Doctors or qualified integrative practitioners can guide patients toward herbs that may be safe and effective for them. Do you need help? Connect With a Top Mesothelioma Doctor Get help identifying and contacting a top mesothelioma doctor near you. There is no evidence that herbal medicines can treat or cure cancer.

But some herbs may help with cancer symptoms or treatment side effects. These are not substitutes for standard therapies, though.

Specific herbs may be used to complement traditional plans. Patients can work with their doctors to understand which herbs may be safe and helpful. Beyond herbal medicines, some drugs may be derived from herbs or plants.

In this process, scientists isolate a plant compound and create a modern medicine. For example, a common plant-derived medicine is aspirin, which comes from willow bark. Some plant-derived mesothelioma drugs include:. Unlike herbal medicine, these plant-derived drugs are proven to be effective cancer treatment methods.

Still, patients may wonder if researchers have found any promising herbal mesothelioma treatments. The rarity of a disease like mesothelioma can sometimes limit research. No current studies have treated mesothelioma patients with herbal medicine.

But evidence shows some herbs may reduce mesothelioma symptoms or treatment side effects. This data came from studying an herb for different cancers, but shows:. Researchers have not studied these herbs in mesothelioma patients. But some studies have looked at the effects of herbs on mesothelioma cells and animals with mesothelioma.

These results may give patients hope for herbal medicine, like curcumin. But this study was only conducted on mice and mesothelioma cells in a lab. Similar laboratory studies have used other herbs with varying results.

Some herbal medicines may be safe for cancer patients, but others may cause harm. Anyone interested in using herbs should first talk to their healthcare team. This is an important step for many reasons. Doctors also know which herbs may interact with certain drugs.

If appropriate, they may recommend herbs to address specific symptoms or side effects. By working with their doctors, patients can ensure they only explore using safe herbs. In addition to talking with their doctors, patients can take some steps on their own. This may help them feel empowered and better educated about herbal medicine.

Examples of patient research can include:. Patients and their doctors can then discuss these findings and any questions patients may have.

By working together, patients can feel confident their treatment plan supports their goals. Some research has studied the effects of herbal medicines on cancer patients. Though there is no evidence herbs can cure cancer, findings show some herbs may help alleviate certain cancer-related issues.

These potential benefits of herbal medicine apply to cancer in general and may include mesothelioma. Notable herbs include black cohosh, curcumin, marijuana , mistletoe extracts and resveratrol. Despite potential benefits, there are still risks to be aware of.

For example, marijuana may help with nausea. But it may also interfere with immunotherapy treatment. It is vital for patients to talk with their doctors before taking these or other herbal treatments.

Potential benefits and concerns with herbal medicine vary on a case-by-case basis. Turmeric is a flowering plant with a vibrant, orange-colored root. This plant contains the chemical compound curcumin, which is available as an herbal supplement. Evidence from cancer studies suggests curcumin may:.

A study of curcumin in non-mesothelioma cancers found various benefits. Some patients with solid tumors took curcumin while receiving chemotherapy. They experienced significantly lower rates of chemotherapy-related side effects. These patients also needed fewer medications to manage chemotherapy side effects.

These studies are not mesothelioma-focused but may still interest patients. These study findings are encouraging, but they cannot replace the guidance of an oncologist.

For their own safety, patients should talk with a mesothelioma doctor before taking any herbal medicine. Mistletoe is a plant that grows on several different types of trees. Its extracts can vary because of the specific species of mistletoe and the tree it grows on. As a result, efficacy for treating conditions may be inconsistent.

Some experts criticize the methods and parameters of many mistletoe extract studies. These weaknesses may call their results into question. Reishi is a large, dark mushroom used in several traditional medical systems. This mushroom has been a popular supplement in recent years.

It has many claims of health benefits and abilities to treat serious conditions. But the actual evidence of its effects on cancer indicates reishi:. The positive effects of reishi mushrooms may be due to the presence of beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are natural substances found in items like mushrooms, grains and yeasts.

Some research suggests that mushroom beta-glucans may help fight cancer, enhance memory and reduce infection frequency and severity.

Reported side effects of reishi are relatively mild and include nausea and insomnia. These side effects and risks may seem low.

