerous period, and may be
continued with good results until parturition. Dr.
Phares, who introduced it as all antiabortive, states
that it will prevent abortion, whether habitual or
otherwise-whether threatened from accidental cause or
criminal drugging."
(The information that I have found on it is here:
http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/kings/viburnum-prun.html).
I have also read that black haw can be combined with
false unicorn root which can have a similar calming
effect on the uterus. To your knowledge is there any
information that might indicate that black haw is not
safe for early pregnancy?
ANSWER: Black haw is very effective as an
anti-abortive herb. So is cramp bark. You might also
increase your intake of Vitamin E to 600 I.U. per day.
Both black haw and false unicorn root are safe for use
during your pregnancy, but please use the false unicorn
root sparingly as it is endangered
DRYING UP MILK
QUESTION: I know that you can take sage for
drying up breast milk. I pump and feed her with a
bottle due to the fact that I produce so much milk, over
100 ounces a day. I have sage leaf capsules and my
question is how many can I take per day to help reduce
this enormous amount of milk? Thanks so much!
ANSWER: Wow! Too bad you can't bottle it! I have
so many customers who just can't get enough milk to come
in. another herb you can try is Parsley. But you know
you cannot express the milk at all if you want it to dry
up. If you pump it, it will continue to come in. Don't
know where you got the sage caps, but if it was tea,
I'd say 3-4 cups a day would be fine. You might want to
add the parsley. It's very good for you and nutritious.
Aren't there instructions on the sage caps? I can't
estimate since I don't know what's in them, how much, is
it organic etc etc etc. If there's no instructions on
the bottle, I'd just start with 2 caps 3 times a day and
gradually increase until you start to see some results.
I'm not aware of any contraindications with sage, as
long as it's pure and organic. If not, then all bets are
off.
GETTING PREGNANT
QUESTION: Thank you so much for taking questions!!
I am 26 years old and in good health. I became pregnant
18 mos. ago but miscarried. I have always had slightly
longer cycles ever since I can remember, so after
miscarrying, I went to see my doctor about getting
pregnant again since it had not happened in five mos.
She did a laparoscopy and found cysts which she took
care of. I then began to take Vitex (500mg/day) because
I heard it helped to regulate the cycle for pregnancy.
I have been taking it for nine mos., but I stop
for four or five days during my period. I added Dong
Quai (1.5 g/day) about four mos. ago for only the first
part of the cycle up to the LH surge. I then stop until
day five or six of my period. I have recently consulted
a
fertility specialist because I have not yet become
pregnant, although I have noted an increase in my
menstrual regularity and ovulation regularity, I believe
because of the herbs. However, I have also noted that
sometimes my period is shorter than usual, but sometimes
it is a regular five days. I am wondering about the
side effects of the herbs and for how long I should take
them to try for a pregnancy. The fertility specialist
said my hormone levels are fine, but it appears I have a
lower amount of eggs than I should for my age, and he
wants me to stop with herbs. Could the herbs have
reduced my egg numbers at all? The doctor also wants me
to take fertility drugs, but I really don't want to do
this. Any ideas on how long it would be safe for me to
take the herbs for achieving pregnancy before I consider
fertility drugs?
ANSWER: This letter made me laugh. Your "doctor"
says that the herbs are decreasing the number of eggs
your ovaries produce? Frightening. And he/she wants you
to get off the herbs and start taking "fertility drugs".
Hmmmmm. What could that be about? Money comes to mind.
Sheesh.
My opinions are not going to be the same
as the doctor's. Why? I don't make big money off the
pharmaceutical companies for the drugs I sell. Also, I
don't want to see you taking them for longer than you
should so I can make even more money, while you get
depressed that you aren't getting pregnant. I'm not
saying those drugs don't work. In some cases, I'm sure
they do. But to tell you to stop taking something
natural with virtually no side effects so they can put
you on something that will possibly screw up your
hormones and system while costing you thousands of
dollars is just beyond me.
OK. I'll climb off my soap box now. Vitex
is very good for women and many women use it and never
have a bit of a problem with it. Come to think of it,
most of them have several little ones running around
now! You only need to produce 1 egg per month. Anything
more than that, with the possible exception of twins,
isn't the norm. Fertility drugs are going to have you
producing multiple eggs. Sure, it increases your chances
of conception. It also stresses your hormones, your
ovaries and your pituitary and adrenals.
The following herbs are recommended to
increase fertility. Most of them the man in the family
can take as well. (Are we sure the problem isn't with
Dad?)
wild yam root, licorice root, vitex, dong quai -
substitute ginseng for men, ginger root, false unicorn
root. I have a tea on my website called Fertili-Tea
which contains all of these plus some others. If you're
interested, you can find it at
http://www.allgoodegifts.com/ in the
Apothecary.
One last note, if it were me, I'd find a
doctor who is a little more sympathetic to your health.
Just a suggestion.
TAKING HERBS AND BECOMING PREGNANT
QUESTION:
I have a question in which I am hoping you can answer. I
have been taking herbal liquid from my naturopath for
sometime. In it there is a specific herb which makes me
ovulate but she said that if I
take it I can’t fall pregnant as it might harm the baby.
I don’t know the name of the herb as she is on holidays
I can’t get an answer. I stopped taking the liquid for 2
months during this I have fallen pregnant. I think
I am 4 weeks pregnant. I wanted to know what the
possibility was for a deformed baby.
ANSWER: I have no way of knowing what's in the
formula. Doesn't it have a label on it? For future use,
even if you trust your herbalist, NEVER buy or use
something that isn't labeled with what's inside.
There are several
herbs that are tonic to the reproductive system, but I
can't think of any that would cause a deformed baby.
Usually, we don't want women taking anything, especially
in the first trimester as some herbs can cause the
lining of the uterus to pass, thereby possibly aborting
the baby.
As long as
you've stopped taking it now, hopefully you should be
fine. And find out what it is you were taking. Always be
an informed consumer. Just because something is natural,
you still need to be educated and aware.
LACTATING AND NOT PREGNANT?
