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 Intro

03:50 What Is Herbal Medicine?

18:49 "Holistic Approach to Herbal Healing"

19:57 "Tamoxifen and Herbal Interactions"

24:47 Black Cohosh: Menopause Symptom Relief

29:56 "Skullcap & Lemon Balm Benefits"

33:00 "Black Cohosh for Menopause"

34:38 Holistic Self-Care Matters

41:14 "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

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub