Abundantly Well: The Complementary Integrated Medicine Revolution

by Susun S. Weed

This book covers every healing modality—including forest bathing, story medicine, placebos, orgonomy, tai chi, drumming, wild food, non-dual therapies, Feldenkrais, hug therapy, reiki, psychic surgery vibrational medicine, dowsing, orgasm, psychoactives, adaptogens, supplements, anti-radiation allies, and surviving surgery. Join the Complementary Integrated Medical Revolution. Enjoy the Seven Medicines. This may be the only book on health you'll ever need.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2019

About the author

Susun S. Weed has no official diplomas of any kind; she left high school in her junior year to pursue studies in mathematics and artificial intelligence at UCLA and she left college in her junior year to pursue life.

Susun began studying herbal medicine in 1965 when she was living in Manhattan while pregnant with her daughter, Justine Adelaide Swede.

She wrote her first book -- Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year (now in its 29th printing)-- in 1985 and published it as the first title of Ash Tree Publishing in 1986.

It was followed by Healing Wise (1989), New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way (1992 and revised in 2002), and Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way (1996).

In addition to her writing, Ms Weed trains apprentices, oversees the work of more than 300 correspondence course students, coordinates the activities of the Wise Woman Center, and is a High Priestess of Dianic Wicca, a member of the Sisterhood of the Shields, and a Peace Elder.

Susun Weed is a contributor to the Routledge International Encyclopedia of Women's Studies, peer- reviewed journals, and popular magazines, including a regular column in Sagewoman.

Her worldwide teaching schedule encompasses herbal medicine, ethnobotany, pharmacognosy, psychology of healing, ecoherbalism, nutrition, and women's health issues and her venues include medical schools, hospital wellness centers, breast cancer centers, midwifery schools, naturopathic colleges, and shamanic training centers, as well as many conferences.

Susun appears on many television and radio shows, including National Public Radio and NBC News.

from http://www.susunweed.com/SusunWeed.htm

Reviews

[Astrid Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is open, my feet are firmly planted on the earth, and my thinking mind is activated. Susun Weed never fails to lead her readers into a deepening of awareness and an expanding and shift in consciousness. Her words always assist in my remembering, aiding me to access wisdom that lies already within me. This book is the result of 5 decades of wisdom and knowledge gathering through the lens of the Wise Woman Tradition with clear guidance on true holistic healthcare. In her latest book Abundantly Well; Susun Weed’s wisdom, love, clarity and compassion shine through with a depth of knowledge and clear steps to wholeness. Wellness is a true revolution and Susun is our guide.
- Astrid Grove, Midwife

[EagleSong Gardener]

Susun Weed's Seven Medicines show how deep health/medicine permeates your very being. Abundantly Well explores that depth as a heartfelt, information packed resource guide for navigating your unique path to greater health. Wherever you are in your journey...if you only read one book this year, let it be this one! Your personal guide to the complementary integrated medical revolution!
This is a book for everybody interested in the deep medicine of life.
EagleSong Gardener, Herbalist, Earth Keeper

[Ashley Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I am lucky enough to be part of the reading/editing group of the as yet unpublished book. I hope you will check it out when it is released!
It is incredibly accesible to all levels of holistic and herbal knowledge. This book reminds me where my personal home is, takes me to new places, and reminds me of those I have been and enjoy visiting again.
I have read this to my youngest son as he falls asleep at night and he stays tuned in, even at 3.5! I hope to successfully encourage my older boys of the value this book holds and have them read it once the final version is released. wish me luck!
-Ashley Marie Manix, Office Manager at Heart of Wellness & Maternal Mental health worker.