QUESTION:
Hi, my name is Nalaya Robinson and I'm a 20 year old
college student from
Florida. I've noticed lately that I'm lactating in my
left breast. I'm extremely worried and I'm wondering if
I might be pregnant. Does lactating necessarily mean
that someone is pregnant? I am sexually active and I do
use protection, but this is kinda freakin' me out. Do
you have any answers or suggestions?
ANSWER: Take a pregnancy test right away. If it's
true lactation, you very well could be pregnant. It
could also be that the birth control has your hormones
screwed up. If the pregnancy test comes back negative,
see your GYN and make sure it's not an infection or
something more serious.
MALE FERTILITY
QUESTION: I wrote to your earlier but I have just
started my husband on Usana Essentials vitamins (one
Mega Antioxidant 3x daily and one Chelated Mineral 3x
daily) so I wanted to get your opinion on these to help
increase his sperm motility (currently 40% but could be
better right?) and improve overall health.
We live in the Cayman Islands so access to herbs and
natural remedies are hard to come by. What else should
we be doing? We have experienced three pregnancy losses
(one ectopic and two after successful IVFs) but want to
give it a try naturally for one year before we consider
IVF again.
Supplement Facts - Mega Antioxidant
Serving Size: 3 tablets
Amount per serving*
VITAMIN A (AS BETA CAROTENE)15000.0 IU300%
VITAMIN C (AS CALCIUM, POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, & ZINC
ASCORBATES)1300.0
mg2170%
VITAMIN D450.0 IU110%
VITAMIN E (AS D-ALPHA TOCOPHERYL SUCCINATE)450.0 IU1500%
VITAMIN K (AS PHYLLOQUINONE)60.0 mcg75%
VITAMIN B1 (AS THIAMINE HCL)27.0 mg1800%
RIBOFLAVIN27.0 mg1590%
NIACIN (AS NIACIN AND NIACINAMIDE)40.0 mg200%
VITAMIN B6 (AS PYRIDOXINE HCL)27.0 mg1350%
FOLATE (AS FOLIC ACID)1000.0 mcg250%
VITAMIN B12 (AS CYANOCOBALAMIN)60.0 mcg1000%
BIOTIN300.0 mcg100%
PANTOTHENIC ACID (AS D-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE)90.0 mg900%
Olivol (Olive Extract, Olea Europaea L., Fruit)30.0 mg†
BIOFLAVONOID COMPLEX (RUTIN, QUERCETIN, HESPERIDIN
[CITRUS SPP. L.,FRUIT],
GREEN TEA EXTRACT-DECAFFEINATED [CAMILLIA SINENSIS HUNT,
LEAVES],BILLBERRY
EXTRACT [VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS L., FRUIT])193.0 mg†
INOSITOL150.0 mg†
CHOLINE BITARTRATE100.0 mg†
N-ACETYL-L-CYSTEINE65.0 mg†
BROMELAIN50.0 mg†
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID15.0 mg†
COENZYME Q1012.0 mg†
GLUTATHIONE10.0 mg†
CURCUMIN EXTRACT (CURCUMA LONGA L., ROOT)15.0 mg†
LUTEIN (TAGETES ERECTA L., FLOWER)600.0 mcg†
LYCOPENE1.0 mg†
BROCCOLI CONCENTRATE (BRASSICA OLERACEA V. BOTRYTIS L.,
FLOWER)15.0 mg†
† Daily value not established.
OTHER INGREDIENTS: MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE,
PREGELATINIZED STARCH,
CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUM, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, DEXTRIN,
COLLOIDAL SILICON
DIOXIDE, DEXTROSE.
Supplement Facts - Chelated Mineral
Serving Size: 3 tablets
Amount per serving%DV*
CALCIUM (AS CALCIUM CITRATE)270.0 mg30%
MAGNESIUM (AS MAGNESIUM CITRATE, AMINO ACID CHELATE, AND
OXIDE)300.0 mg75%
IODINE (AS POTASSIUM IODIDE)225.0 mcg160%
ZINC (AS ZINC CITRATE)20.0 mg135%
SELENIUM (AS L-SELENOMETHIONINE AND AMINO ACID
COMPLEX)200.0 mcg285%
COPPER (AS COPPER GLUCONATE)3.0 mg150%
MANGANESE (AS MANGANESE GLUCONATE)5.1 mg255%
CHROMIUM (AS CHROMIUM PICOLINATE** AND
POLYNICOTINATE)300.0 µG250%
MOLYBDENUM (AS MOLYBDENUM CITRATE)50.0 mcg65%
BORON (AS BORON CITRATE)3.0 mg†
SILICON (AS AMINO ACID COMPLEX)3.0 mg†
VANADIUM (AS VANADYL SULFATE)30.0 mcg†
ULTRA TRACE MINERALS3.0 mg†
† Daily value not established.
OTHER INGREDIENTS: MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE,
PREGELATINIZED STARCH,
CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUM, COLLOIDAL SILICON DIOXIDE,
ASCORBYL PALMITATE, DEXTRIN, DEXTROSE.
ANSWER: I can't speak to some of the ingredients,
as they are not herbal, so I'm not familiar with them.
One of the best tonics you can give your husband is
ginseng. It's wonderful for the male reproductive
systems. I'm sure you can get it in the Caymans, so
either fresh or powdered, but try that.
TWINS
QUESTION: Is there any "natural" way to help my
chances of conceiving twins? My husband and I both
desperately want to conceive twins. Is there an herbal
aid for increased ovulation to help multiple eggs drop
during ovulation? Does Chasteberry or False Unicorn Root
have this effect? Thanks
ANSWER: Twins are genetic and run in families. If
they are not present in either you or your husband's
family lines, then the chances of this happening
naturally are pretty null. As for trying to "force" it,
I wouldn't recommend it. As with fertility drugs, any
time one tries to interfere with that delicate balance,
there can be problems. Personally, I don't think the
risk outweighs the benefit.
