A study indicate that Chinese herbs can help alleviate the nausea associated with chemotherapy:
“According to an article recently published in the Annals of Oncology, treatment with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), as prescribed by a Chinese herbalist, may significantly reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy.
The use of CHM among cancer patients is quite common. Often CHM may be used to reduce side effects associated with treatment such as chemotherapy. However, there are no structured regulations on herbs, making it difficult for researchers to identify the potential benefits and risks of CHM.
Researchers from Hong Kong, China, and the University of Birmingham in England recently conducted a clinical study to evaluate the potential effects of CHM among 120 patients with early-stage breast or colon cancer who were treated with chemotherapy. Patients were assigned to one of three Chinese herbalists. After patient needs were assessed by the herbalists, one group of patients was prescribed herbs according to their individual characteristics. The other group received placebo (inactive substitute). Patient outcomes were evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Version 2.
* Side effects, including low levels of blood cells, did not differ between the two groups of patients.
* Grade 2 (mild-medium) levels of nausea occurred in only 14.6% of patients treated with CHM compared with 35.7% of patients who received placebo.
The researchers concluded that CHM may “have a significant impact on control of nausea,” particularly among those treated by Chinese herbalists. However, due to regulation discrepancies, further studies to confirm these findings will likely be required. It is recommended that individuals undergoing treatment for cancer inform their physician about all supplements or CHM they may be taking.”
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