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Ask the Herbalist_questions on Pregnancy/Fertility/Nursing
I have to take this 10 pills twice a day for one month
According to you are these herbs safe for consumption, and is it helpful to solve our problem. I appreciate your help
and look forward to your response
ANSWER: Unfortunately, I am not a Chinese herbalist, so I have no experience with Chinese herbs. Your best
bet there is someone at the Chinese Herb store. I have found most Chinese proprietors of these establishments
to be very knowledgeable. You didn't say if your wife has any fertility problems or has been tested. There are
several herbs that are reputed to have very good success with increasing fertility in both men and women. I
have several custom formulations that I make for this purpose and would be happy to make some for you if you
are interested. I would caution you, however, not to take my preparations in conjunction with the Chinese
medicines you are taken and there could be interactions that are unfavorable.
INDUCING LACTATION:
QUESTION: My sister-in-law is adopting a newborn in June and is going to try to induce lactation naturally, so that
she can breastfeed. Fenugreek and blessed thistle have been recommended as herbs to promote lactation. Are there
others which might help? How should they be used and at what amounts?
ANSWER: Vitex, Hops, Nettle and Raspberry leaf are also good for stimulating milk production. Also, make sure she
is drinking plenty of good water. I would make them into a tea and take them 3 to 4 times a day. Equal parts is fine. I
have two excellent teas to encourage and enrich milk flow. If you are interested, please e-mail me with the word
ORDER in your subject line.
MASTITIS
QUESTION: I am breastfeeding my 6 month old baby and have been having reocurring mastitis. I have been treated
with antibiotics 5 or 6 times and it keeps coming back. I am currently on garlic and lecitin. I need something to stop
the bacteria, not necessarily to build the milk flow, if anything I have too much milk. Any ideas?
ANSWERS: Mastitis can be caused by either a staph infection, or by an infectious yeast called Candida. The
recommended treatments for each are different, so confirm with your doctor the exact cause before attempting
to treat. If you are nursing, Aloe gel and Calendula crème will help relieve pain and inflammation.
Marshmallow Root, infused in water and allowed to steep overnight, added to a sink of warm water makes an
excellent bath to immerse and massage the breasts. This will help relieve the pain and excess milk. Make sure
the breasts are completely emptied. Nurse or pump at least once a day to reduce mil build up as this can
contribute to ongoing mastitis.
QUESTION: I am 12 weeks pregnant. Just going into my second trimester. I have been having some swollen glands
and cold like symptoms. I was wondering what you thought about medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy. I would like
to take Host Defense. I have been told it is safe, but wanted to ask. Also what
about Astragalus root extract and Echinacea?
ANSWER: Congratulations on your pregnancy! I don't have any knowledge of "medicinal mushrooms", so can't
help you with that one, but I don't even recommend aspirin to pregnant women. Have you spoken to your
doctor? I am not familiar with "Host Defense" either. I tend to stick with the natural herbs taken in a tea or in a
tincture. Some of the compounds that folks are making up these days might cause more harm than good, so
please be careful.
All that said, there are several herbs that are considered "safe" during pregnancy. As always, consult your
doctor before taking any medication, herbal or otherwise while you are pregnant. The following herbs may be
helpful.
Blessed Thistle Leaf - a liver tonic and simulates blood flow to the mammary glands and increases and enriches
the flow of mother's milk.
Burdock Root - full of vitamins and minerals. Also a very mild diuretic.
Chamomile - this one is a must for pregnant women. It is calming, can help with morning sickness if mixed with
Ginger and is high in calcium.
Dandelion - Vitamin a, Calcium and iron. High in potassium and may help lower blood pressure
Red Raspberry leaf - Considered "the" herb for pregnancy. It tones and nourishes the uterine muscles, is rich in
vitamins and minerals and is high in iron. It enriches and increased the flow of milk, helps restore the system
following childbirth and can be safely taken all 9 months long.
REMOVING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS FROM SYSTEM
QUESTION: I want to clean birth control out of my system can you tell me what to use? I have been told everything
form goldenseal to green tea, I am not sure what to use?
ANSWER: Chaste Tree Berry, Latin Named: Vitex agnus-castus has been effectively used to help women go off birth
control pills and normalize their hormones. I would also suggest Raspberry, Latin Named: Rubus idaeus leaf to
strengthen the uterus. Additionally, Helonious Root also called False Unicorn, Latin Name Chamaelirium luteum has
also been used for women coming of birth control pills.
Other methods for detoxification would include alterative herbs which help increase elimination, sweating, fasting and
juicing. I would seek a qualified holistic practitioner in your area for help.
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