Herb
Treatment Support
immune strengthener
Application
tincture, tea
Chemotherapy side effects
Etiologic and Other Factors Leading to Chemotherapy Side Effects:
Chemotherapy side effects occur due to its impact on rapidly dividing cells. While targeting cancer cells, chemotherapy also affects healthy cells like those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, hair follicles, and mucous membranes. Factors influencing side effects include:
- Type and dosage of chemotherapy drugs: Some drugs are harsher on certain systems.
- Individual factors: Age, overall health, pre-existing conditions, and genetics can increase vulnerability.
- Treatment frequency: More frequent treatments leave less time for the body to recover.
- Concurrent therapies: Radiation or other drugs can exacerbate side effects.
What to Look Out for When Seeking Professional Help:
Seek immediate medical attention for:
- High fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C).
- Severe nausea or vomiting preventing food/fluid intake.
- Signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, pain, or pus).
- Uncontrolled bleeding or bruising.
- Severe fatigue, confusion, or chest pain.
- Persistent diarrhea or dehydration.
Treatment Plan for Chemotherapy side effects
When to Treat at Home with Herbs:
Herbal remedies can provide mild relief for certain side effects when used cautiously:
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Helps with mild nausea.
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) or peppermint (Mentha x piperita) tea: Soothes digestive discomfort.
- Aloe vera (Aloe vera) gel: Relieves minor mouth sores.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) or ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): May reduce inflammation and boost immunity (consult your doctor).
Important Note: Always discuss herbal remedies with a healthcare provider to avoid interactions with chemotherapy drugs.
Christopher Hobbs:
“One of the best strategies during and after chemotherapy is to rid the body of dead cells and other toxic by-products. Herbal treatment usually consists of blood purifiers like red clover (Trifolium pratense) formulas and burdock (Arctium lappa); immune stimulants like echinacea (Echinacea spp.) and wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) if the white blood cell count is lowered by the chemotherapy; medicinal mushrooms including shiitake (Lentinula edodes), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and maitake (Grifola frondosa) to strengthen the immune response; adaptogens to help keep the hormonal system balanced and counteract stress such as eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidum); and liver protectants like milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root can be used to reduce nausea.”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited and supplemented by Dr. Christopher Hobbs PhD
Herbal Remedies for Chemotherapy side effects
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
liver protectant
Application
tablet, tincture
Herb
Treatment Support
immune strengthener
Application
tablet, tincture
Herb
Treatment Support
immune strengthener
Application
tablet, tincture
Herb
Treatment Support
hormone balancer, tonic
Application
tablet, tincture
Related Chemotherapy side effects conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
No additional ailments found.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
