Breast Health Focus: Natural Support for Women written by Jhoane Robinson, Co-Founder & Herbalist

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is a significant month for us to pause, honor, and come together for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual observance, established in 1989, goes beyond pink ribbons—it’s a reminder of women's strength everywhere, the importance of early detection, and the value of community support. (Bless you, caregivers, for all you do!) At Cedar Bear, we join in recognizing this vital issue while celebrating the resilience and vitality of women.

Knowing that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, this health issue that touches us all, directly or indirectly.

Somewhere back in the 1960’s, my grandmother had breast cancer, which would have included mastectomies. She also developed type 2 diabetes and heart disease, all of which severely impacted her health. I really don’t know which health condition she had first, or which one caused what. I do know that she had been a strong, resilient woman, a mother of six, and a true matriarch until these illnesses took their toll. She passed away when I was just 14 years old. 

Today, things can be much different. It's incredible how much progress has been made in breast cancer healthcare since I was young. Thanks to advances in early detection and treatments, the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is 99%. I can’t help but think that had my grandmother lived in today’s timeline, she would have been able to live a much healthier life. 

So, I’m going for my screening this month, and ladies, I hope you make sure you get a screening, too!

While no single thing guarantees breast health protection, and as for many of us, breast cancer awareness is not just about prevention but also about healing during and after treatments, there are everyday actions we can all do that can promote balance, strengthen our bodies, and build a foundation for long-term wellness to improve our health and reduce our risks. Read on for helpful information to support your health at any age and stage. 

Preventative Care & Recovery: Whole-Body Wellness

Both prevention and recovery depend on a lifestyle that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. In addition to regular screenings, healthy habits, and self-care, a diet rich in nutrients, herbs, and minerals can help women feel strong and resilient.

Lifestyle & Nutrition

• Plant-rich diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, which are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients.

• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts help maintain healthy estrogen metabolism.

• High-fiber foods help balance hormones and support the body's detoxification process.

• Limit processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, as they are linked to a higher risk.

• Green tea provides polyphenols that have health-supporting antioxidant activity.

Herbal & Nutritional Support

• Flaxseed: Lignans support healthy estrogen levels.

• Turmeric/Curcumin: Helps promote a healthy inflammatory response.

• Milk Thistle: Supports healthy liver function for hormone balance.

• Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): Traditionally used to support hormone balance.

• Medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Maitake, Turkey Tail): Support immunity and overall vitality. (See Cedar Bear’s Magnificent Mushrooms below.)

• Vitamin D: Sufficient levels are associated with improved breast health.

Lifestyle & Mind-Body Practices

• Maintain a healthy weight: Adipose tissue (fat tissue) produces estrogen, which can influence breast health.

• Regular physical activity: At least 30 minutes most days, supports hormone balance and immunity. Movement also helps support your lymphatic system. 

• Stress reduction: Meditation, yoga, and calming herbal remedies help support immune function. Stretching exercises are also important for relieving stress. 

• Quality sleep: Supports immune regulation and natural detox processes.

Screening & Self-Care

• Routine mammograms and clinical screenings are advised.

• Breast self-awareness: Know your own tissue and notice changes.

• Minimize toxin exposure: Select natural personal care products, avoid BPA plastics, and limit contact with endocrine disruptors.

• Emotional care: Surround yourself with supportive communities and practices that uplift both body and spirit.

Breast Health & the Lymphatic System

Breast tissue includes a complex network of ligaments, fibrous connective tissue, nerves, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. The lymphatic system serves as the body’s natural drainage and defense network, transporting fluids and immune cells to maintain tissue health. Proper lymph flow supports circulation, reduces swelling, and promotes overall breast wellness. Gentle daily habits—such as movement, hydration, lymphatic massage, and mindful care—can make a significant difference.

Breast Health & Iodine

Iodine is essential for breast health, as breast tissue concentrates iodine to support hormone balance, tissue integrity, and cellular wellness. Adequate iodine helps maintain proper DNA sequencing and repair, protecting the body’s natural blueprint and supporting healthy cell function—making it vital not only for breast health but also for long-term overall health.

Xodine™ Iodine by Cedar Bear®– Essential Support for Women’s Health
Xodine™ Iodine promotes breast tissue health, thyroid function, hormone balance, and cellular vitality. Every cell relies on iodine, which helps sustain energy, maintain immune health, support tissue health, and promote overall well-being.

Herbal Support for Women’s Health, Breast Health, and Recovery

EC Blend – Gentle Support for Women’s Wellness
Inspired by the original Essiac formula, this alcohol-free herbal blend combines burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark, and Chinese rhubarb. Together, these herbs support natural recovery, gentle detoxification, digestive comfort, and overall vitality during times of physical stress.

Herbal Minerals – Minerals & Micronutrients for Women
Cedar Bear’s alcohol-free Herbal Minerals provide mineral-rich support for bone, hormone, immune, and tissue health, helping women maintain strength and resilience, especially during prevention, treatment, and recovery phases.

Lymphatic Cleanse – Supports Healthy Lymph & Immune Function
This alcohol-free herbal formula promotes healthy lymph flow, gentle detoxification, and circulation—helping to maintain breast tissue balance and overall wellness.

Women’s Daily – Nourishing Support for Women.
A botanically based blend of hormone-supportive herbs, Women’s Daily promotes cellular nourishment, supports breast tissue health, and enhances overall wellness, aiding recovery and well-being during times of physical stress or hormonal changes.

Magnificent Mushrooms
This blend of six medicinal mushrooms supports immune health, cellular function, and overall balance, with antioxidants that help protect against free radicals. Cedar Bear’s TincTract® process ensures maximum extraction of active compounds.

Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
Traditionally used to support hormone balance, this herb promotes healthy estrogen and progesterone levels, contributing to breast health and overall reproductive wellness.

––––––––––––––

In Closing...

A holistic, whole-body approach that encompasses nutrition, herbs, minerals, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and proactive screening is integral to supporting our breast health. (By the way, this applies to men, as well.) Using these practices helps us build resilience, stay vital, and support our wellness throughout all stages of our lives. By taking charge of your care for yourself, you will see many benefits – not just better overall health, but improvements in all aspects of your life, as well!

Wishing You the Best in Health,
Jhoane