Chemotherapy is the standard medical treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing cancer cells, but they do have adverse effects. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss and loss of libido. Certain herbs used in Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, may help alleviate some of these symptoms naturally. Check with your doctor before trying herbal remedies, since some herbs may interact with or decrease the effectiveness of other medications.
Ginger
The main complaint with chemotherapy treatment is that it causes severe nausea and vomiting. Ginger is a root spice used in Indian dishes and other Eastern cuisines. It is also a common herbal folk remedy used for nausea, vomiting, indigestion and headaches. In a study published in "Pediatric Blood & Cancer" in 2011, participants were given either ginger capsules or a placebo in conjunction with the standard anti-nausea medications at the onset of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The group receiving ginger had both a delay and decrease of symptoms. Researchers concluded that ginger is an effective adjunct treatment when used with conventional cancer treatments. Consult your medical doctor if you are interested in trying ginger for nausea and vomiting.
Alfalfa
Loss of appetite, weight loss and anemia are other typical results of chemotherapy treatments. Alfalfa, found in Eastern, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions, is used by herbalists both as a food and herb to restore health. It contains vitamins A, C, K and B-9, minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium and both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also contains more protein than most plants and is rich in digestive enzymes, helping the body assimilate nutrients more efficiently. Herbalists recommend alfalfa sprouts for cancer patients to combat fatigue, anemia and help stimulate appetite. These claims have not yet been validated scientifically, so check with your health-care provider before using alfalfa as a medicinal herb.
Astragalus
Astragalus has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is naturally antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Herbalists use it to treat diabetes, cancer and stimulate the immune system. It also appears to reduce some adverse effects of chemotherapy. In a study published by the "Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine" in 2002, researchers found that extracts of astragalus not only helped slow tumor growth but also decreased the toxic adverse effect of chemotherapy and strengthened immune function. Talk to your medical doctor regarding proper use of astragalus with chemotherapy.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice used in Indian cuisine. It is naturally anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Herbalists use turmeric root for arthritis, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. It is one herb that has been studied extensively as an adjunct cancer treatment. A 2010 study published in "Molecular Cancer Therapeutics" concluded that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, when combined with cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug for head and neck cancer, effectively suppressed tumor growth and at the same time minimized the toxic side effects of the cisplatin. Researchers suggested that turmeric might allow practitioners to administer chemotherapy in lower doses, reducing its negative effects on the body. Talk to your doctor about proper use of turmeric or curcumin with chemotherapy treatments.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Chemotherapy
- "Pediatric Blood & Cancer"; Anti-emetic Effect of Ginger Powder Versus Placebo as an Add-on Therapy in Children and Young Adults Receiving High Emetogenic Chemotherapy; A Pillai, et al ; February 2011
- USDA: Nutrient Database: Alfalfa
- "Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine"; Clinical Study on Effect of Astragalus in Efficacy Enhancing and Toxicity Reducing of Chemotherapy; Z. Zhong, et al; July 2002
- "Molecular Cancer Therapeutics"; Curcumin Enhances the Effect of Cisplatin in Suppression of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma; V. Duarte; October 2010