NURSING
QUESTION:
I am wondering if it is safe/counterproductive to take
fenugreek while also taking chasteberry. I take
chasteberry three times a day to help alleviate PMS and
want to take fenugreek to increase milk production for
my 2.5 y.o daughter who is telling me "no more milk"
(please don't tell me that a child that old shouldn't
nurse )-: ). I was wondering if taking the fenugreek
would compromise the efficacy of the chasteberry or just
terribly confuse my hormones! If you don't recommend
taking fenugreek to increase
milk production while simultaneously taking chasteberry,
are there any other supplements I could take that would
help the PMS yet also bring in more milk? Thank
you so much for such a wonderful resource!
ANSWER:
I won't tell you that a toddler is too old to be
nursing, but your body may be. We are fearfully and
wonderfully made and in spite of what's in vogue, our
bodies know exactly the right time to "shut things down"
or regulate things, so that may be what's happening
whether your toddler likes it or not. Milk production is
tied to your hormones and they don't answer to 2 year
olds! (Or any other age for that matter!)
That said, as far as interactions, I find no evidence
for it in my reading. As a matter of fact, vitex is
sometimes given to nursing mothers to help ensure a
healthy supply of milk due to its stimulation of the
production of prolactin. Note I said "help ensure a
healthy supply" and not extend it past what the hormones
are telling the body. I don't know that there is a way
to just prolong your milk production indefinitely. But
the vitex (or chaste berry) and fenugreek are not
contraindicated, so shouldn't cause any problems when
used together.
OVULATING
QUESTION:
I just had a question about Black Cohosh. My friend told
me it helps with ovulating and makes it so you do. I
just want to know if that is true
ANSWER:
Black Cohosh is often used for it's estrogen effects. If
you aren't ovulating, then it's probably an issue with
your hormones. Are you menstruating? How do you know you
aren't ovulating? Have you been diagnosed, and if so,
what did your medical professional tell you? Hormones
are pretty complex things and I don't think just one
herb by itself is going to "make you start ovulating"
Usually a combination of herbs to address the underlying
issue, which can be an imbalance in your hormone levels,
is the best approach.
HEMORRHOIDS DURING PREGNANCY
QUESTION: Hi, I am 7 weeks pregnant, I’ve been
suffering from hemorrhoids for a long time. I have a
calendula cream that helps me. Can I use it now when I
am so early in pregnancy? I’ve read many different facts
about this herb...i am confused! I don’t want to harm
the fetus or have a miscarriage
ANSWER: There is a lot of stuff out there on
calendula and we were just discussing it on the herb net
this morning. Personally, I use it in lots of topical
applications and have NEVER had any adverse reactions in
me, my family or any of my customers. I think the big
fear is ingestion of the herb. If it is a topical
application and has worked for you up to now, I would
say, go for it.
QUESTION: My husband and I have been trying to
conceive for about 1 1/2 years. We were thrilled in
January when we finally got pregnant, but unfortunately
I miscarried at 11.5 weeks. This was our first month
trying again after the loss, and our timing was perfect,
so I'm now anxiously awaiting the time when I can take a
pregnancy test. I just ordered the Fertili-TEA so I
plan on using that if we aren't blessed this month.
Additionally, I plan on getting some raspberry leaf and
taking that ASAP. I do have one concern
though: last night I drank some tea that was
recommended to me on a recent cruise to help detoxify
the body. I have never used anything like this, but
thought I'd give it a try since my digestive system
isn't the greatest (I don't have a gall bladder), and I
have a lot of water retention following the
miscarriage. I used Yogi Tea- Detox, and here is a list
of the ingredients:
Cinnamon Bark, Sarsaparilla Root, Licorice Root,
Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, Ginger Root, Juniper
Berry, Black Pepper, Cardamom Seed, Clove Bud, Natural
Sarsaparilla Flavor, Philodendron Bark, Honeysuckle
Flower, Forsythia Fruit, Gardenia Flower, Scullcap Root,
Black Cohosh Rhizome, Coptis Rhizome, Rhubarb Root,
Winter Melon and Plantago Seed. I was surprised at how
drowsy I felt after taking it. I woke up several
times during the night to use the restroom and could
barely open my eyes, which is not like me. I am usually
pretty alert when I get out of bed, even if it is in the
middle of the night. Anyway, I went online to research
each of the ingredients, and was horrified when I saw on
http://www.doctorphyto.com/Library/safety_guidelines.htm
that one of the ingredients (cinnamon leaf, which I'm
assuming is very similar to cinnamon bark) could be
abortifacient. So, now I have two concerns: 1. Should
I be feeling this drowsy? If not, should I discontinue
the tea even though I feel great today after the detox?
And 2. Is there a chance that I've just ruined my
chances of conceiving this month by drinking this tea?
If I am pregnant, I ovulated on 3 days ago (2 nights
before drinking the tea). Thanks for your help!
ANSWER: I went to the site and you've misread
what is there. Here is the excerpt -
"Essential Oil: Cinnamon Leaf essential oil is often
preferred over Cinnamon Bark or Bud as the latter two
may in some cases cause a severe skin reaction, having
a large proportion of Cinnamic Aldehyde often the cause
of skin sensitization. Nevertheless, Cinnamon Leaf is a
very powerful oil and should be used with care. Best
avoided in pregnancy as it could be abortifacient. High
dosage could cause convulsions."
Essential oils are a different thing all together and
when they are talking about high dosage, they mean like
a tablespoon or something. If you are taking the herb,
it's fine. Cinnamon is used all over the world by many
on a daily basis. There are many essential oils that can
be toxic if taken improperly. I can't attest as to which
herb caused you to be so drowsy, but I would caution you
to read very carefully anything you are taking. It's
easily taken out of context and can cause confusion as
this did.
TAKING HERBS WHILE NURSING
QUESTION: I have a question. If you could answer it
I would really appreciate it. I am nursing my son who is
2 days short of 4 months. I would like to begin taking
St. John's Wort and cordyceps. I have genital herpes
and I know that St. Johns Wort is good for this I also
wouldn’t mind the positive mood. I also want to take
cordyceps for energy with exercise because I am trying
to loose weight. My baby weighs 20 pounds. Would there
be any side effects from these herbs that will be
negative for my breast milk supply and or my almost 4
month old. I nurse him on demand. Right now he is
exclusively breastfeeding. I currently take garlic pills
and an iron and multivitamin. If you need more
information feel free to email me. Thank you for your
time.
