About herbal remedies
Herbal remedies are any herbal or herbal (plant-based) supplement or dietary supplement that you take for health benefits. They can be in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, teas, liquid extracts, fresh or dried herbs.
Some herbal remedies can help prevent or reverse the side effects of cancer treatment. Which herbal remedies are really good for you depends on your symptoms and what kind of treatment you’re getting.
Although herbal remedies may seem harmless, not all of them can be taken. Herbal remedies do not go through the same tests as prescription drugs to make sure they are effective and safe.
Some herbal remedies can be harmful to health. Such funds can:
- interfere with the action of other drugs;
- raise or lower your blood pressure;
- promote blood thinning and increase the risk of bleeding;
- interfere with radiotherapy to have the desired effect;
- change your body’s response to sedation (a calming drug) or general anesthesia (a drug that makes you fall asleep).
Talk to your health care provider about any herbal remedies or other supplements you are taking. We are ready to talk openly and confidentially with you about any such drugs.
Stop taking herbal remedies before your appointment.
Stop taking herbal remedies and other dietary supplements 7 days (1 week) before:
- operations;
- starting a course of chemotherapy;
- starting a course of radiotherapy;
performing certain procedures. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking your herbal remedies before your procedure.
Herbal remedies and other dietary supplements can cause bleeding and interfere with your treatment. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for resuming herbal remedies.
You can continue to use herbs in food and drink, such as spices for cooking or making tea. Herbal remedies are stronger than herbs used in food preparation.
Common herbal remedies and their effects
Here is a list of some common herbs and their cancer side effects.
Echinacea
Can sometimes cause severe allergic reactions such as rashes or breathing problems.
May prevent drugs that weaken your immune system from working as intended.
Garlic
May lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
May increase the risk of bleeding.
Ginkgo (also known as ginkgo biloba)
May increase the risk of bleeding.
Ginseng
May prevent sedation or general anesthesia from having its intended effect.
May increase blood pressure.
May increase the risk of bleeding.
May lower blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Turmeric
May prevent chemotherapy from having its intended effect.
St. John’s wort
May interfere with the effective action of certain drugs.
May increase skin sensitivity to radiation or laser treatment.
Valerian
May enhance the effect of sedation or general anesthesia.
herbal mixtures
Herbal mixtures contain different plants in different proportions.
You need to stop taking these drugs 7 days (1 week) before starting treatment. Do not resume herbal mixtures until your health care provider confirms that it is safe to do so.
This information does not contain information about all herbal remedies, as well as about all possible side effects from taking them. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.