Herbs that prevent nausea
“There is no chemotherapy without support by the desmodium, a protective plant for the liver. The traditional, efficient and economical form is the decoction: 10 g in a liter of water, let boil for 15 minutes and drink hot or cold, through a straw during the day. If the taste is too difficult during the nausea phase, we can then offer a concentrated liquid form “explains Dr Arnal-Morvan, obstetrician-gynecologist and herbalist.
Usage tips : it is advisable to start desmodium 2 days before chemotherapy, to take it during treatment and to continue 8 days afterwards. We start again with each chemotherapy.
What also works: some oncologists denounce the taking of desmodium in the event of chemo by Taxol or Taxotere. In this case it is possible to replace it with other protective plants for the liver: Drainalis (milk thistle, turmeric, choline, birch and rosemary) or QuantaDpur (dandelion, burdock, black radish, rosemary and orthosiphon).
Plants that protect the intestinal flora
“By restoring the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, we allow a better future assimilation of micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) and the stimulation of a large part of the immune system” adds Dr Arnal-Morvan.
To avoid the constant deterioration of the intestinal flora due to chemotherapy, dietary supplements containing L-glutamine (an essential nutrient for the intestinal flora), chlorophyll and prebiotics or probiotics can be used.
Usage tips : these natural therapies must be started systematically within 10 days of each chemotherapy.
What also works: to stimulate immunity, plants such as echinacea, ginseng, cat’s claw or mushrooms such as reishi or maitake can be taken as soon as the disease is announced and prolonged until the end of heavy treatments of chemotherapy.
Plants that boost immunity
“The main drugs for breast cancer have side effects like falling white blood cells, damage to the marrow or falling platelets. To boost immunity, decrease fatigue and support blood cells and platelets, nothing such as propolis “explains the gynecologist.
Usage tips : we start a course of propolis ten days before the first chemotherapy and we take it for the time of chemotherapy until one month after the last injection.
What also works : gingko in the form of standardized plant extract (EPS), 1 teaspoon in the morning and evening, stimulates the stem cells of the marrow (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets).
More advice on accompanying breast cancer treatment in the book Breast cancer prevention by Dr Bérangère Arnal-Morvan and Martine Laganier (ed. Eyrolles)
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- Better living your chemo with alternative medicine
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