ANSWER:
Cordyceps is a tonic that helps the body build strength,
improve the organic functioning, strengthen the immune
system and bring longevity. I'm not sure why you are using
it to give you energy. It is also used for impotence in
men, so no, I would not recommend you take this while
nursing. The St. John's Wort either.
Anything you ingest will go straight to your baby,
so unless you would give your 4 month old St. John's wort,
you shouldn't be taking it yourself while you are nursing
in my opinion.
DEVIL'S CLAW WHILE NURSING
QUESTION: My question is whether a nursing Mom can use
devils claw to treat arthritis
or could it be harmful to the infant?
ANSWER: I certainly wouldn't use devil's claw while
nursing. It can cause diarrhea and in an infant that can
be quite serious. Also it reduces blood pressure which can
reduce the force of heartbeats and slow the pulse.
I don't usually recommend new mothers take anything while
nursing unless absolutely necessary as everything goes
straight to the baby and their little systems can't handle
even mild herbs sometimes.
QUESTION: My partner and I have been trying to
conceive for 4 years now, unexplained infertility. I’ve
seen so many recommendations on what herbs are best
etc., wondered if you could help?
ANSWER:
That's not much info to go on. Unexplained infertility?
What does that mean? You've been checked by a fertility
specialist and everything is normal/fine? What's your age?
Any surgeries? Use of birth control? any STDs on either
side, ever? etc etc etc. It's pretty complex, so hard to
answer with so little info. Sorry.
MORNING SICKNESS
QUESTION: I want to be very honest with you. Every
time I have been pregnant, like clock work, by week 5 I
experience extreme morning sickness. It gets really,
really bad that I am usually hospitalized (w/an IV in my
arm). The last time I was pregnant, I was in the hospital
for 3 months and it was torture. I am never, ever able to
keep anything in my stomach (not even water, chicken
broth, crackers) I literally mean nothing. I weigh 112lbs
and always dwindle down to 90-95. It never fails. Karen, I
start to see things (i.e. little people running underneath
my bed, birds flying in my room) and this last time around
it was really really scary! I am a very spiritual person
Karen. I prayed and prayed and prayed. I kept my bible by
my side. The medications given to me by doctors either a)
gives me severe headaches b) causes my tongue to go numb
c) gives me a horrible case of "dry mouth" or it JUST
DOESN'T WORK. As a result of this, I have always
terminate the pregnancy or loose the pregnancy. I am
pregnant again and I am at wits end. I cant continue to
hurt my body (both from terminations and the effects of
morning sickness). Can you help me Karen, if not, can you
point me in the right direction. I'm scared. I can't take
the nausea (it's not normal) I really get sick. Do you
know what it's like not to be able to eat or drink
anything for months at a time? It's not healthy for me or
the baby...and the really horrible part is when the dr.'s
tell me "It's all in your mind". Can you imagine? So
between that, not eating and seeing things anyone is
liable to lose their minds.
ANSWER:
I have a tea for pregnant mommies. Peppermint and ginger
seem to be very effective for many of my customers going
through morning sickness. Of course the things you are
experiencing could be attributable to the medications they
have you on, I can't say for sure, but I certainly
wouldn't be taking anything while I'm in the first
trimester.
Yes, I can certainly relate. I too, like
clockwork at week 6 got terrible nausea and it lasted
until my 4'th month. Of course, terminating the pregnancy
just because of nausea is probably not a good idea. Those
things in themselves can wreak havoc on your system. I
don't know how many times you've chosen to do that, but it
can't be good for your reproductive system or the
endocrine system.
If you decide to purchase the tea, it is called
upset tummy tea and can be found on the website at
www.allgoodegifts.com in the Apothecary under
medicinal tea blends.
SPERM COUNT
QUESTION:
Hello, I am a healthy 46 year old male, but I would like
to know if there is a way to increase the amount of
semen ejaculated. All I ever get is about one or
two teaspoons. Thanks for your suggestions.
.
ANSWER:
Exactly what are you trying to accomplish here? If you
are indeed healthy, you have enough sperm in 1 drop of
semen to produce a child. And 2 tsp is a normal amount.
CONCEPTION
QUESTION:
I am 37 years old. My husband (44 yr old) is an
identical twin. I have been pregnant 4 times. My
height is 5'5" and my weight is 145 lbs. I am currently
on a 24-25 day cycle and definitely ovulate between days
12 -14. I currently have an IUD and expect to conceive
fairly quickly after having it removed. I wonder
if the IUD will reduce my chances of conceiving. Also,
even though I know that my husband being an identical
twin doesn't increase our chances of conceiving twins, I
am wondering if my chances are increased due to my age
and that this would be pregnancy number 5. Thanks for
your answer.]
ANSWER: I'm a little confused by your question.
Perhaps I don't understand what you're asking. "I wonder
if the IUD will reduce my chances of conceiving." Well,
yea, isn't that why people use IUDs? Or do you mean
since you were wearing one will it decrease your chances
after removal? IUDs set up a constant irritation in the
uterus so the environment is not conducive to pregnancy.
I would guess that after being in that state for awhile,
it will take your system a little while to get "back to
normal". What makes you think your husband being an
identical twin doesn't affect your chances of conceiving
twins? Of course it does! Twins are genetic! That means
if the two cells coming together have that programming
in them, the chances are better than if they don't.
QUESTION: I live in Jamaica. I have
recently done a HSG test along with blood test and an
ultra-sound.
The result of the HSG test shows that one of the tubes
is blocked because the fluid inserted wasn't going
straight up. Blood test is OK. Ultrasound
shows that there are tiny fibroids outside of my womb
and those are not a problem to my fertility. I am
trying to get pregnant for 9 months now. A friend
introduced me to herbal drink aloe and I am now drinking
it for the past 3 weeks now. Please send me some
good advice. I am planning on going to a
specialist shortly.
ANSWER: I have a special tea that I make that is
helpful in bringing the reproductive and endocrine
systems back to a state of health, wellness and balance.
It is called Fertili-TEA and can be found on my website
at
www.allgoodegifts.com in the Apothecary under
medicinal teas.
