Many cancer treatments, namely chemotherapy, cancer medications, and radiation, can make patients really sick even though the treatments themselves are life-saving in many respects. Because of this, many patients turn to alternative therapies and home remedies to help them cope with some of the more negative side effects of their cancer treatments (i.e., chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc.). The following alternative remedies can be practiced at home to reduce the severity of cancer treatment side effects.
They may help you get some relief from painful cancer treatment side effects, as well as give you control back over your health and life:
1. Meditation
Meditation is an excellent tool for reducing stress and anxiety related with everyday, but also for helping you cope with the overwhelming mental fatigue that comes with battling cancer. The deep concentration and imagery can also help patients tune out negative thoughts and adopt a more positive attitude to their health. Meditation can be done right at home with a relaxation app on your tablet or smartphone. Practice first thing in the morning to set the stage for the day or before bed to promote a relaxing state for sleep.
2. Astragalus
Astragalus root is a medicinal plant with touted immune-strengthening properties. According to research from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, reports of astragalus root by cancer patients claim a significant reduction in chemotherapy side effects (i.e., increased energy, nausea and vomiting).
3. Music therapy
Music lovers rejoice. Like you needed another excuse to spin your favorite record. Yet studies from the Mayo Clinic indicate that listening to music and singing along both alone and in group settings works to naturally diminish pain while quelling some of the nastier side effects of cancer treatment (i.e., nausea and vomiting). And the best thing about it, no musical talent necessary to sing your heart out.
4. Aromatherapy
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has linked the use of essential oils to improve the emotional, physical, and spiritual lives of cancer patients. While the NCI notes that aromatherapy reduces stress and anxiety in patients with critical diseases, it also theorizes that certain essential oils may have both stimulative (i.e, basil and ginger) and sedative (i.e., lavender and clary sage) benefits for cancer patients, as well as for antibacterial (i.e, peppermint), anti-inflammatory (i.e., turmeric), and analgesic (i.e., rosemary) topical use. Recommended uses include scent infusions, topical sleep promotion, massage oils, and bath water infusions.
