Cancer is a serious disease in which the cells of the body start growing abnormally. Chemotherapy is the main method for its prevention and treatment. Through chemotherapy, cancer cells are destroyed by drugs and their growth process is stopped. This treatment is recommended for those patients whose tumor or cancer has spread in the body. It is given only under the supervision of a specialist doctor i.e. oncologist. Chemotherapy can be given through oral medication, injection or IV drip and its plan is decided by looking at the patient’s age, type of cancer and stage. Sometimes it is given before surgery or radiation, sometimes after.
Although chemotherapy is life saving, many side effects are also associated with it. The patient may feel tired, weak and lack of energy. Apart from this, nausea, vomiting and loss of interest in eating are common. Some patients also have problems like sores in the mouth and throat, changes or irritation in the skin and nails, hair loss, decreased immunity and restlessness. The severity of these effects depends on the patient’s age, stamina and the medicines being taken. Sometimes these are not just an inconvenience but also become a serious health problem. In such a situation, supportive care is very important for the patient so that his life remains comfortable and the treatment works properly.
During this time, many patients wonder if these side effects can be reduced with homeopathy. Homeopathic Medical Officer Dr. Manju Singh says that homeopathy cannot cure cancer and it cannot be used in place of conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. But it can help the patient to relax and reduce side effects as a supportive method with the main treatment.
Studies and patient experiences have shown that homeopathic medicines can provide relief in problems such as fatigue, nausea, mouth and skin lesions, restlessness during chemotherapy. Its use under the supervision of a trained homeopathic doctor helps in improving the patient’s energy, mental state and quality of life. WHO is also making efforts to include traditional and alternative medical practices in the treatment of cancer. The use of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) is increasing in India. Around 30-40% of cancer patients around the world also use homeopathy or other supportive therapies along with the main treatment.
Some things should be kept in mind while using homeopathic medicines. It is only to reduce the symptoms and relax the body and mind. Take medicines only under the supervision of a trained and licensed doctor. Use it along with the main treatment. It helps in reducing problems like nausea, fatigue, mouth sores and restlessness and improves the quality of life of the patient.