BLOCKED TUBE
QUESTION: I am 25 years old and was diagnosed with
infertility due to a blocked fallopian tube. According
to the doctor it is blocked with scar tissue and
adhesions. I had a cyst removed from the ovary about 10
years ago, and about 13 years ago had my right ovary and
tube removed due to a cyst that ruptured and damaged
both. SO I now have one tube and ovary remaining. The
infertility specialist has said that the only my
husband and I can become pregnant is through IVF. I have
had 2 HSG's done, and was told that I have a
hydrosalpinx in the one tube. I would like to try a
herbal remedy to clear the scar tissue, adhesions, etc.,
before trying IVF. I saw one person ask a question
regarding Felopio, and I've tried that before. Of course
it didn't work, so I would like to try an internal
approach. Thank you for any assistance/information.
ANSWER: I've answered every question possible on
infertility in this column. My suggestions to you would
be the same. There are several herbs that can help the
system back to a state of health and wellness. Please go
to the archives and read everything there.
B VITAMINS
QUESTION: I have just recently starting taking extra
vitamin B to help with mood swings (about 1 1/2 weeks)I
am a person who has regular cycles. This month I had my
cycle on the 7th and end on the 10th. For the last 3
days I have been spotting and having cramps. I called
my gynecologist to ask if I could be pregnant (because I
missed carried earlier in the year). She advised me to
take a pregnancy test which was negative. I am a person
who is 37 years old, I have always had cycles that you
could set your clock to. I am just wondering if the
extra vitamin B could be giving me to much vitamin B and
throwing off my cycle. I am two weeks early for my
cycle. Any advice you can give me would be great. I am
just worried that I could becoming pregnant and
miscarrying? Could these be symptoms or reactions to
too much vitamin B?
ANSWER: The body does not store Vitamin B. If you
don't use it, your body will pass it. I've never heard
of vitamin B causing such things nor can I find any
incidence of it in my research. Are you taking anything
for fertility or trying to get pregnant? Over the
counter pregnancy tests are not 200% accurate, so I
would get a firm test from a doctor. Are you taking any
other herbs or medications that could be causing this?
I'm almost certain it's not the Vitamin B unless of
course, it is some sort of "Blend" with other things in
it. Pure vitamin B shouldn't.
LEMON JUICE AND FERTILITY
QUESTION: I would like to know, drinking two
glasses a day of lemon juice, does it effect fertility
in any way?
ANSWER: Drinking lemon juice is not going to
affect your fertility. Douching with it might change the
acidity, but I wouldn't recommend it.
FERTILITY
QUESTION:
I've been diagnosed with secondary infertility and we
have been trying for our second child for over a year.
I've been reading you postings and would like to ask if
there's something I can take to increase the amount of
my cervical mucous. I have not found a posting
regarding that. I am planning to buy your Fertili tea,
but would like to know how often I should be using it.
Does it come with instructions? Also, when you answer
this question, will it be via a posting or will you
answer me directly?
ANSWER: I think I've
already sent out your order, but the reason your
cervical mucous is out of balance is hormonal. The
progesterone in your body is what affects it. When the
progesterone levels are off, the mucous isn't quite
right. The Fertili-Tea will help balance your hormones,
so this should take care of the problem.
BLOCKED TUBES
QUESTION:
I recently took an HSG (dye test) and was diagnosed with
Hydrosalpinx in both fallopian tubes. My uterus was
fine. I'm 39 years old and my husband and I have been
trying for the past 4 months to have a baby. Is there
anything that can unblock my tubes? I'm hoping there is
an herbal medicine or tea you can recommend to open my
tubes so I won't have to consider either surgery or IVF.
This would be my first child and I really would like to
make sure I have a healthy pregnancy. I've been trying
to eat right and I've been taking prenatal vitamins for
the past 6 months. I'm also taking calcium pills
because my calcium level is a little low. I hope you
are able to help me as I find myself crying almost every
night thinking the worse. I hope you will be able to
recommend something that will help me with this problem.
ANSWER: Do you have a diagnosis? What is blocking the
tubes specifically? Has the doctor said? I need a little
more information before I can make any suggestion.
FERTILITY
QUESTION:
The only way my wife and I can conceive is through IVF
(her tubes are gone). We tried it and during the
procedure, she was told by the doctor that she has high
follicle stimulant hormones that prevented her from
producing healthy eggs thus halting the continuation of
the entire procedure. Are there any herbs that you know
of that controls these hormones? Anything you can
provide us will be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: I have an herb tea called Fertili-TEA
that helps to normalize the reproductive and endocrine
systems to aid in fertility. You can find it on my
website at www.allgoodegifts.com under TEAS.
FERTILITY
QUESTION:
I'm age 38, had a reversal 12 month ago, have had 1 miss
@ 5 weeks, 1 miss @ 12 weeks and trying again. I have
had 3 other miscarriages with a previous partner @ 8
weeks, 10weeks and 14 weeks with 3 living children in
between. I'm not sure if you ship to the UK and have you
any advice, I am currently
taking a prenatal multi vitamin.
ANSWER:
I just returned from the UK. You have some wonderful
herbalists there. I don't currently ship
internationally, but if you have a local herbalist, I
would suggest you go and spend some time with them and
see what they recommend. The Fertili-Tea I offer is made
up of herbs that tone the endocrine and reproductive
organs and systems.
FERTILITY
QUESTION:
I need some advice. I am a breastfeeding mother of an 8
month old son. He has never taken a bottle and is
eating solids now. I got my cycle back at 10 weeks pp.
I got pregnant when he was 61/2 months old and lost the
pg early. I went through 2 1/2 years of infertility to
get our son. I had PCOS and did acupuncture and herbs
and it worked. My husband and I would like to have
another baby now and weaning is not an option. I think
I might have LPD (luteal phase defect) which would
explain the early miscarriage. I
would like to do this naturally as I do everything that
way. Please advise.
ANSWER: I have
a tea called Fertili-TEA which works on toning the
reproductive and endocrine systems and organs. You can
find it on my website at www.allgoodegifts.com in the
Apothecary.
