Today I got to spend the day with one of my favorite ‘wise woman’ friends. Lyn is always there to ‘bring me back down to earth’ and reassure me that I am fine and healthy and thriving and I needn’t get wrapped up in conventional medicine and look for something wrong. Thank you Lyn! Because I am in the wise woman menopausal years, I want to continue to nourish my mind, body and spirit in the most healthful way possible and by consuming calcium/mineral rich plants daily I believe that is possible.
Today I learned (again because I forgot) about nourishing herbal infusions for good health. They are also referred to as food medicine. I love it! The infusions I am going to begin incorporating into my daily nutrition are (and I will alternate):
Oatstraw, tastes delicious(!), good for strong bones and teeth, stabilizes blood sugar, relieves depression and emotional uproar, nourishes strong nerves, high in b vitamin complex, eases bladder spasms, incontinence, uterine pain, and vaginal dryness. Oatstraw infusion is good in your teacup and your bathtub (ahhh!) relieves physical and emotional pains and energy disturbances, and strengthens vaginal, bladder, and urethral tissues. – Be an outrageously sexy old lady!
Nettles, are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially the critical trace minerals – A quart of nettle infusion contains more than 1000 milligrams of calcium, 15000 IU of vitamin A, 760 milligrams of vitamin K, 10% protein, and lavish amounts of most B vitamins. Herbal Wise Woman Susun Weed says “There is no denser nutrition found in any plant“. I prefer my nettles tea cold, or cool rather than hot.
Red Clover, is very high in protein, macro- and trace-minerals, and vitamins (except B12), it is an excellent source of phytosterols. Phytosterols are hormone-like substances found in many plants that can be bio-converted in the human gut into active anti-cancer estrogens, world’s leading anti-cancer herb; improves the memory, is also a fertility-increasing plant
Red Raspberry Leaf, well known for its benefits during pregnancy, but it is beneficial to women at all stages of life. High in magnesium, potassium, iron and b-vitamins which make it helpful for nausea, leg cramps, and improving sleep during pregnancy. The specific combination of nutrients in Raspberry Leaf makes it extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system. It strengthens the uterus and pelvic muscles which some midwives say leads to shorter and easier labors.
There are other equally important herbal infusions I will incorporate as I develop the daily habit of using them. I am currently enrolled in Rosemary Gladstar’s ‘The Science and Art of Herbalism’ online course and learning more about the benefits of herbs in my life.
HERBAL INFUSION PREPARATION: An herbal infusion is a large amount of herb brewed for a long time. Typically, one ounce by weight (about a cup by volume) of dried herb is placed in a quart jar which is then filled to the top with boiling water, tightly lidded and allowed to steep for 4-10 hours. After straining, a cup or more is consumed, and the remainder chilled to slow spoilage. Drinking 2-4 cups a day is usual. Since the minerals and other phytochemicals in nourishing herbs are made more accessible by drying, dried herbs are considered best for infusions. I typically drink a quart (4 cups) of herbal infusion daily.
Lyn makes her infusions at night before she goes to bed and they are ready in the morning. You can also find information on making them here:
http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm
Other helpful websites …… are:
http://www.wisewomanuniversity.org/
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Menopausal_Years.htm