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Healthy Menopausal Years -- The Wise Woman Way
By: Susun
S. Weed
Menopause is a time of enormous change. Wise women of
all times have found simple life-style changes can make their Change
much easier. For optimum health during and after menopause, follow these
simple steps.
- Exercise a different way every day: take walks, lift
weights, dance, garden, do yoga, try tai chi.
- Drink nourishing herbal infusions.
We all know how important exercise is for strong
bones, healthy hearts, resistance to diabetes, and weight maintenance.
But did you know it prevents depression too? By yourself, or with a
friend, exercise is one of the golden keys to a long, healthy life.
Nourishing herbal infusions are the second key to
vibrant elder years and an easier menopause. They provide protein,
minerals, phytoestrogens, and special fats needed by menopausal women.
Many common menopausal problems can be connected to a lack of one or
more of these nutrients.
Low protein leaves hair and skin dull, lifeless, and
thin. Nourishing herbal infusions, plain yogurt, lentils, and organic
meats are excellent sources.
Low levels of minerals leave the bones and heart
deprived of calcium, the immune system low in zinc, and the muscles
prone to pain and spasms. Nourishing herbal infusions, plain yogurt,
seaweed, and organic chocolate are magnificent sources.
Insufficient phytoestrogens in the diet
increase breast cancer risk and menopausal distress. Nourishing herbal
infusions, lentils, roots and seeds are the best sources.
Lack of high-quality fats can lead to thyroid
problems, immune system stress, lack of energy, and blood vessel
disease. Nourishing herbal infusions, full-fat yogurt, organic
chocolate, olive oil, organic butter, nuts and seeds are superb sources.
To make a nourishing herbal infusion: Buy (or gather
and dry) at least one ounce of nettle leaf or oatstraw or red clover
blossoms or comfrey leaf. Place the ounce of dried herb in a quart jar.
(One ounce equals one full cup of dried herb.) Fill jar to the top with
boiling water. Cap tightly and allow it to brew for at least four hours.
Overnight is fine. Strain and drink 2-4 cups a day. Most menopausal
women prefer their infusion iced, but you can drink it hot or at room
temperature. A little mint or sage may be added to change the flavor.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) builds energy,
strengthens the adrenals, and is said to restore youthful flexibility to
blood vessels. A cup of nettle infusion contains 500 milligrams of
calcium plus generous amounts of bone-building magnesium, potassium,
silicon, boron, and zinc. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A,
D, E, and K. For flexible bones, a healthy heart, thick hair, beautiful
skin, and lots of energy, make friends with sister stinging nettle. It
may make you feel so good you'll jump up and exercise.
Oatstraw (Avena sativa) reduces high cholesterol,
increases libido, and strengthens the nerves. A cup of oatstraw infusion
contains more than 300 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of
many other minerals. Its steroidal saponins nourish the pancreas and
liver, improving digestion and stabilizing moods. Oatstraw is best known
however for its ability to enhance libido and mellow the mood. Do be
careful whom you share it with, or you may find yourself sowing some
wild oats. In Auryuvedic medicine, oatstraw is considered the finest of
all longevity tonics.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is better in every
way than its cousin soy. It contains four phytoestrogens; soy has only
one (isoflavone). Red clover infusion has ten times more phytoestrogens
than soy "milk," fewer calories, more calcium, and no added
sugars. Red clover is the world's leading anti-cancer herb; soy
isoflavone encourages the growth of breast cancer cells in the lab. Red
clover improves the memory; Japanese men who ate tofu twice a week
doubled their risk of Alzheimer's disease. Soy beverage can contain up
to 1000 times more aluminum than milk, according to Sally Fallon, lipid
researcher and fat specialist. She believes that "the highly
processed soy foods of today are perpetuating . . . nutrient
deficiencies. . . ."
Comfrey (Symphytum) leaf is free of the compounds (PAs)
found in the root that can damage the liver. I have used comfrey leaf
infusion regularly for decades with no liver problems, ditto for the
group of people at the Henry Doubleday Research Foundation who have
eaten cooked comfrey leaves as a vegetable for four generations. Comfrey
is also known as "knitbone," and no better ally for the woman
with thin bones can be found. And, don't forget, comfrey contains
special proteins used in the formation of short-term memory cells. Its
soothing mucilage adds flexibility to joints, eyes, vagina, and lungs.
Menopause can change your life. Our Wise Woman
grandmothers used nourishing herbal infusions, fermented dairy products,
healthy exercise, and simple whole foods to weather their change
naturally and live productively another 50 years. You can too.
For further information on these herbs, and lots more, see New
Menopausal Years, the Wise Woman Way by Susun Weed, Ash Tree Publishing,
2002.
For permission to reprint this article, contact us at: susunweed@hvc.rr.com
Bio:
Susun Weed, green witch and wise woman, is an
extraordinary teacher with a joyous spirit, a powerful presence, and
an encyclopedic knowledge of herbs and health. She is the voice of the
Wise Woman Way, where common weeds, simple ceremony, and compassionate
listening support and nourish health/wholeness/holiness. She has
opened hearts to the magic and medicine of the green nations for three
decades. Ms. Weed's four herbal medicine books focus on women's health
topics including: menopause, childbearing, and breast health. Visit
her site www.susunweed.com for
information on her workshops, apprenticeships, correspondence courses
and more! Browse the publishing site www.ashtreepublishing.com
to learn more about her alternative health books. Venture into the NEW
Menopause site www.menopause-metamorphosis.com
to learn all about the Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way.
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