But doctors can decide if taking reishi is safe for mesothelioma patients. Black cohosh is a member of the Buttercup family of plants, native to North America. It is commonly used in Europe. Homeopathic remedies are mostly made of plant and mineral extracts. They come as tablets, liquids or creams.

The remedies are usually very diluted, so they contain little, if any, of the original plant or mineral extract. There has been a lot of research into the effectiveness of homeopathy, but there is no reliable evidence that it is an effective treatment.

The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence NICE is an independent body that advises the UK government. They advise that homeopathy should not be available through the NHS. Because of this, it is not funded by the NHS in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

But some health boards in Scotland do provide homeopathy. If you live in Scotland and are interested in this type of therapy, your GP or cancer doctor can tell you if it is available.

Aromatherapy is the use of concentrated natural oils extracted from plants. They are called essential oils. Aromatherapists believe that each essential oil has its own properties and that they can benefit your body and mind.

They think that the oils work when they are breathed in or absorbed through the skin. The aromatherapist will choose the oil s they think will benefit you the most. For example, if you are having difficulty sleeping, they may choose an oil that is thought to help with relaxation and sleep.

Essential oils may be used during massage, in baths, as creams, through diffusers, and in nasal inhalers aroma sticks. Aromatherapy massages usually last for about 60 minutes. But they can be longer or shorter than this.

Your aromatherapist dilutes the essential oils with another oil. They then massage this into your skin. They will tell you what to expect before they start. There is no medical evidence that aromatherapy reduces cancer symptoms or improves the side effects of treatment.

But many people find it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Some marketing companies sell essential oils that they say can be taken by mouth.

But this can be very dangerous and should be avoided. Essential oils are very concentrated. When taken by mouth there is a risk they may cause liver damage, stomach irritation or fits seizures. The Aromatherapy Council UK is a professional body for aromatherapists in the UK. Their guidance says that aromatherapists in the UK are not qualified to give essential oils internally, without further medical training.

It also states that aromatherapists are not insured if the oils cause any harm. It is important to tell the aromatherapist about any medicines you are taking and give them all your medical details.

They use very low-strength oils for people with cancer. But some oils can have physical effects on the body. For example, they may affect your blood pressure. If you are having cancer treatment, always check with your cancer doctor before you have aromatherapy. It is usually fine to have aromatherapy and massage during radiotherapy , as long as it is not used on the area being treated.

Flower remedy practitioners believe that the cause of an illness is emotional imbalance. Each flower remedy aims to cure a specific type of emotional problem.

Flower remedies are considered safe. Some people feel they help reduce anxiety and help them feel better. But there is no medical evidence to show that this is true. There is no evidence that emotional imbalances can cause cancer, or that flower remedies are an effective treatment for cancer.

Flower remedies are prepared by placing flower heads into spring water under direct sunlight. They can also be made by heating the plant in spring water. The plant material is removed and the water is then diluted with more water, or with alcohol usually brandy.

You take the remedy as a liquid. Different types of flower remedies are available. You can buy them from health food shops and some chemists. Flower remedies are often diluted in alcohol, so if you do not drink alcohol you may choose not to use them.

In addition to supplements, she practices meditation and yoga with guidance from a smartphone app. She said she knows of some people with cancer who use only alternative medicine — and no traditional medical treatments. Sanford said this is a dangerous approach that could be fatal. The most famous case of this was Apple founder Steve Jobs, who reportedly used special diets, acupuncture, and other alternatives after receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

He turned to traditional medicine late in his battle with cancer and died in While doctors are highly cautious about the use of herbs and other supplements during treatment, they are much more open to meditation and yoga as practices that can help patients cope with the shock of a cancer diagnosis and the stress of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

I let the patients know that the patients who feel the most fatigue are the ones who are the most sedentary and that those who are doing exercise are the ones who frequently have the most energy.

Belindy Sarembock, 53, of Dallas, said she practiced yoga during her treatments for breast cancer. She started the classes with skepticism and quickly became convinced of the benefits.

She said she had neuropathy or nerve damage from chemotherapy, and yoga almost immediately took the pain away. It was just such a benefit and helped me so much. I highly recommend it to anyone.

She also emphasized that natural remedies for cancer should be approached with caution. Johnson-Arbor added. Your healthcare team should also be your go-to source for information on FDA-approved cancer treatments and any potential side effects.

