Some plants used in herbal medicine have been proven to relieve pain, nausea, fatigue… Used externally (olfactotherapy, massage…), they can also be beneficial for people undergoing treatment for cancer by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
Whether it is to soothe nausea, to take care of damaged nails in the case of chemotherapy, or to limit skin irritation in the case of radiotherapy, we present here some plants traditionally used to counter certain inconveniences and whose the use is not done orally, so as not to risk interfering with other treatmentsas is the case for example with the use of grapefruit juice and St. John’s wort.
This is why, for even more precautions, we advise you to take medical advice before resorting to it. Being accompanied by a health professional is also valuable for targeting the most suitable remedies according to your profile. In addition, in the case of hormone-dependent cancers (breast and prostate) specialists advise avoiding plants that have an estrogenic action such as ginseng and sage.
To relieve skin irritation
The burns appear on the irradiated area and look like a sunburn. It is important to repair the skin after radiotherapy sessions. On the other hand, we never apply anything on the skin before.
Spike lavender essential oil (Lavandula latifolia ) is the main essential oil used for burns. It is healing and analgesic. In these indications, it is preferred to officinal lavender (or true lavender) which would be a little less powerful. It can be combined with niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) with radioprotective properties and used after each radiation session (never before, and on perfectly clean and dry skin), diluted in rosehip vegetable oil.
>> Also consider aloe vera gel, in topical application. Choose a quality product (pure aloe vera gel) that is applied to redness.
To treat damaged nails
Some chemotherapies (Taxoterer® in particular) can weaken the nails, make them brittle and/or discolor them. Castor oil will protect them.
From the start of chemotherapy, we prefer the following synergy: 10 ml of castor oil HV + 6 ml of rosehip HV + 1 ml of lemon EO without furocoumarins (Citrus limon) + 1 ml of green myrtle EO (Myrtus communis) + 1 ml of bourbon geranium EO (Pelargonium graveolens cv. bourbon) + 1 ml of true lavender EO (Lavandula angustifolia). Mix in a tinted glass bottle then apply a drop in the evening before going to bed, massaging the nail and its periphery for a week, then every other or third day in the evening for another 2 weeks.
>> This cure is to be renewed after a break of one week, the time of chemotherapy , notes Dr. Laure Martinat. On medical advice in case of asthma or epilepsy and contraindicated in case of hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.
To relieve nausea
Nausea is common during chemotherapy but can also occur in the event of radiotherapy of the abdominal area. ” The effectiveness of fresh ginger essential oil in the context of nausea caused by chemotherapy has been scientifically proven”, assures Françoise Couic-Marinier.
As an emergency solution, as soon as you feel nausea coming on: mix on the wadding of an inhaler stick (or failing that, multiply the dosage by ten and mix in a tinted glass bottle then drop 2/3 drops on a handkerchief) 8 drops of fresh ginger EO + 8 drops of spearmint or peppermint EO (choose the smell you like the most) + 4 drops of coriander EO. Breathe the stick for about ten seconds. “This formula works very well, notes Françoise Couic-Marinier, it is also used in some hospitals. »
To limit mucositis
Mucositis is ulceration in the mouth, such as canker sores or thrush, favored by certain chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments. “In prevention and before any lesion, we take care of the balance of the oral flora,” says Dr. Laure Martinat. I recommend adding a drop of tea tree EO (Melaleuca alternifolia) with the toothpaste on the toothbrush. It is antiseptic and protects the balance of the oral flora. »
>> We also make sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to change very regularly and a quality toothpaste without whitening agents or sodium lauryl sulfate (irritating foaming agent).
For healing mucous membranes
Zinc, essential for the good health of the skin and mucous membranes, helps in the fight against infections (important in case of mucositis), it is also anti-inflammatory and healing. Take a dose of Oligosol® 3 times a week in the morning on an empty stomach sublingually. Alternately add the manganese-copper duo to promote collagen synthesis, repair of the skin and mucous membranes and the copper-gold-silver trio, anti-infective and anti-inflammatory, if lesions appear (for example Monday zinc, Manganese-Copper Tuesday, Copper-Gold-Silver Thursday, Zinc Friday, Manganese-Copper Saturday, etc.).
>> To be followed as a 3-month cureto be renewed as needed depending on the duration of cancer treatment.
Our experts:
Dr. Laure Martinat, anesthetist-resuscitator, graduate in herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
Françoise Couic-Marinier, doctor of pharmacy, teacher in support of cancer patients in aromatherapy DU.
Read also :
- 7 questions about hair loss during chemo
- Breast cancer: hypnosis helps relieve pain
- Breast cancer: which plants to accompany chemo
