Herbs That Will Help With Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy relies on the use of chemicals to destroy cancerous growths in your body. The chemicals in chemotherapy treatments are also sometimes offered to alleviate symptoms of cancer in its advanced stages. The therapy can be accompanied by a number of side effects including nausea, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, and pain. Thankfully, some herbal treatments can help alleviate some of those side effects.

Nausea

• Ginger is a beneficial herb for the natural treatment of nausea. This herb is helpful with a variety of conditions related to gastrointestinal issues like morning or motion sickness, colic, painful digestion or indigestion, and diarrhea. Ginger consumption can diminish issues with vomiting, can ease a queasy stomach, and can make chemotherapy treatments more tolerable. Consume 2 to 4 g of ginger root a day to diminish nausea, or take this herb in capsule form at a dosage of two 1-g ginger capsules three times a day. Occasionally chewing on a piece of fresh raw ginger also helps diminish nausea.

Appetite

• Consuming blessed thistle can help you improve your appetite. Blessed thistle aids your body's digestive processes and alleviates pain associated with digestion. The herb has a bitter flavor and can be consumed in capsule form by taking two 390-mg capsules three times a day. Consume the capsules with some food for ease of digestion.

Constipation

• Cascara Sagrada is a natural laxative that can help you alleviate conditions associated with constipation and difficult bowel movements. Take ½ tsp. of Cascara Sagrada just before you go to bed in the evening to alleviate issues with constipation. Take two 450-mg capsules of before bed with a full 8-oz. glass of water for constipation relief.

Diarrhea

• Slippery elm is a natural treatment for gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and sore throats as well as coughs. This herb contains mucilage, which creates a gel that coats the intestinal tract and alleviates gastrointestinal irritations. Make slippery elm tea by steeping 2 tbsp. of the powdered bark in hot water for five minutes. Drink three cups a day for diarrhea relief.

Pain

• St. John's wort is an herb that may help you deal with the pain associated with chemotherapy treatments. This herb is used internally and topically for pain relief associated with various conditions. The herb contains hypericin, which offers anti-inflammatory agents, particularly when used in topical form. The oil can be used to treat nerve pain, pain from injuries, and for the treatment of wounds. Make St. John's wort oil by grinding up several of the herb's flowers and adding them to 3 tbsp. of olive oil. After two weeks, strain the mixture and place it in a bottle for use. Apply the oil to painful areas whenever you need to by rubbing on the affected area. Also consume St. John's wort capsules at a dosage of one 300-mg capsule three times a day to treat pain internally.