[Luna Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most detailed and understanding book on the seven medicines that I have ever read. As someone who struggles with retaining alot of new information, I was presently surprised with how quickly I was able to pick it all up. Very easy to read. Susun has such a beautiful way with words.
-Sarah G, Student

[S. Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abundantly Well is a great read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding on how to approach their health. It provides deep wisdom to keep at your fingertips and is a most insightful tome of knowledge regarding the Seven Medicines. Every home herbalist needs a copy in their library.
—S.Marie Carlson, Publisher of Home Herbalist Magazine

[Jo Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

"'Abundantly Well by Susun Weed will take you on a comprehensive journey through the Seven Medicines leading you to be abundantly well." --Dr. Jo Ann Quattrone, Dentist, Herbalist, Acupuncturist

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gratitude and love to my teacherfriend Susun and the Wise Woman Tradition! We are gifted once again with wisdom gathered from the ancients and decades of interaction with people and plants. In her latest offering, Abundantly Well, Susun holds a lantern for our beloved healer within and guides us graciously through the Seven Medicines. Integrated healthcare shines brightly and nurtures deeply. Àse and Blessed be!

[Erica S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for any one feeling at a crossroads with how to handle their own health challenges. The book serves as a reference guide offering up so much wonderful information that Susun has gathered over the years. I found that the list of questions to be asked before any Step 6 procedure to be helpful with accessing my own intuition when deciding what is best for my health. With the “Seven Medicines” step by step guidance I feel confident in knowing that I have ways to protect myself even if I need to seek invasive medical help. Thank you Susun for sharing your wisdom in this well written and easy to understand guide.

[CM ARNDT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part reference book, part spiritual guide, and brimming with down-to-earth, practical wisdom, Susun Weed’s latest book gives us a well-researched road map for navigating health and healing in these complex times. Abundantly Well equips us with the knowledge and resources we need to allow us to take responsibility for our own wholeness.

There is no one I trust more than Susun Weed to help me understand how to take responsibility for my own wholeness. As a woman and mother, I first came across Susun Weed’s work with Herbal for the Childbearing Year, nearly 30 years ago. In the intervening years, I’ve counted on her research, knowledge, and wisdom to help guide me through numerous challenges, large and small. As a researcher and educational psychologist, I am constantly amazed by the breadth and depth of the resources that Susun curates for us and the effective way she integrates insights from myriad times and places with her own extensive, home-spun experience. Abundantly Well creates an effective new paradigm for understanding and making use of the often confusing choices we face as we strive to optimize wholeness and maintain health. Make room for Abundantly Well on your nightstand—you’ll want to turn to it often—for reassurance, facts, inspiration, encouragement, and ideas.

Cheryl MoonEagle Arndt, PhD

[Katherine Bickford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Susun has created an epic manuscript in superb detail about every avenue one could take to heal themselves or a loved one. If I was asked to re-title this book in my own words, it would be: "The Answer to Every Question I Ever Wanted to Ask Susun Weed." In 'Abundantly Well' she applies her decades of expertise; explaining what one might encounter in the vast world of health care choices. Along with: How, when, what, where, and why, one might use them. She blends her applied knowledge with that of many expert health care associates. A magnitude of scientific research is also referenced in detail. Woven throughout this wealth of gracious wisdom are Susun's stories, art, poems, and personal messages to us.... I literally laughed, prayed, cried, felt inspired, empowered, informed, educated and at peace. I'm so happy to have read this dear book. Yet another of the wise woman collection I will treasure and refer back to for the rest of my life. I recommend this book to everyone. I'm grateful Susun Weed is who she is. We are blessed to have access to her wisdom.

[Rosemary Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susun Weed’s newest book, Abundantly Well, is chock full of magical, potent wisdom garnered over decades of her own personal experiences and presented through the lenses of Wise Woman Tradition and the Seven Medicines. Susun weaves a tapestry of facts and folklore, science and stories, wise counsel and vivid color, and empowering medicine for body, mind, spirit, soul, and roots. She is Grandmother Growth, lovingly guiding us along a comprehensive labyrinth of wellness approaches that we can implement to foster health and nourish ourselves more profoundly and thoroughly than we might have ever imagined possible. No better moment exists than right now to formulate and deepen our connection with that which fulfills us to the core and brings us into wholeness. Susun offers us an extensive and truly remarkable guidebook that we can consult time and again as we navigate our own respective journeys toward our best selves. Highest recommendations!

[Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read and a needed tool to navigate life’s little bumps and bigger bumps in the road. The book is like a tool box with the steps to a logical path, with strong supporting research. It is a good add to my library as a reference guide and a reminder of sequential steps to support my body and mind on life’s journey. Thank you Susun!

[Susie Que · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this book!! Thank you Susun, for putting all the puzzle pieces together and making them so easily referenced!! Now to get it to print so I can have it at my fingertips. I can hardly wait to add this gem to my table. This book should be in every household as I know it will be well worn and used in mine, thank you Susun Weed - Ursula Krieger, Green Thumb, Mother and Grandmother

[Emilee Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This book is truly being publishing at the perfect time because scientific studies have finally caught up to her wise woman ways. This book highlights one of the most important concepts in healthcare, the story that we tell ourselves. It is a must read for anyone interested in living abundantly well!"
-Emilee Amara Wilson, Green Witch and Former Apprentice

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! Susun has created an integrated map for wellness and healing. It is a wriiten with the heart and soul and wisdom of a Wise Woman, supported with pages of documented studies providing confirmation of everything Susun shares. This is the ONE place to make sense of all the information overload we experience on a day to day basis. It will be referred to over and again. Thank you Susun for getting this book out into the world!

[Diana Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book from a Wise Woman indeed!Thoughtful, provoking and well planned. Another of her wonderful books to be cherished. It makes me feel good that I think the same way she does about food and it encourages me to continue on my path!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not Susan Weed's usual herbal book. This book does a survey of all the different types of medicine and practitioner healing styles, from the least invasive to the most invasive. She calls it the Seven Medicines aka the Six Steps of Healing. She summarizes it as follows: "The Seven Medicines, also known as the Six Steps of Healing, is an ordering system designed to help us decide-- in any specific instance and for each unique individual-- which healing methods and which remedies will give the best outcome with the least harm. [This] system gives us a simple, safe way to choose wisely from all the health-care options available, from ancient wisdom to cutting-edge science." She considers this the action steps for developing your own personal healthcare plan.

The 6 Steps
0. Do Nothing (Serenity Medicine)
1. Collect Information (Story Medicine)
2. Engage the Energy (Mind Medicine)
3. Nourish & Tonify (Lifestyle Medicine)
4. Stimulate/Sedate (Alternative Medicine)
5. Use Drugs (Pharmaceutical Medicine)
6. Break & Enter (Deep Medicine)

Steps 0-3 always improve health, even when they do not cure, and require active daily attention. The last three encourage passivity and always harm health, even when they do cure.

She also categorizes the types of healers with the Three Traditions of Healing... most of us lean towards one predominant type. Understanding these types can help you get the best care on your own terms.

The Three Traditions of Healing
1. Scientific Tradition (measures & fixes: pharmaceuticals, surgery, invasive tests)
2. Heroic Tradition (cleanses & balances: herbs, supplements, cleanses)
3. Wise Woman Tradition (nourishes wholeness: herbs, self-love, self-acceptance)

Most MDs fall under the Scientific Tradition. Dr. Christopher, Dr. Schulze, and functional medicine fall under the Heroic Tradition. Susan Weed and MDs like Bernie Siegel, Patch Adams and Elisabeth Kubler-Ross fall under the Wise Woman Tradition.

