Menopause, Migraines, Weight Loss Women

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Susun Weed, an herbalist in Woodstock, New York, teaches an ancient course of study called “The Wise Woman Way” via workshops, correspondence courses and live-in apprenticeships. She is the author of Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, New Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way and Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way (all books from Ash Tree Publishing). She also runs the Wise Woman Center in upstate New York. Visit her website at www.SusunWeed.com.

RANDY PEYSER: What are women most concerned about regarding their health?

SUSUN WEED: Women are concerned about menopause, and how to stay healthy during and after menopause. Women are concerned about their bones, their hearts and their breasts. They want to know how to stay juicy.

R.P.: My own concern with menopause is weight gain.

S.W.: Gaining weight during menopause actually is quite natural and healthy. As one’s estrogen production shifts away from being ovarian-focused, we need more estrogen that is produced by fat cells, and the adrenals. The adrenals are very hardworking organs. They help us deal with stress. A lot of women feel very stressed, and what happens is that they gain weight because the adrenals aren’t quite up to the job.

R.P.: How can we best deal with this?

S.W.: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) infusion, which strengthens and builds up the adrenals, is very nourishing and helpful.

R.P.: What is an infusion?

S.W.: An infusion is like a strong tea, but it’s not a tea because we brew the herb for a much longer time. During menopause, we produce a lot of hormones. We have to be nourished enough to make those hormones, because hormones require a lot of minerals and protein. We may crave more protein-rich foods, which usually come with a lot of fat. Working with the nourishing herbal infusions, like stinging nettle, gives us a lot of protein, without the fat and without the calories. It’s a form of protein that comes with a high mineral and vitamin content. Within seven to 10 days of starting to drink herbal infusions, one of the first things that women notice is their hair and skin starts to look far healthier.

R.P.: Can you give an example of making an infusion?

Nourishing infusions are easy to make at home.

S.W.: Absolutely (see recipe on Page 48). Infusions are easy to make at home.