What herbal teas fruit teas are completely safe to drink while using tamoxifen?
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This is something I am keen to get any up to date advice on. I seem to get tied up in knots! Camomile was my ‘go to’ before but apparently it can potentially interfere with tamoxifen…although that said that is possible more Camomile oil rather than the tea itself. I have still had it but much less frequently and I only let it ‘steep’ for 1 minute.
My reference point and one often recommended as a reliable source on here is this…About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
I am honest though that I remain unsure x
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Hi malou
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Ive been drinking herbal teas thinking they were my healthier option !!!
Would be interested to know more
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Hello malou
Thank you for posting.
There is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies including herbal teas, and it’s not possible to say whether they are completely safe. Herbal treatments don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is minimal research and relevant clinical evidence is still lacking. Some of the herbs used in herbal and fruit teas might affect the way your body processes cancer drugs.
As @blue80 suggests, the American website Memorial Sloan Kettering is a useful resource when looking for interactions between herbal products and cancer drugs such as Tamoxifen. Each has sections on existing evidence and what known interaction there is with other medications. You may find that that some herbs have different names in America. You can also search herbal products and supplements on the European website Complementary and Alternative Medicine for cancer and on the American website Medicine Plus
As you currently take Tamoxifen you should speak to your treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any herbal products or teas, including any treatments that are bought over the counter or online.
You might also find our booklet on diet and breast cancer helpful
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Angela
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