I found it interesting that the author found the Heroic Tradition to be one of "shame, blame and guilt." I never felt that Dr. Christopher or Dr. Schulze shamed anyone; however, they did insist on maximum accountability for diet and lifestyle, saying that all disease was caused by blockage (physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual). I always found this idea empowering that, if I caused my disease, then I can also reverse it by changing my behavior and thus heal myself. The Wise Woman Tradition seems to say, "You are what you are, so embrace it and love it." Susan Weed is obviously biased and favors this one. There are Wise Woman elements I've incorporated over the years as an herbalist, however, probably because I was exposed to these ideas first (such as the Law of the Singles or Simples... making herbal tinctures with a single herb in them, rather than the often more complex formulas seen in the Heroic Tradition of herbalism). Admittedly, Dr. Schulze is more aggressive in his approach (such as using the hottest peppers available, using enemas and fever baths, etc.), but as a clinical herbalist with an actual practice (Susan Weed never had a clinical practice), he helped teach his so-called incurable patients how to cure themselves and they more often than not were healed from really serious life-threatening diseases. Same goes with Dr. Christopher. Heroic Tradition acknowledges there are natural laws-- if the laws are broken, disease sets in. Healing is based on natural principles based on these laws, and healing can't happen if they are not followed. I don't see this acknowledged in the Wise Woman Tradition, though. And obviously, the Scientific Tradition only treats symptoms and never looks for causes, let alone natural laws.

This book has a wealth of information and covers many treatments in brief that get to the point (vibrational medicine, herbs, yoga, diet, placebos, acupuncture, reiki, earth energy, chiropractic, water healing, visualization, pet therapy, dowsing, reflexology, iridology, etc.) Some are discounted by the author as useless (iridology and muscle testing, for instance-- I disagree with the author's viewpoint on these). Overall, it's a good resource to dip into. I'm not a fan of integrated medicine, however (the subtitle to this book is The Complementary Integrated Medicine Revolution). I don't like having one foot in conventional medicine and another in natural healing-- that's sort of like, "Enjoy your shot of chemo, now follow it up with a shot of wheat grass." Ugh! But to the author's credit, she starts with the least invasive to the most invasive in each category, allowing you to study it out and make your choices, incorporating any of the various treatments along the way.

For the herbalists, Susan Weed does include instructions near the back of the book for making your own herbal infusions, tinctures, infused oils and vinegars, and ointments (these are covered in more depth in her other books, however). She even shows you how to make your own placebos, which I thought was pretty fun. She has a page on herbal antibiotic alternatives. There really is a wealth of info packed into this book, with references to learn more.
I appreciated the chart on page 159 about how to make an herb more dangerous, from safest to least safe.... she walks it through the steps.

Overall I recommend it. It has endorsements by Patch Adams (who also writes the introduction), Christiane Northrup and Rosemary Gladstar, among others. I would love to see this book available as an audiobook.

[Alicia Charmbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susun Weed’s new book Abundantly Well is an exceptional book. She teaches about the Seven Medicines. Serenity, Story, Mind, Lifestyle, Alternative, Pharmaceutical and Deep Medicine. A wealth for your health of information, I highly recommended Abundantly Well.
-Alicia McCord Charmbury, Mother to four

[Peg Bostley]

"Perfect timing for this book to go to press as more & more people start to understand that modern medical practices, including big pharma, has failed us on so many levels. Great reading/information if you’re wanting to take your health back into your own hands."
-Peg Bostley, Herbal Apprentice

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The knowledge in this book allows me to go out into the world with the confidence that I am the most knowledgeable expert when it comes to facilitating wellness in myself and my family. My daily health choices matter; and I make those choices mindfully. The sort of caring-confidence I exude is truly contagious. Friends and acquaintances are made curious by my journey, and thus begin their own. Many Thanks Susan!
-Mary Jo Greenwood, Woman, Mother and Licensed Clinical Social Worker

[Tina Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Inspired wisdom of/for the ages! This new book brings a fresh look at the time-proven herbal knowledge made sacred by the wise woman, and should be revered by all. It will be an important part of my library as a student midwife, and invaluable in my service to women and their families as well as my own."
-Tina Lynn Fulton, Traditional Midwife/Birthkeeper

[Vickie Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abundantly Well is such a wealth of information for each of us. This book is an absolute must have and road map for anyone trying to live a healthy life, and to make informed decisions about their health, healthcare, and well-being.
Abundantly Well deserves its own spot on all of our bookshelves as a guide for making the best choices we can about our healthcare, daily living, and more.
I feel so fortunate to be a part of this empowering, integrated, medicine revolution, that has so abundantly & freely been shared and continues to be shared with all of us by Susun S. Weed.

