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Herbs, oils to avoid for ER-positives?

Page last modified on: October 16, 2008
Question from CrystalCat: I was diagnosed with strongly hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. What herbs and/or essential oils should I avoid? I do lots of aromatherapy and hear that certain oils like clary sage contain or mimic estrogens, which obviously I want to avoid as much as I can.
Answers —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: As I am not aware of the estrogenic effects of clary sage, I do not feel comfortable making a comment about its use in ER-positive breast cancer.
Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D: There's a good reason to be concerned about the use of different herbs and essential oils in general, but in particular when one has a hormone-sensitive breast cancer. This area is probably one of the most complicated areas in working with patients in the field of complementary medicine, and it is very important to get information on this topic from dietitians and nutritionists, as well as physicians who have solid expertise in this area.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Complementary Medicine Techniques. Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about different types of complementary techniques and how they can help during and after breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. is an associate professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Cohen is conducting a number of studies to find out how complementary techniques such as meditation, stress management, emotional writing, yoga, and music therapy might be able to improve patients' quality of life during cancer treatment.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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