Episode
Episode 213 - Black Cohosh, Red Clover & Ashwagandha: Are They Safe After Cancer
- Published
- Apr 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3559
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://menopauseandcancer.org/podcast/
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Summary
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