Description
For the world, Chemotherapy is a treatment for Cancer. For us, Chemotherapy is a disease.
Normally, the cells replicate in a controlled manner within the human body. The old cells die and new cells are generated. However, if the cells begin to replicate at a fast rate and in an uncontrolled manner, it gives rise to Cancer.
The treatment should be to stop the unwanted growth of Cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment, in which cytotoxic anti-neoplastic drugs are used to kill the Cancer cells. These drugs should attack the Cancerous cells. But, unfortunately, these drugs are unable to differentiate between the good ( healthy ) cells and the bad ( cancerous ) cells.
In human body, the hair follicles and digestive system cells replicate very fast. So the drugs used in Chemotherapy also kill the Hair follicles and digestive system cells. That is why, it is seen that patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from hair fall and digestive problems.
Other than Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy is another treatment for Cancer. The aim of this treatment is to only target the Cancer cells or tumor without harming the other organs. The procedure involves treating the cancerous cells with the help of radiations. The radiations are introduced into the diseased organ. The radiations destroy the DNA of the Cancer cells in order to stop their replication. The entire procedure is painless and will not harm the surrounding organs.
But, if the cancer cells spread from one organ to the other or the cancer reaches an advanced stage, both Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy need to be done to treat the Cancer.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy:
Anemia
Nausea
Anxiety
Hair Loss
Arrhythmia
Dehydration
Digestive Problems
Bloody Vomit
Bloated Stomach
Kidney Problems
Cardiac Problems
Weak Immune System
Hormonal Imbalance
Urinary Problems
There are a plenty of Herbs to minimize the side effects caused by Chemotherapy, a few are listed below.
Digestive Disorders :
Ginger ( Adrak ) is the best digestive supplement to the digestive system. A tea made with the Ginger root can enhance the digestive function.
Anemia :
Beetroot ( Chukander ) juice helps in the production Red Blood Cells.
Dong Quai helps to nourish the blood within the blood by consuming it as a tea made with the dried roots of Dong Quai.
Nausea :
Ginger ( Adrak ) is beneficial to reduce the symptoms of chemotherapy. Hold fresh slices of Ginger ( Adrak ) in your mouth.
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Chew Ginger ( Adrak ) slices if you feel nauseous.
Caraway ( Shahi Jeera ) Seeds while consuming as tea can reduce the symptoms of therapy.
A tea prepared from Fennel ( Saunf ) promotes calming effect in the stomach and combats against nausea.
Anxiety :
Kava aid in to produce calming effect in your mind. 50 mg of Kava extract reduces anxiety.
Passion Flower is the best remedy to combat against anxiety. Drink the decoction made with fresh leaves of Passion Flower is helpful to alleviate the symptoms of Chemotherapy.
Weak Immune System :
Soybean ( Bhatma ) affect your immune system while undergoing chemotherapy. It enhances your immunity system and easy to digest.
Astragalus helps in enhancing the Immunity and strengthening the Liver.
Urinary Problems :
Milk thistle is an effective remedy to protect your liver from toxins while undergoing chemotherapy. 260 mg Milk thistle extract thrice a day can protect your urinary tract and other associated problems
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It is a good herbal tonic for the Liver. Liver helps in the removal of toxins which get accumulated due to Chemotherapy. Milk Thistle enhances the functioning of the Liver, improves Appetite and protects from Infections.
Weight Loss:
Spirulina helps in reducing the side effects like Weight loss and Fatigue.
Antioxidant:
Coenzyme Q10 : It is present in every cell of the body. It possesses antioxidant property which protects the cell from damage. It is used to generate energy and needed for the growth of the new cells. Source of coenzyme Q10 are Spinach, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Peanuts and Soybeans.
Eat a healthy diet. Add green leafy vegetables, Carrots, Tomatoes, Zucchini, Potatoes and Onions in your daily diet.
Eating foods rich in fiber improves the functioning of the Digestive Tract.
Apart from the Herbs, Acupuncture also helps in getting over the side effects of Chemotherapy. It helps in controlling the mental disorders of the Patient like Anxiety, Stress and Insomnia. It will also boost the Immune system.