Homeopathic Remedies for Chemotherapy Support
Also indexed as: Cancer Treatment Support
People undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing side effects may find some relief in homoeopathic remedies. These remedies are not intended as substitutes for treatment, nor should they be considered part of the therapy. Homoeopathic remedies are safe, non-toxic, and do not interfere with the treatment. (See also the section on chemotherapy support.)
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this
section. See also “Using Homoeopathy With Professional Guidance”
in What Is
Homoeopathy?
Cadmium sulphuratum: This remedy may be helpful to a person with debilitating nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. A person who needs this remedy usually feels extremely chilly and exhausted.
Gelsemium: This remedy is often helpful when a person feels ill from anxiety or nervous anticipation of a stressful event or outcome. Weakness and trembling may occur, and the person may have chills and headache.
Ipecacuanha: Persistent nausea and violent vomiting that does not relieve the discomfort suggest a need for this remedy. The person may also salivate profusely. Lying down and resting offer little or no relief.
Kali phosphoricum: This remedy can be helpful for exhaustion and weakness after any kind of illness or extended stress. The person may be oversensitive to light and noise, and feel deeply chilly. Mental dullness, depression, and a feeling of inability to cope are often seen when this remedy is needed.
Nux vomica: A person who experiences nausea but has difficulty vomiting may find relief in this remedy. Headache and great sensitivity (to odours, noise, and light) are also likely. Chilliness, irritability, and impatience are often present when Nux vomica is needed.
Sepia: This remedy may be indicated if nausea is severe and debilitating, with a headache (especially left-sided) and a dragged-out feeling of weariness. The person may have a strong desire to be left alone and not be expected to interact with others.
(Note: The homoeopathic remedy Cadmium iodatum has been used by some physicians to counteract unpleasant side-effects of radiation therapy.)
Homoeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely
matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate,
unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X,
12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are
usually printed on the label.
Many homoeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows:
Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to
wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has
clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies
with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required
a few times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated a few times
a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be
sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a
different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic
Potencies.

Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
2007-09-01