Episode 213 - Black Cohosh, Red Clover & Ashwagandha: Are They Safe After Cancer

When you’re thrown into menopause after breast cancer treatment, the symptoms can feel relentless: hot flushes, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, low mood to name a few.And when conventional options feel limited, it is understandable that many people begin looking into herbal medicine.But then the confusion starts.- What herbal medicine actually is — and what it isn’t- Is black cohosh safe?- What about red clover and phyto-oestrogens?- Are adaptogens like ashwagandha helpful — or risky?- Could herbs interfere with endocrine therapy?In this episode, we are joined by Melinda MacDougall, a qualified medical herbalist and we will go through all of your many questions.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:50 What Is Herbal Medicine?18:49 "Holistic Approach to Herbal Healing"19:57 "Tamoxifen and Herbal Interactions"24:47 Black Cohosh: Menopause Symptom Relief29:56 "Skullcap & Lemon Balm Benefits"33:00 "Black Cohosh for Menopause"34:38 Holistic Self-Care Matters41:14 "Sea Buckthorn Supplement Tips"43:55 "Misleading Supplements"48:20 "Adaptogens: Stress-Modulating Herbs"53:26 "Plant Oestrogens"Here are some helpful links:You can find Melinda here: https://www.melindamcdougall.com/Here is an article on herbal medicine: https://menopauseandcancer.org/herbal-medicine-for-menopause-after-cancer-current-research/Here is a great blog that lists Tamoxifen contraindications: https://owise.uk/tamoxifen-what-you-should-avoid/Connect with us:For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerFind us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBbJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub Mentioned in this episode:Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/