Relief from chemotherapy side effects is possible with the help of some natural remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes and exercise and relaxation techniques. Although, all these things should be implemented only after consulting your doctor, as natural tendency and health differs with each individual and so do the side effects. There are many chemotherapy drugs side effects that can be managed by the patients, if they know about them. If you want to exercise during chemotherapy, ask your doctor before starting with any of them.

Some Natural and Herbal Remedies

Ginger root is an effective remedy to prevent nausea. Hold a thin slice of raw ginger root between your teeth during and after chemotherapy. Ginger root is also available in capsule form. It can be powdered or grated and added in tea.

Aloe vera juice helps the digestion process and prevents an upset stomach. Aloe vera juice is readily available in the market for purchase.

Other natural remedies to prevent nausea are chewing fennel seeds, caraway seeds or peppermint during and after chemotherapy. This also releases good aroma and keeps the mouth fresh. Fennel and peppermint are used in herbal tea.

Licorice tea is another natural remedy like fennel tea that has the same soothing effects on the stomach.

Chamomile tea is a conventional herbal remedy to relieve stress caused by chemotherapy.

Siberian ginseng strengthens the immune system and relieves stress, as suppressed immunity and stress are common side effects of chemotherapy. This herb could be taken in its liquid form or as a tincture. This also reduces fatigue in chemotherapy patients.

Green tea strengthens the immune system weakened due to lowering of blood counts in chemotherapy. It has antioxidants, which repair injuries and stress.

Milk Thistle

Extract preparations made from the seeds of milk thistle are used as anti-cancer agents. They protect the antioxidants and improve the health of liver as some chemotherapy treatments  cause liver damage and inflammation. Milk thistle extract is available in the form of capsules, tablets or tea.

Antioxidants

Supplements of omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants also help to strengthen the immune system. Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables. They fight free radicals and strengthen the immune system.

Burdock

This herb is a blood purifier and removes the chemotherapeutic toxins from the blood. Burdock causes excessive sweating and toxins are eliminated from the body in the form of sweat.

Umeboshi Tea

This is a Japanese word which describes salt plum paste. Umeboshi tea is taken along with the root of the kudzu plant and ginger. This aromatic tea prevents nausea and vomiting.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a needle-based Chinese therapy, which punctures certain points on the body. It is effective in controlling nausea and vomiting, general fatigue and motivation.

Massage

This relieves pain and anxiety and improves sleep in chemotherapy patients. Five to twenty minutes massage sessions help significantly in reducing nausea, getting sound sleep and enhancing good moods.

Relaxation

Relaxation or meditation techniques relieve stress, anxiety, nausea, sleeplessness and muscular tension caused by chemotherapy. These techniques include concentration with visualization, yoga, deep breathing, muscle relaxation and stretching exercises.

Imagery

This technique is about self-hypnosis and allowing your mind and powers of concentration to focus on soothing and positive images by visualizing them. This reduces nausea, helps the mind and body relax and enhance all the senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste.

Exercise

Light exercise like walking relieves tension, depression and fatigue. It enhances the energy level and reduces nausea and constipation caused by chemotherapy.

Acupressure

This is a technique wherein certain points on the body that control certain organs are pressed with the help of fingertips. There are professional acupressure therapists who can do the therapy for the patient.

Relief from chemotherapy side effects is a combination of all the above factors. However, one very important point is the patient’s mental strength and the support received from close friends and family members. Emotional strength, support and will power have a great impact on fighting the disease. Hence, it is essential that the patient should speak openly about any issues with the doctor as well as family and friends and not suffer silently.