#16: Perimenopause? What—Like It’s Hard? Herbal Wisdom with Jane Barlow

Perimenopause can feel like a confusing full-body mystery… but today’s conversation is a deep exhale.I’m sitting down with Jane Barlow, an herbalist and founder of Barlow Herbal, who literally grew up in plant medicine—her dad was a college-educated medicinal botanist, and herbal healing was just normal in her house. And while Jane’s own menopause experience was basically a “nothing burger” (yes, we unpack that), she’s helped thousands of women navigate the real stuff: irregular/heavy periods, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep that suddenly falls apart.In this episode, we talk about:Why perimenopause doesn’t have to be miserableThe simple starter herb she recommends for almost everyone: red raspberry leaf teaSleep support that can calm a “monkey mind”: valerian root + blue vervainAdaptogens for mood + resilience (and why modern stress makes us think we’re “broken”)Post-menopause vitality: energy, libido, hormones, and the herbs Jane personally usesThe deeper message beneath all of it: learning to trust your body againAnd then… Jane unexpectedly challenges me to something I did not see coming: One hour a week with zero technology. No doom scrolling. No dopamine drip. Just you, quiet, and your nervous system finally getting a signal that you’re safe.If you’re an overachieving millennial mom trying to stop fixing yourself and start listening to yourself—this one is for you.And beyond the episode, I made something for you to listen to yourself more. It's a Cycle Syncing guide. A way for you to get in touch with your cycle through your food, your exercise, and your social interactions. Download it here.Find Jane: BarlowHerbal.com + @barlowherbal on Instagram + Barlow Herbal on YouTube (And yes… she actually does sell the products we talk about 😉)Jane's tea recommendation:  www.starwestbotanicals.com(pssst. She was spot on about the red raspberry leaf tea. It's been a month of me drinking it regularly and the difference is obvious in my cramps and my period)About Jane: Jane Barlow is a master herbalist, health advocate, and founder of Barlow Herbal Specialties, carrying forward the legacy of her father, medicinal botanist Dr. Max G. Barlow. With decades of experience in herbal medicine, fitness, and holistic wellness, Jane teaches people how to use medicinal plants to support the body’s natural ability to heal.Before fully immersing herself in herbal medicine, Jane spent over 20 years in the fitness industry, including co-owning a gym with her sister. Her work bridges physical health, nervous system balance, and spiritual awareness, helping people reconnect with their intuition and take ownership of their well-being.Jane is also the author of Be Your Own Shaman, a modern expansion of her father’s classic work From the Shepherd’s Purse, and shares herbal wisdom through her YouTube channel and podcast appearances.