Natural Chemotherapy Support

Adam Pike
4 hours ago
8 min read

Gain Energy, Lose the Nausea, Recover faster

Over the past 80 years, Chemotherapy has become the cornerstone of cancer treatment throughout the world. Throughout this period, a great many natural and beneficial methods have been employed to deal with the side-effects which generally come with chemotherapy treatments. There are, of course, various drug-based approaches to handling these symptoms; however, for the purpose of this article we’ll be focusing solely on more natural and supportive options, which can usually be accessed cheaply and easily all over the world.

Disclaimer

As always, this article is for informational purposes only, is not medical or legal advice, and makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition; consult a qualified professional before making decisions.

Dietary Changes for Chemotherapy

Talking about dietary changes in the context of Chemotherapy might seem a little optimistic, considering the suppressing effect Chemo often has on the appetite. However, simple changes to your daily diet can have profound effects, especially if they allow you to regularly consume beneficial herbs and supplements. Many of the herbs listed in this article will actually improve your appetite and encourage you to eat more.

I’ve used my knowledge and experience as a practicing herbalist and nutritionist to gather some of the best ways you can support your health through your Chemotherapy treatment. These tried and tested methods can make a huge difference, even if you start with just one or two and gradually bring in more over time. Positive changes, no matter how small, can have great effects when repeated every day.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Chemotherapy can make large meals overwhelming for the stomach to deal with, so it’s worth focusing on enjoying small, frequent meals spread throughout the day. This can provide a constant source of nutrition and energy
Chew Your Food Well
Digestion starts in the mouth. By thoroughly chewing food it will reduce the burden on the stomach, which spares a great deal of energy and alleviates nausea. Simply taking the time to chew thoroughly and mindfully can make a big difference. The better food is digested, the more nutrition is absorbed, and the chances of a faster recovery is improved
Hydrate Regularly
Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and contribute to nausea, so it’s fair to say it’s important to stay properly hydrated. Try to get into the habit of carrying a bottle of water around, or periodically making a tasty herbal tea. Another way to stay hydrated is by snacking on water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber and watermelon.

Over-hydration – Too much water without electrolytes can cause fatigue, weakness, and nausea
Don’t Drink a Lot During Meals
Avoid drinking large amounts during or just before meals to prevent bloating and inhibit digestion through dilution of the stomach acid. However, there are certain herbal teas and supplements which can be highly beneficial when taken before or after eating to improve digestion
Post-meal Resting
After eating, it’s important to let the body get to work digesting and absorbing all the nutrition it can. A gentle walk is actually preferable to resting, but if the preference is to take it easy then make sure to stay in an upright position
Relaxation Techniques
Stress and anxiety can worsen both digestion and nausea, therefore it’s worth trying some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga (such as Yin yoga) can help calm the mind and body, easing digestive discomfort
Avoid Ultra-processed and Inflammatory Foods
As always, eating whole foods cooked fresh is the best course of action if you can. It helps to replace seed oils like sunflower and canola for virgin olive oil or coconut. Forward planning is key to eating well throughout the day, as preparing food in the morning before leaving can save trying to find healthy food on the go
Remove Refined Sugar Entirely
It’s fair to say that cancer thrives on a diet of refined sugar. Cancer cells readily break down glucose to produce energy, and the increased insulin response from sugar can promote further growth. Furthermore, refined sugar weakens the immune system, imbalances the gut, and leads to loss of nutrients and minerals. Replace with Dates, Honey, or Molasses, even Maple syrup is a big improvement on white sugar

Artificial Sugars – The research into artificial sugars is ongoing and doesn't look good. Don't be fooled into thinking these are healthy alternatives to naturally-occurring sugars

Herbal Remedies

There are simply too many beneficial herbs to list them all here. As always, the best method is to research what’s available in your part of the world and which particular herbs are most suited to you. As we’re all unique individuals, a certain amount of experimentation may be required to find what works best for you personally. The support of a Herbalist or Naturopath can be invaluable in this process.

The following lists contain of some of the more commonly found and effective herbal medicines, whether they're in the form of teas, spices, or supplements.

Culinary Herbs for Chemotherapy

The following culinary herbs and spices contain relevant and dense nutritional profiles give you the tools to feel better and recover faster. There are many dietary herbs which naturally supress feelings of nausea, having been used for this exact reason for thousands of years. Chances are, if a herb can be used in cooking, it will also make an excellent tea, so feel free to use them in this way too!

