Cultivating Menopause

Using Herbal Remedies to Address Inequalities in Women’s Reproductive Health

A community project by Goldsmiths, University of London, in collaboration with Together Better Hackney and Hackney School of Food.

About the Project

This initiative brought together women in Hackney to explore how herbal remedies can support menopause symptoms. Through workshops, gardening, and shared meals, participants learned how to use herbs for physical and emotional wellbeing.

The project promotes Green Social Prescribing—nature-based, low-cost interventions that can be used at home or in healthcare settings.

Herbal Allies & Their Benefits

• Sage: Reduces hot flashes, aids digestion, boosts alertness
• Lemon Balm: Calming, helps with sleep and headaches
• Chamomile: Soothes irritability and tension
• Peppermint: Cooling, relieves digestive issues and headaches

Around the Garden

Participants explored local herbs growing in the Hackney School of Food garden, learning to identify and harvest them for use in teas, sprays, and meals.

Recipes for Wellbeing

All recipes are simple, adaptable, and designed for one serving:
Sage Tea: Ingredients: 3–4 sage leaves, hot water, optional sweetener

Process:

• Steep sage leaves in hot water.
• Add sweetener if desired.
• Cool and serve over ice for a refreshing version.

Herbal Cooling Spray

Ingredients: 20ml distilled water, aloe vera gel, essential oils.

Process:

• Add distilled water to a 50ml bottle.
• Add 8 drops of essential oils.
• Fill with aloe vera gel and shake.
• Store in a dark bottle.

Focaccia with Herbs

Ingredients: Bread flour, yeast, salt, oil, warm water, herbs.

Process:

• Mix dry ingredients, add oil and water to form dough.
• Knead until soft.
• Place in tin with oil, top with herbs and salt.
• Prove 30–45 mins, bake at 200°C for 13–15 mins.

Creamy Spinach Beans

Ingredients: Onion, carrot, celery, garlic, white beans, stock, spinach/kale, herbs.

Process:

• Sauté diced veg and garlic.
• Add beans and mash some for creaminess.
• Add stock and simmer 10 mins.

Sage Pesto

Ingredients: Sage, chives, garlic, sunflower seeds, parmesan, lemon, olive oil.

Process:

• Crush herbs and garlic with salt.
• Add seeds, oil, lemon juice.
• Mix and season.
• Serve with creamy beans and focaccia.

Aubergine & Mint Salad

Ingredients: Aubergine, garlic, mint, vinegars, olive oil
Process:

• Slice and grill aubergine.
• Mix dressing and drizzle over hot slices.

Tabbouleh

Ingredients: Bulgar wheat, tomato, cucumber, herbs, pomegranate, lemon, garlic.

Process:

• Soak bulgar in hot stock.
• Chop veg and herbs.
• Mix all with lemon dressing and serve.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to the participants, facilitators, and funders who made this project possible. The booklet is part of a wider effort to create culturally relevant, sustainable health resources for women.

Note

consult your GP before using herbal remedies, especially if you are on medication or have underlying health conditions.

Published: Jul 14, 2025