MALE INFERTILITY
QUESTION: I
wrote to your earlier but I have just started my husband
on Usana Essentials vitamins (one Mega Antioxidant 3x
daily and one Chelated Mineral 3x daily) so I wanted to
get your opinion on these to help increase his sperm
motility (currently 40% but could be better right?) and
improve overall health. We live in the Cayman Islands so
access to herbs and natural remedies are hard to come
by. What else should we be doing? We have experienced
three pregnancy losses (one ectopic and two after
successful IVFs) but want to give it a try naturally for
one year before we consider IVF again.
ANSWER:
The best male tonic for fertility is ginseng. It is
readily available most places and you can also order it
over the web. that would be my suggestion. The
supplement you have him taking seems fine, though there
are several things in there that I'm not familiar with,
so I can't say for certain. I would work on toning the
system. Make sure he's eating a healthy diet, and try
abstaining from sex for a month and see what happens.
It's working wonders for the men coming home from the
Gulf! Sometimes, we try too hard and all we need to do
is relax and de-stress a little.
INFERTILITY
QUESTION: I
am 25 years old and my hubby is 28. we have been
together for 3 years and have been trying to get
pregnant for 2 and a half unsuccessful years. I think
that we have conceived but I have had early
miscarriages. A friend recently told us that we should
take false unicorn and cramp bark. Will this work? Oh
I also have ovarian cysts and have half of one of my
ovaries removed. Almost every other month I don't
ovulate. I have been taking my temp and checking my
vaginal fluids regularly so I know that I am ovulating.
I really want a baby. Any information would be helpful.
ANSWER:
I have a tea that I can't keep on the shelves called
Fertili-Tea. You can also now get it in tincture form.
It is designed to tone the reproductive organs and
system as well as the endocrine system. You can find it
at
www.allgoodegifts.com in the apothecary.
False Unicorn root is certainly helpful and is contained
in the Fertili-tea, but cramp bark is a nerve sedative.
It will reduce tension and encourage sleep, which may
help the problem, but it isn't something I usually
recommend for infertility issues.
FERTILITY ISSUES
QUESTION: I
have several issues going on. first, my husband has a
problem ejaculating. the sensation is there but that's
about it. usually with coaxing a little will come out.
when he had a sperm count done it came back normal,
though (with what he could give). Is there anything that
can help with this issue? if so what can
be done. I have a lot of different issues, my tubes are
blocked from scarring, but when they put the dye in
there was enough open for the dye to come through slowly
on the x ray (very painful procedure by the
way). my tubes are also attached to the ovaries. my eggs
weren't producing as they should and my periods
have always been irregular. lately I have only spotted,
then I started taking birth control (ortho lo) to
regulate my periods and it worked but now my period
won't stop (it's been 26 days today) but I noticed that
it looked like old blood and I think I've started my
regular period yesterday (new blood). I've thought the
old blood was my system cleaning itself out from not
having a regular cycle for so long. my plan was to
regulate then stop taking the pill to jump start
fertility ( it worked with my sister in law twice and
about 5 other people i know) also start taking herbal
supplements to help with the fertility. I figured I must
be ovulating because i do have a period and my cervical
mucus is like it's supposed to be at the time of month
it's supposed to be. Also I am obese, but I am currently
working on that. i just wanted to know what can help me
and my husband in my struggle for pregnancy? What can
help me produce the eggs and get them fertilized? what
can help my husbands problem? I want to start taking
your Fertili-TEA but since this is the first time I'm
going herbal I'm kind of cautious. Please help me, it's
been 7 years and I'm desperate for a family.
ANSWER:
Fertility is such a complex
issue. It doesn't matter how much your husband
ejaculates, it only takes one cell to fertilize the egg
and if there's room in your tubes for the cell to get
through, then that wouldn't be the problem. If you are
obese, that is a problem. You need to deal with that
issue first It can affect fertility as well as your
periods and the entire system. It's as though the body
"knows" that getting pregnant in that condition isn't
good for you or the baby. Trying to get pregnant while
obese is very dangerous. My suggestion would be to work
on that first and then think about having that family.
The herbs in the Fertili-tea are not a magic pill. They
are to tone and rejuvenate your systems and organs. If
you are not eating healthy and exercising, it's like
putting rocket fuel in a jalopy - it's not going to do
much. Good health is an all-around approach, not just
one thing we do. It needs to be a combination of things
to keep us in balance. Herbs are just the helpers.
INDUCING LABOR
QUESTION:
I had a question regarding herbs to induce labor. I am
almost 2 weeks overdue and I was scheduled for an
induction. Due to a previous c-section 13 years ago, my
doctor said he didn't want me to deliver vaginally and
wants me to consent to another c-section. I have seen
an OB doc who said there was no reason why I cannot have
a vaginal birth. I was wondering if there was any herbs
I can take to start my labor?
ANSWER:
I don't ever recommend inducing labor unless the mother
or child is at risk. There are just too many things that
can go wrong. If you saw another OB who said there's no
reason you can't deliver vaginally, then my suggestion
would be to stick with him and let him see you through
the delivery.
INDUCING LABOR
QUESTION: I
am 38 weeks into my pregnancy and My family practitioner
has told me that I'm ready to go. She will not induce
chemically is there something natural that you can
suggest?
ANSWER: I would
never suggest inducing delivery in a healthy woman. The
baby will come when it's ready, and not until. Inducing
can be extremely dangerous for both of you and if your
medical practitioner has refused to do it, then I must
assume there is no immediate threat to either of you.
Just try to relax and be patient.
GREEN TEA WHILE PREGNANT
QUESTION:
Hello. I am 13 weeks pregnant and I would like to know
if it is safe to drink decaffeinated green tea. I have
been drinking the tea for a few weeks but I recently
read in the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting"
that it may be unsafe to drink and should be avoided. It
specifically says that it "may interfere with cell
development and growth" (pg. 65). Now I'm concerned that
it may have harmed my baby. Any information on this
would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
ANSWER:
I'm not aware of anything in Green Tea that may be
harmful. As long as it's caffeine free, you should be
fine. Be sure it is a good quality tea, though and
hopefully organic.
