Herbal alternative treatments -
Turmeric Curcuma longa is an herb that belongs to the ginger family Used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine alike, it has recently garnered attention for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the major active compound in turmeric. It may treat a host of conditions, including chronic inflammation, pain, metabolic syndrome, and anxiety In particular, multiple studies reveal that supplemental doses of curcumin are as effective for alleviating arthritis pain as some common anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen Both turmeric and curcumin supplements are widely considered safe, but very high doses may lead to diarrhea, headache, or skin irritation.
Instead, consider purchasing supplements online. Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits and may be especially effective for treating pain associated with arthritis. Ginger is a commonplace ingredient and herbal medicine. You can eat it fresh or dried, though its main medicinal forms are as a tea or capsule.
Much like turmeric, ginger is a rhizome, or stem that grows underground. It contains a variety of beneficial compounds and has long been used in traditional and folk practices to treat colds, nausea, migraines, and high blood pressure 18 , Its best-established modern use is for relieving nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, and medical operations Furthermore, test-tube and animal research reveals potential benefits for treating and preventing illnesses like heart disease and cancer , although the evidence is mixed Ginger is very well tolerated.
Negative side effects are rare, but large doses may cause a mild case of heartburn or diarrhea You can find ginger supplements at your local supermarket and online. Valerian root may be dried and consumed in capsule form or steeped to make tea. Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was taken to relieve restlessness, tremors, headaches, and heart palpitations.
One review found valerian to be somewhat effective for inducing sleep, but many of the study results were based on subjective reports from participants Valerian is relatively safe, though it may cause mild side effects like headaches and digestive issues.
Look for this herb online , as well as various health food stores. Valerian root is often used as a natural sleep and anti-anxiety aid, though evidence supporting its efficacy is weak. Chamomile is a flowering plant that also happens to be one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world.
The flowers are most often used to make tea, but the leaves may also be dried and used for making tea, medicinal extracts, or topical compresses. For thousands of years, chamomile has been used as a remedy for nausea, diarrhea, constipation , stomach pain, urinary tract infections, wounds, and upper respiratory infections This herb packs over active compounds, many of which are thought to contribute to its numerous benefits Several test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity, though insufficient human research is available Yet, a few small human studies suggest that chamomile treats diarrhea, emotional disturbances as well as cramping associated with premenstrual syndrome PMS , and pain and inflammation linked to osteoarthritis You can find it in most grocery stores or order it online.
Despite limited scientific evidence, chamomile remains one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world and is used to treat a broad range of ailments.
For instance, raw elderberries can be toxic, St. Additionally, many herbal medicines have not been studied rigorously enough to verify their safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Another important factor to consider is that herbal medicines are not strictly regulated like other medications. As such, some supplements may list ingredients improperly or even contain compounds not stated on the label. Thus, you should opt for brands that have been tested for quality by a third-party organization, such as U.
Pharmacopeia or NSF International. Herbal medicines carry many possible side effects, so you should consult your healthcare provider prior to taking them. When shopping, choose brands that have been certified for purity and quality. Many people around the world rely on herbal medicines to treat health conditions.
Countless varieties exist, but some of the most popular include gingko, ginseng, ginger , turmeric, and chamomile. Though their applications tend to be very broad, many of their supposed benefits lack strong scientific evidence. Keep in mind that, like conventional drugs, herbal remedies may interact negatively with other medicines.
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How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site.
To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? While there have been studies suggesting potential benefits of dong quai, it is important to note that this herbal supplement can interact with certain medications and is not recommended for women with estrogen-sensitive cancers.
Furthermore, its safety for mesothelioma patients remains uncertain, and further clinical trials are needed to evaluate its effects. One study published in in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology indicated that dong quai may have a protective effect against heart damage caused by doxorubicin.
Additionally, a study published in in Oncology Reports suggested that dong quai may offer protection against lung inflammation induced by radiation therapy.
However, due to the complexities of interactions and the specific considerations for different cancer types, it is crucial for mesothelioma patients to consult with their healthcare providers before considering the use of dong quai or any other herbal supplement.
A review published in Inflammopharmacology discusses laboratory studies of burdock root that indicate the herb has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer and liver-protecting properties.
Cancer patients should exercise caution when using herbal products, as the quality control of these products may be inadequate.
An example from the s highlights the potential risks: a commercially available burdock root tea was discovered to be contaminated with atropine, a chemical known to cause irregular heartbeat and blurry vision. It is crucial for cancer patients to closely observe and assess the effects of any herbal remedies they consider using.
