Herbs for Chemo
- Undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer occasionally causes nausea, which is treatable with herbal remedies. Herbal treatments such as licorice tea also boost the effects of anti-nausea prescription medications like Compazine, Reglan or Zofran, according to the Herbal Remedies Information website.
- An amino acid, glutamine is naturally produced by the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Glutamine removes excess ammonia from the body and aids in immune system functions. Also needed for normal brain function, glutamine additionally aids in digestion. Under stressful conditions your body cannot produce enough glutamine to cope with the added burden. Supplementation is needed in these instances, which include undergoing chemotherapy treatment. By reducing stomatitis, a mouth inflammation caused by chemotherapy, glutamine aids in counteracting this side effect. Taking glutamine orally occasionally reduces potential diarrhea associated with chemotherapy treatments. Recommended daily dosage for adults is 500 milligrams one to three times taken with room temperature or cold liquids or food. Heat destroys glutamine.
- As an adaptoge, astragalus protects the body against mental, physical and emotional stresses, according to the University of Minnesota Medical Center website. Herbalists believe that astragalus possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Persons with compromised immune systems due to chemotherapy occasionally recover faster with astragalus supplementation. Herbalists also recommend astragalus in the treatment of lack of appetite and fatigue associated with chemotherapy. Adult dosage ranges from 1 to 25 grams per day with a standard recommendation of 250 to 500 milligrams, three to four times daily. Astragalus is available in capsules, fluid extract, powder, tincture and ointment forms.
- Uses of ginger include as an aid in digestion and a treatment for stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea. Herbalists believe ginger to be beneficial in the treatment of colic, arthritis, flu-like symptoms, cold symptoms and heart conditions. Treatment of nausea due to chemotherapy is another use of ginger, according to the University of Minnesota Medical Center website. Ginger tea is a common form used in the reduction of nausea and stomach upset as a result of chemotherapy. Ginger is available in a number of different forms such as dried or fresh ginger root, tinctures, capsules, extracts and oils. Ginger, in small dosages, also is present in a variety of foods and drinks. Dosage of ginger for adults ranges from 75 to 2,000 milligrams taken daily with food. Dosage also is dependent on the ailment treated and the form of ginger.