Herbal Remedies to Control the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Cancer patients may experience a whole host of negative side effects that come as a result of radiation and chemotherapy. Common side effects include vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite, diarrhea, hair loss, intense fatigue, anemia, mouth ulcers, depression, yeast infections, pain, insomnia and anxiety. These are common side effects of radiation, which are tumor-killing x-rays, and chemotherapy, which are tumor-killing medications. Most cancer patients become very ill with some or all of these side effects as a result of chemotherapy and radiation.

Fortunately, there are a lot of herbal remedies now currently in use that can help patients get a handle on these often-difficult to manage side effects of cancer treatment. Some alternative remedies may even help improve the overall effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation. Here are a few well-regarded herbal remedies that can help limit the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Maitake: This powerful mushroom hails from Japan, where it is consumed for many of its healing properties as well as its flavor. The maitake mushroom contains a food chemical known as beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is known for its ability to help control nausea, sharpen the appetite, and help boost the low energy reserves that most cancer patients experience. The maitake mushroom can also help strengthen the immune system’s white blood cells that can help the body fight cancer cells.

Many herbalists and naturopath doctors believe that an extract of beta-glucan from the mistake mushroom is one of the best herbal remedies to help control the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Most herbalists and naturopath doctors recommend taking two to three droppers full of beta-glucan extract a day. Extracts from other mushrooms, such as the shiitake or reishi mushrooms, also contain beta-glucan chemicals that can help banish nausea and improve energy levels in cancer patients.

Siberian Ginseng: Siberian ginseng can help prevent the intense fatigue that is often a result of conventional cancer treatment. Siberian ginsengs can be especially helpful if used in conjunction with astragalus. Both help boost the body’s immune system. Herbalists recommend consuming 200 milligrams of Siberian ginseng three to six times a day. However, be very careful when shopping for Siberian ginseng, as many products advertised as Siberian ginseng don’t actually contain the most important ingredients. Look for a product that is standardized for elutherosides.

Astragalus: This traditional Chinese herb can help boost the cancer patient's immune system. Most cancer patient’s immune system is considerably weakened during treatment. Herbalists recommend taking 1,500 milligrams of astragalus's each day during treatment. It can also be taken in conjunction with Siberian ginseng for maximum effect.

Umeboshi Tea: Umeboshi tea is a Japanese word that is used to describe salt plum paste. This is one of the main ingredients of umeboshi tea, along with the root of the kudzu plant and the popular herb ginger. This aromatic tea can be used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by traditional cancer treatments. It can also be formed into a paste or consumed in capsule form.

Green Tea: Perhaps one of the most popular teas, green tea allows people who are undergoing chemotherapy to feel better. Most naturopath doctors recommend that cancer patients drink several cups of green tea each day.