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Widely regarded as one of the best natural remedies for nausea and rightly at the top of this list. It contains compounds that calm nausea signals in the brain and digestive system. Ginger is often added alongside garlic (and onion) to form the base of Asian foods
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Synonymous with Thai cuisine, this fragrant herb can give your food an invigorating citrusy kick. It can simultaneously soothe the stomach and stimulate the brain, relieving nausea and improving mental clarity
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
A tried and tested method for reducing bloating and nausea (and flatulence). Simply chewing fennel seeds often works, or you can cook with both the seeds and leaves
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
One of my favourite herbs and not only for the flavour - it’s full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, whilst improving digestion and giving the brain a boost. The latter may be particularly useful to those suffering from ‘Chemo Brain’
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill is an often-overlooked culinary herb with lot to offer – it stimulates the appetite, improves digestion, and relieves nausea all in one. By easing the pressure on the digestive system, all that energy is free to use elsewhere
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)
This one comes with a word of caution, as the heat this brings can sometimes worsen nausea – so use it carefully! This stimulating heat also promotes better circulation, thereby improving energy levels. While all hot peppers can be stimulating, Cayenne stands out for its wide array of health benefits

Herbal Teas for Chemotherapy

Peppermint (Mentha x Piperita)
Soothes the stomach and digestive muscles. Drinking peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint essential oil via diffuser or in a hot bath can provide quick relief from nausea
Chamomile (German/Roman)
Known for its calming effects, both for the digestive system and the mind. It can reduce nausea and anxiety, which may be exacerbated during chemotherapy. Chamomile is nice and gentle, ideal for those seeking mild relief or simply not wanting to rock the boat too much
Liquorice / Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Helps to reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines, promoting healing and soothing digestive issues like heartburn or ulcers. It can also help reduce bloating. Traditionally used to restoring the appetite, especially in patients recovering from illness
Angelica (Archangelica)
Traditionally used to protect the liver from damage from alcohol, drugs, and chemicals. It stimulates the digestion, helping the body to absorb nutrients, and can be beneficial for weight-loss, nausea, indigestion and bloating
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
An excellent addition to any Chemotherapy support tea, even if only for the taste (especially if you can find a local fresh supply). Calming in every way, without making you sleepy. Lemon Balm relaxes the nerves, calms the digestion, used widely as an anti-viral, and helps bring focus to clouded thoughts (Chemo brain)

Herbal Supplements for Chemotherapy

Neem (Azadirachta indica)
The Neem tree is known in India as the village pharmacy, due to the many health benefits offered by its various parts. It stimulates the appetite, improve digestion, protects the liver, reduces nausea, and relieves pain
Bitters
Burdock, Dandelion, Artemisia, and other bitter herbs all have a stimulatory effect on the appetite and the digestive system. They usually have a similar effect on the lymphatic system, assisting in the body’s waste removal processes, improving overall general health and energy levels
Aloe Vera (Barbadensis)
Popular for its ability to soothe sunburned skin, but less well known is its soothing effect on the digestive tract. The juice of Aloe Vera can help calm the stomach and alleviate nausea. Its gentle, cooling properties make it an excellent option for nausea related to chemotherapy
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Used for promoting healthy stomach acid levels and thereby improving digestion. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a small amount of water before or after meals may provide relief, especially if nausea is due to digestive imbalance. Also useful for Acid Reflux (GERD)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
A potent restorative and rejuvenating herbal medicine used in Ayurvedic healthcare throughout India. It’s the quintessential ‘adaptogen’, helping your mind and body to adapt to whatever it’s going through. A personal favourite of the English Herbalist
Wild Celery (Apium graveolens)
The properties of the original celery make it sound like a designer drug created just for the symptoms of chemotherapy treatment – traditionally used to improve appetite and digestion, reduce nausea, boost the immune system, energise and clear the mind, relieve systemic pain and tension, and cleanse the cardiovascular system
Ginseng (Panax)
An adaptogen similar to Ashwagandha, and perhaps the most researched herb in this article. Panax Ginseng improves the digestion and appetite, improves circulation, boosts immunity (particularly in the respiratory system), and improves energy levels
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Chemotherapy can put a lot of strain on the liver and few herbs can claim to be as beneficial for liver function as Milk Thistle. It’s also highly protective of the kidneys, which can take some punishment during treatment. As a bitter herb, it naturally improves digestion, relieves nausea, and increases appetite

Naturally Supportive

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can be physically and emotionally demanding, which is why it’s essential to seek help and support during the process. Let’s not forget about the highly supportive nature of natural medicines and the benefits they can give us. Whether that’s through infusing your drinking water to make it taste better and to calm the stomach, or brewing a cup of tea before or after a meal to improve digestion and prevent nausea, or perhaps you’re interested in taking stronger tinctures and extracts to get a potent effect.

If you’re reading this and currently on your cancer journey, remember to seek advice, conduct your own research, and learn to understand how your unique body and mind functions. One person’s experience of a medicine may be very different to another’s, which means only the patient can be the real expert on their health. Good luck to you and remember that help and support is available all around us.