💚 Green Blessings
Vickie Schulz, Nemophilist

[Sabine Ehrenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the health revolution we need most: a new paradigm in medicine! Here's your road map to all of the different healing modalities available, to how to always be your own best expert, how to deal with - and survive - the medical system, how to minimize harm when you do have to resort to drugs or surgery, and absolutely everything you can do - and not do - to be abundantly well. This book is truly a survival guide and the crowning achievement of one of America's best-kept secrets (not much longer!), Susun Weed - my hera!

[Baebara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will change the way that you consider your health and well being and the way that you approach your health care choices. In the forward Susun states “I want Abundantly Well to be a road map for you when you are faced with health care choices”. That is exactly what this book is; a clear, easy to read road map of discovery about the variety of choices available to us, from initiating and continuing a healthy way of life, to negotiating the often overwhelming world of dominant culture scientific medicine. This book is for everyone: Those that are new to The Wise Woman Tradition, Those who already live a healthy lifestyle and make conscious health care choices, and seasoned Herbalists who offer help to other people. We all know that our current health care system is broken but many folks simply don’t know how, or trust their ability to move around and through the options that are most readily supplied. Susan also states “This book supports a revolution. A patient centered, client empowered, nature-loving medical revolution.” I encourage you to empower yourself with “Abundantly well”; create your own health and health care revolution. It is beautifully written and a pleasure to read. Read it from cover to cover; Open it to a random page; Get to know it like a friend. Then when you need assistance you will know exactly where to turn. This book will now be my first “go to” reference. I simply cannot say enough about “Abundantly Well”. Buy two copies and give one to a friend. Thank you Susun for giving us this lovely and thorough resource for our personal health care re-Evolution.

[Chad Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abundantly Well is far more than a holistic health book. It not only deals with the often scary task of facing a health challenge, but it also provides invaluable insights into how to maintain health and take preventive measures. Seeking health information today can be daunting and stressful, especially when venturing into the world of alternative medicine. Susun wisely reveals that we cannot find abundant wellness through limitation nor restriction, but rather through expansion, nourishment, and embracement of diversity. In Abundantly Well, Susun gently helps readers navigate the complexity of the various modern, healthcare paradigms. Susun's seven steps, which she calls the seven medicines, are an innovative and exquisitely pragmatic approach to making critical healthcare choices. This book will open horizons you never thought possible, help you think critically about your healthcare options; and most importantly, it will help you discover your innate power to make the best and wisest decisions for your health. Abundantly Well reinforces a truth obfuscated by a hyper-masculinized and authoritarian culture: you are the only expert and authority of your health. If you're ready for a revolution and to realize your power to engage lovingly and compassionately with your wholeness, this book will find you at the perfect time, and perhaps save your life.

-Chad Woodward, massage therapist, and student

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. She talks a lot about the different ways to heal your body. As someone who has benefited equally from western and eastern medicine, I find this respectful book to understand that both kinds of medicine are helpful, and love her perspective of sovereignty over one's body. Good info on herbs too.

[Lydia Shamoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is jam packed with information! If you are interested in how to live well- this is the book for you!This book is beautifully crafted, from the illustrations to the way Susun interweaves story into such a factual book with the character Grandmother growth! 10/10 recommend!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it odd that she doesn't like essential oils and homeopathy

[Samant Ha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susun effortlessly weaves together science and spirit. She makes green magic accessible and practical. This is the book I didn't know I needed. Not only does it make you want to take immediate action towards good health- it holds space for stillness & inaction. Gorgeously, shamelessly Susun uses words to nudge us towards the spiral; a place forever changing, where chaos soothes. This is not an airy tome but a true & real guide to dancing with your own abundant health. And, on your own time! The amount of information would be staggering...if it wasn't presented in such a digestible format. This is a book I will be referencing for the rest of my life! Thanks to Susun for such a beautiful gift.

Samantha Caplan, former apprentice & farmher extraordinaire