Herbs/plant substances to avoid

Public Archive
1

Hi,

I feel it’s worth posting a list of herbs which are oestrogenic.
The following are to be avoided by those with hormone dependent diseases such as breast, ovarian, uterine and prostate cancer as well as endometriosis:

Alfalfa
red clover
clover

AND POSSIBLY ALSO:
-sunflower seeds
-Queen Anne’s lace (wild carrot)
-pomegranate
-fennel
-licorice
-yucca
-hops (beer)
-motherwort
-bloodroot
-ocotillo
-mandrake
-oregano
-damiana
-pennyroyal
-verbenna
-nutmeg
-turmeric
-thyme
-calamus rt
-goldenseal
-mistletoe
-cumin
-camomile
-cloves

The harm does not come from comsuming these substances occasionally, but from swallowing them regularly and in doses the body is not accustomed to. So, for example, if you begin taking a twice or thrice daily dose of a herbal preparation which happens to contain one of the above plant substances, they can worsen the condition.

It pays to read labels of herbal preparations carefully, and to to know what any herbalist (EVEN a registered medical herbalist) is putting into a “custom-made” concoction for you.

2

Blimey, that’s a long list to avoid.

I have been having a cup of camomile tea at bedtime for a long time now, as it helps me to sleep.

I’d be interested to hear anyone else’s views.

3

Like so many of these kind of things, a small amount is unlikely to do much damage.

4

An extremely long list - I tend to agree with Phoebe, in small quantities any one of them is unlikely to do untold damage. There is a danger in getting carried away with what we should and shouldn’t do…

5

Flippin eck that list does leave food for thought. I love pomegrante juice (excellent with vodka I believe) and snack on sunflower seeds, thought these were healthy. Also most the other herbs etc I use in recipes. Can’t win with this healthy eating lark.

I agree that in small quantities should be ok, but is good to be aware but not go over the top. Ah well back to dripping sandwiches!!

Safe eating to you all x