NURSING AN ADOPTED CHILD
QUESTION:
I’m going to adopt a baby in 2 months and I want to
breastfeed him. What herbs can I take to start milk flow
in my breast? I have 4 children but my youngest one is
14 now. I breastfed all of them. Please help me out.
Thanks.
ANSWER: Breast milk is produced by the hormones
in your body. This is controlled by the endocrine
system and try as we may, we cannot duplicate it.
Producing breast milk when you aren't pregnant or
nursing is probably not a good idea. Anything that's
going to alter the natural function of your hormones
will not be in your best interests. Might I suggest
goat's milk if you don't want to go the formula route.
QUESTION: I
am 38 years old and my husband is 43. My husband
suffers from low sperm motility and we have undergone
two IVF/ICSI procedures. Two fertilised embryos were
place back but no pregnancy was forthcoming. We are
seeing a herbalist who has prescribed the following to
me:
Marigold
Ladies Mantel
Nettle
Oats
Milk Thistle
Liquorice
Can you advise me if these are suitable. We cannot
afford another IVF procedure so our only hope is to
conceive naturally - is there anything my husband or I
should be taking that may increase our chances
naturally?
ANSWER:
Increase your vitamin B complex to start. Get your
husband on some ginseng. Add wild yam, vitex or chaste
tree berry, dong quai and false unicorn root to the
mixture you described and you will be on your way to
toning and strengthening your reproductive and endocrine
systems.
QUESTION:
Hi there I am taking a fertility aid with Chaste Berry,
Dong Quai red clover, licorice, Sub ginsing, chinese red
ginseng root, and some other things In it.. and this is
my problem. I started taking this product on
about June 20th.. then I started my menstrual cycle on
about July 13th.. and I was bleeding continuously since.
(menstrual cycle started way early) started with
spotting and so forth. Then got heavier and seemed to
get light like it was over and then started again. I put
it off taking the herbs as I was regulating my cycle
and I have not taken any for 3 days now.. However
I guess what my question is, is should I take 3 a day to
slow the bleeding or take 1 a day to slow/stop the
bleeding.. ( I was taking 2 as instructions said).. I
have been as regular as clockwork my whole life. No
problems with menstrual cycle
at all. Someone told me chaste berry is 3 weeks on and 1
week off.. I am really confused!!!
ANSWER:
First of all, what "other things" are in this blend
you're taking? If it's for fertility, I don't know why
all the ginseng. I don't give that to women. I do give
it to men to increase their fertility. If your periods
have been normal up until the time you started taking
this mixture, I would stop it immediately. It is
obviously screwing up your system. I can't explain
what's going on. My Fertili-Tea has some of the herbs
you mentioned in it, but I haven't had anyone report the
kinds of problems you are experiencing. To curb the
excessive menstruation, I would suggest the following:
shepherd's purse, yarrow flowers, nettle and whit oak
bark. Avoid Dong Quai at all costs, as that can increase
menstruation.
QUESTION:
I´m 34 yrs. old and my husband is 44, we have been
unsuccessfully trying to have a baby for 5 years now.
I´ve been diagnosed with hostile cervical mucus (I have
plenty of it every month), it´s too thick and won´t let
sperm swim through (there´s no problem with sperm
antibodies). Everything else seems just fine, I have
great ovarian reserve, my hormone levels are always
right, no blocked tubes and just a mild endometriosis
which they removed in a laparoscopic procedure. My
husband is also fine. We´ve already had 4 intrauterine
inseminations and 1 IVF with no success. What would you
recommend to increase the quality of my mucus and of my
fertility in general? Traditional medicine apparently
has no remedy regarding cervical mucus and the IVF and
the IUI are really invasive and very stressful methods
and I´m really through with them. Thanks
ANSWER:
The cervical mucous issue is becoming more and more
common, though hostile cervical mucous only makes up
between 1-2% of infertile women. It is believed to be an
imbalance in the hormones as the levels of estrogen and
progesterone control the consistency and thickness of
the mucous. My Fertili-Tea is designed to bring your
endocrine (hormonal) system as well as your reproductive
system back into balance. Also, stress is a major
contributor to infertility in young women. Judging from
what you've told me, you've had enough stress in your
live to affect you adversely. Not to worry. Get yourself
on a quality vitamin B complex right away. You can
purchase them locally at the health store, or online,
but make sure it's a good one. You get what you pay for,
so don't scrimp at this point. You can purchase my
Fertili-Tea on the website at
www.allgoodegifts.com under Teas in the Herb Shoppe.
Expect to be on this for anywhere from 1-3 months to
give your body time to heal from all the invasive
procedures.
INDUCING LABOR
QUESTION:
Do you have any suggestions on what to take to induce
labor?
ANSWER:
I don't advocate inducing labor ever. It's extremely
dangerous, not only for you, but for your baby as well.
Are you under the care of a medical practitioner or
midwife? Why exactly are you trying to induce? Trust me,
when those babies are ready, they'll come. If it is an
emergency situation, my advice is to get to a doctor or
hospital immediately. There are some instances when
medical care and attention are crucial, and this would
be one of those.
QUESTION:
I'm a day overdue my estimated delivery date and just
wondered how long do
you think raspberry leaf tea will take before i go into
labour?
ANSWER:
One day is not that long, and I don't think I'd
recommend you drinking raspberry leaf tea to force the
labor. Raspberry leaf tea is normally used to stop heavy
bleeding. If anything, I think it would prolong it. Do
not use teas or anything else to hasten labor simply
because you are impatient. It can be dangerous not only
for you, but for your baby. Each child has its own
birthing rhythm and it should not be disturbed. Many
times that rhythm doesn't correspond to the calendar,
the doctor's predictions or our own impatience and
desire! Those babies will come when they're ready, trust
me. If you are in an emergency situation, your doctor or
midwife can induce labor, but I strongly recommend
against trying to do it yourself.