A healthy mind is as essential as a healthy body during cancer treatment. Feeling anxious or overwhelmed is normal, but focusing on what brings you joy and hope can help.

Take time for yourself — find activities that bring you peace, such as those in the following list. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving thin needles insertion into specific body areas.

Studies suggest that acupuncture may reduce pain and anxiety. Massage is another natural therapy that may be beneficial in managing cancer-related pain and side effects associated with treatment.

Massage can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase energy levels, improve circulation, and even reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy treatments.

Some cancer clinics now offer massage therapy as a complementary medicine. Talk to your doctor about this option if you want to try massage therapy during treatment.

Using essential oils may promote relaxation and reduce stress; may also help with other symptoms associated with cancer, such as nausea and fatigue. Researchers have found meditation can reduce stress and anxiety and improve quality of life. Yoga may help reduce stress, improve quality of life, and aid in relaxation; it may also help with pain management and fatigue associated with cancer treatments.

Hypnotherapy uses guided meditation to help you relax and gain more control over your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; it may be effective for pain and emotional stress. Music can be used to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as provide a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Writing aids in processing emotions in a healthy way. Talk therapy is also an excellent option for mental health support. If speaking to someone face-to-face feels too intimidating, there are a variety of online resources and counseling services available.

You can find local support groups or online forums to connect with other people going through similar experiences.

Medically Reviewed Updated Jun 28, By Lindsay Modglin. Medical Reviewer Richard J. Lin, MD, PhD. In this Article Herbs Supplements Talk to Your Doctor False Claims FDA Staying Positive Takeaways At some point during your cancer journey, you may wonder if natural remedies can help.

Talk to Your Doctor. False Claims. Staying Positive. This article was originally published June 14, and most recently updated June 28, All rights reserved. Copy Link Share Share via facebook Share via twitter Share via mail.

She graduated from Ivy Tech in Indiana for nursing and has since received a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford. She also holds a handful of professional certifications in writing, SEO, and content marketing. Her byline has appeared in Forbes , Insider , Verywell , Parents , and Healthline —along with many other digital and print publications.

Richard J. Lin, MD, PhD, Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Specialist: Dr. These are healing systems and beliefs that have evolved over time in different cultures and parts of the world.

For details about specific CAM therapies, NCI provides evidence-based Physician Data Query PDQ information for many CAM therapies in versions for both the patient and health professional. Also see the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health's page, Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need to Know for more details about CAM and some of the current research.

Some CAM therapies have undergone careful evaluation and have been found to be generally safe and effective. These include acupuncture, yoga, and meditation to name a few. However, there are others that do not work, may be harmful, or could interact negatively with your medicines.

CAM therapies include a wide variety of botanicals and nutritional products, such as herbal and dietary supplements , and vitamins. These products do not have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA before being sold to the public.

Also, a prescription isn't needed to buy them. Therefore, it's up to you to decide what's best for you. Some tips to keep in mind are below.

It's always important for you to have a healthy diet, but especially now. Do the best you can to have a well-rounded approach, eating a variety of foods that are good for you.

For advice about eating during and after cancer treatment, see the NCI booklet, Eating Hints. Cancer patients who want to use CAM should talk with their doctor or nurse. This is an important step because things that seem safe could be harmful or even interfere with your cancer treatment.

It's also a good idea to learn if the therapy you're thinking about has been proven to do what it claims to do. Examples of questions to ask are below. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

It's okay to feel hesitant when asking about using CAM. But doctors want to know what concerns you have so they can give you the best possible care. Let them know that you would like to use CAM methods and want their input. NCI and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH are currently sponsoring or cosponsoring clinical trials that test CAM treatments and therapies in people.

Some study the effects of complementary approaches used in addition to conventional treatments, and some compare alternative therapies with conventional treatments.

You can find a list of all cancer CAM clinical trials here. Jeffrey D. White, OCCAM Director, explains the use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer. Patients, their families, and their health care providers can learn about CAM therapies and practitioners from the following government agencies:.

Home About Cancer Cancer Treatment Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Credit: iStock. Trial Tests Acupuncture for Pain in Cancer Survivors Modest pain improvements were seen, although a placebo effect could not be ruled out.