Herbs & Supplements During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an essential component of cancer treatment, since it can eradicate or significantly lower the rate of multiplication. However, the harsh nature of chemotherapy frequently causes several negative effects on patient’s daily lives. There has been a growing interest in understanding the advantages of using herbs as supplemental medicines during chemotherapy in recent years. They have shown great improvements in some people and their quality of life.

Nausea

The anti-nausea effects of herbal supplements, such as those containing peppermint and ginger, have been proven helpful. Particularly ginger, according to studies, can successfully lessen nausea brought on by chemotherapy, making people feel more at ease.

Fatigue

One common adverse effect of cancer, both during the disease and during therapy, is fatigue. Herbs, such as ashwagandha and ginseng, have been researched for their ability to ward against fatigue and boost energy levels.

Anxiety/ Depression

A person’s mental health may be severely impacted by receiving a cancer diagnosis and going through the treatment process. Herbal supplements such as chamomile and St. John's Wort, have been utilized to assist with these symptoms. The symptoms of anxiety and depression can be lessened by using these herbs, but they shouldn't be used in place of professional mental health therapy.

Herbal supplements can be a beneficial addition to a comprehensive chemotherapy care plan. Before starting any supplements, however, it’s important to verify with your medical provider if adding a supplement is appropriate for your treatment plan. As studies continue on these supplements, researchers are also exploring the intricate interactions between herbs and chemotherapy. This component, when used correctly and managed effectively, can be used as a necessary addition to an effective patient-centered treatment plan.