QUESTION:
I read w/ interest your Q&A on Herbnet.com. I am
42 1/2 and trying to conceive baby #3. We have tried
for 5 months now. I have two children already w/ no
problems getting pregnant or w/ pregnancy. I don't know
if there is a problem, but am concerned because of my
age. I have also discovered I have poor
quality cervical mucus. I have been drinking a locally
produced fertility tea as well as lots of water, no
caffeine (other than green tea), no sugar and carrot
juice daily. In June I had great CM but didn't
conceive. In my last cycle I had non-existent CM. (I
had started eating a little sugar and stopped the
fertility tea because I thought I would have conceived
in June w/ my great CM). I think your tea may be better
b/c it has many herbs in it that the current tea I'm
using does not. Would you recommend anything other than
your fertility tea? Thank you.
ANSWER:
First, I wouldn't start eating sugar again. One
month will not fix the issue. Several things could be
going on. You could be pre-menopausal in which case
things are starting to change with you. Just because the
CM was good one month doesn't mean your system is
totally functional. The herbs in my tea are to tone and build up the
reproductive and endocrine systems. It usually takes
from one to 3 months, depending on how depleted your
system is. Again, if you are pre menopausal, that could
be the issue. But there are plenty of women who have
children in their 40's with no problems. Your diet is
extremely important, as is your stress level. Make sure
you are taking a quality B complex supplement every day.
Stress is the number one issue of infertility in young
women. Also, no preservatives, white flour, white sugar
or artificial sweeteners of any kind, especially
aspartame! Use honey or molasses or pure maple sugar and
syrup if you have a sweet tooth.
FATIGUE DURING PREGNANCY
QUESTION:
I think this is the third time I have emailed you with a question.
The answers you send are very informative and easy to
understand. This is for my daughter. She is going to
have a baby in mid to late November and she asked me
what she could do about being tired all the time. She
said she even falls asleep at work sometimes. What can
she take to help give her more energy? Again thank you
for your time.
ANSWER:
I'm assuming she is under the care of a medical
practitioner and is taking a pre-natal vitamin with iron.
If not, that would be my first recommendation. Pregnancy
takes a lot out of you, as you well know, and iron
deficiency is one of the biggies. Make sure she's getting
plenty of iron and B complex. Natural remedies that are
good for her and the baby include Spirulina, 1-2 Tblspns
daily, Bee pollen, 1-2 tspns daily, however, make sure she
is not allergic to it. Take just a few grains the first
couple of times to ensure she doesn't have a reaction to
it. Seaweeds and kelp are wonderful and have lots of iron
in them. She also needs to ensure she's getting extra
sleep. 8 hours a day may not do it in her condition. And
of course, I have a tea and a tincture that are very
helpful for uplifting and providing a high level or iron.
If you are interested, e-mail me with the word ORDER in
your subject line for more information.
FERTILITY
QUESTION: I has pcos syndrome where I don't ovulate
but I have a cycle every month. I only have one tube due
to an ectopic pregnancy last year. My husband and I have
been try to get pregnant but no success. I was taking
Clomid for the ovulation but it cause cyst. So I decided
to stop taking it and I wanted to try something natural
that will help me conceive. Can you help?
ANSWER:
You said you have a cycle, but don't
ovulate? How do you know you're having a cycle? You
shouldn't be menstruating without ovulating. Please give
me more information so I can try to help you. Have you
seen a medical professional? Have you had blood tests?
What did they reveal? How long were you taking the clomid?
Has your husband been checked? Everything OK there? Let
me know and we will go from there.
FOLLOW-UP ON THE ABOVE QUESTION:
I'm 27
years old Well yes I have been to the doctor. And had
blood test done and when the test came back he told me
that I have pcos. because at the time my cycle was
irregular at the time and I had to take provera to make it
come down. I was put on in 2002 clomid because I was not
ovulating and I take the clomid for six months and I stop
taking it because get was a little expensive every month.
2003 I became pregnant but I miscarriage at six weeks then
five month later became pregnant again and it was an
ectpoic pregnancy and I lost my left tube and the doctor
told me that yes I can conceive again but it may take me
longer to conceive. Starting the second month if this year
my cycle are regular but I just I don't know what day it
comes but I do have one every month. And it not a 28 day
cycle maybe like a 32 and 33 day cycle. My husband has
been tested everything is. Do you have herbs the can help
me conceive. Because I do not want to take the clomid
again because every women I talk to said that they
miscarriage and causes tumors on the ovary but after you
stop taking it goes away.
ANSWER:
I have an herb tea that I sell to women who are trying to
conceive, called Fertili-TEA. I don't recommend taking it
with any medications. You can find it on my website at
www.allgoodegifts.com under teas in the Herb Shoppe.
The herbs are tonics for the reproductive and endocrine
systems to help build up and strengthen. The tea is safe
to take until you confirm you are pregnant. At that point,
I would stop taking it. Let me know if you have any other
questions.
HERBS TO GET A GIRL
QUESTION:
I have two boys and really want a girl. My husband is
in the Army and he said that one more baby and that's
it! So what herbal medicine can I take to enhance my
chances for a girl. As of now I just take prenatals and
Skin, Hair & Nails.
ANSWER: There's lots of things out there on
affecting the sex of your baby, but I'm not aware of any
herb that will do it. Supposedly, there are special
diets etc that will help, but again, nothing
substantiated with any type of reliable research. I'd
opt for healthy!
SUPPLEMENTS DURING
PREGNANCY
QUESTION:
I am 22 years old and was diagnosed with Chrohn’s
Disease two years ago, was taking prednisone for quite
some time and just
about 4 months ago I changed my diet and started eating
a lot of vegetables & fruit and started taking 4 super
enzymes caps a day. This has controlled my disease. It
has betaine hci -200 mg, pancreatin 4x- 200 mg, ox bile
extract(45% cholic acid) -100 mg, bromelain 2,400 gdu/g
- 50 mg, papain 2m usp units/g powder- 50 mg, pepsin nf
1:10m units powder -50 mg, papaya fruit powder &
pineapple fruit powder -45 mg, cellulase 1m fcc/g
powder-10mg. I want to know if I would get pregnant will
these ingredients have any side affects on my child?
ANSWER: The hardest thing for you will be to eat
a healthy diet so your baby is strong and healthy. I
don't advocate anything except vitamin supplements for
pregnant women, but speak with your medical |