An herbal tea blend known as Essiac tea contains herbs known for their immune-boosting effects, including burdock root. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center conducted about 18 studies on Essiac in the s and s. These studies found Essiac did not boost the immune system or kill cancer cells.
This compound is found in St. According to a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, hypericin makes certain cancer cells more likely to die after photodynamic therapy , which is an experimental treatment for mesothelioma.
This herb shows anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects in lab studies. It can also reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, according to a review published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia.
But ginger should be strictly avoided before and after surgery. It promotes bleeding and should be avoided by patients with a low platelet count.
A review published in Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews reported that taking aloe vera during chemotherapy helped prevent mouth sores in some patients.
Also known as Iscador, research done in humans suggests that mistletoe reduces symptoms and improves quality of life. A study published in the European Journal of Cancer found that mistletoe reduces side effects of chemotherapy in lung cancer patients. A study published in Evidenced Based Complementary Alternative Medicine found that cancer patients with advanced tumors were able to tolerate higher doses of gemcitabine a chemotherapy drug used to treat mesothelioma with the addition of mistletoe.
This herb contains a compound know as curcumin. A study published in Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology shows that curcumin extract may be safe to combine with gemcitabine chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients.
Turmeric is used as an anti-inflammatory. It may reduce bruising in surgery patients when combined with bromelain an extract from pineapples and arnica an herbaceous plant. A test tube study published in the Journal of Experimental Therapeutics in Oncology found a compound in moringa tree effective at killing ovarian cancer cells.
Other research suggests it may help cancer symptoms including difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat, fever and joint pain. Several herbs may help control the side effects of conventional cancer treatment.
However, doctors do not recommend that cancer patients take herbal medicine while undergoing cancer treatment.
If you want to try herbal medicine during cancer treatment, talk to your oncologist about it so they can monitor your response and warn you of potential drug interactions. Some of these herbs might be safe to take after cancer treatment is completed, but you should get approval from your oncologist first.
A review of studies looking at the effects of herbal medicine on oral mucositis caused by cancer treatment found several herbs effective at improving tissue swelling in the mouth.
For example, curcumin, honey and chamomile were reportedly effective at preventing and treating swollen tissue and sores in the mouth. Certain herbal medicines may help mesothelioma cancer symptoms such as pain and difficulty breathing.
Herbal medicines may be less likely to cause side effects than traditional drugs. But patients can still experience complications. Some herbs can cause negative interactions with chemotherapy drugs. Others may prevent blood from clotting properly after surgery.
Closely monitor how you feel before and after taking herbal remedies. Patients should always consult with their doctor before trying herbs to avoid complications. Dietary supplements do not have to undergo FDA testing before reaching the market.
Some patients have unknowingly bought supplements contaminated with arsenic, lead and mercury. To avoid contaminated herbs, patients should only buy products from reputable companies with a United States Pharmacopeia USP label.
Patients can also look for one or more of the following quality labels on their herbal supplements:. Although some herbs may be able to slow cancer growth, patients should avoid herbal medicines that are marketed as cures for cancer.
The importance of discussing herbal remedies with your oncologist before buying or trying them cannot be stressed enough. All too often patients hide the supplements and herbs they want to take from their doctor.
Your oncologist has your best interest at heart and only wants to protect you from potentially harmful interactions.
In many cases, your doctor will give their approval to take herbal remedies after you complete treatment. You can also inquire about joining a clinical trial that is investigating an herb in combination with cancer treatment.
These trials are not common, but they do closely monitor patients for harmful interactions. They take the precautions necessary to prevent unwanted side effects such as testing herbs for contaminants before administration.
Many natural substances, such as arsenic and tobacco, are poisonous and carcinogenic. The effects of herbs can range from mild to potent depending on the person taking them and the medications they are using. It is wise to thoroughly research the herbs you want to try and take your research to your oncologist.
This allows your doctor to advise you with as much information as possible. However, as required by the new California Consumer Privacy Act CCPA , you may record your preference to view or remove your personal information by completing the form below.
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For treatmwnts best browsing experience treaments enable Promoting nutrient absorption. Instructions for Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorerother Herbal alternative treatments. Herbal medicine uses plants, Herbal alternative treatments mixtures of plant extracts, to treat illness and promote health. There is not enough reliable scientific evidence to use it as a treatment for cancer. Herbal medicines are made from plants. They use combinations of plant parts, for example leaves, flowers or roots.
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