While natural remedies aren’t intended to treat breast cancer, some people find they help relieve side effects such as fatigue and insomnia.
Treatment for breast cancer often comes with unpleasant side effects. These vary from person to person.
Some people find that natural remedies can help relieve their side effects and improve their quality of life during and after treatment.
Tips for taking supplements
If you do add supplements to your routine, there are a few things to remember:
- Buy high quality supplements from reputable manufacturers.
- Follow the dosage on the instructions.
- Most supplements are better absorbed when taken with food.
- Don’t take supplements for more than 3 months at a time. Take a break of about 1 month between ending one regimen and starting another.
- Some treatments may interact with certain medications. Check with your doctor before trying any of these remedies.
Be sure to stay in contact with your doctor throughout this process so that they can best support you.
According to research from 2020, dandelion may have many benefits, including relief from fatigue.
Studies have found that dandelion has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and even anticancer properties. However, more research is needed.
If you’re allergic to ragweed or similar plants, don’t use this remedy. Talk with your doctor before use if you have gallbladder issues or are taking any of the following medications:
- lithium (Lithane)
- certain antibiotics
- diuretics, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)
- diabetes medication, such as metformin (Riomet)
Getting plenty of quality sleep is vital to your daily routine. Adequate sleep can leave you feeling well-rested and ready for the day.
You may find it helpful to take a mixture of valerian and lemon balm. A 2020 meta-analysis found that women experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality when taking both.
Talk with your doctor before use if you’re taking alprazolam (Xanax) or other sedatives. Valerian and lemon balm can also interact with alcohol.
According to a
Talk with your doctor before use if you’re taking alprazolam (Xanax) or other sedatives. Valerian may also interact with alcohol.
The results of a
In the study, 126 women with premenstrual syndrome-related breast pain took 400 milligrams (mg) of vitamin E once daily and 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil twice daily.
Compared with the placebo, vitamin E on its own, and evening primrose oil on its own, the combination of vitamin E and evening primrose oil showed the greatest reduction in breast pain.
Avoid vitamin E if you have:
- angioplasty
- diabetes
- history of heart attack
- vitamin K deficiency
- retinitis pigmentosa
- bleeding disorders
- head and neck cancer
- history of stroke
- scheduled surgery
Vitamin E can cause adverse interactions, so check with your doctor if you’re taking:
- immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporine (Neoral)
- medications used for lowering cholesterol, such as niacin (Niacor)
- medications that slow blood clotting, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Don’t use evening primrose oil if you have:
- bleeding disorders
- epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- schizophrenia
- a scheduled surgery
Evening primrose oil interacts with phenothiazines, medications that slow blood clotting, and medications used during surgery.
Researchers in a
Ginger may also help boost immunity and brain function and relieve nausea.
Don’t take ginger if you have diabetes, a bleeding disorder, or a heart condition.
Ginger interacts with:
- medications used for lowering cholesterol, such as niacin (Niacor)
- medications that slow blood clotting, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- medications that treat heart disease, including nifedipine (Adalat)
According to a 2023 study, supplementing with vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B6 may help improve mental health, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Before adding a vitamin or probiotic supplement to your regimen, talk with your doctor. Vitamins and minerals have some possible side effects and interactions.
A 2024 study showed positive results in the relationship between ginseng consumption and cognitive functioning.
Research from 2022 found that ginseng may also help relieve inflammation, boost your immune system, and reduce fatigue.
Avoid using it for more than 6 months at a time.
Don’t use ginseng if you have:
- insomnia
- an autoimmune disease
- a bleeding disorder
- a heart condition
- diabetes
- had an organ transplant
- any hormone-sensitive condition
- schizophrenia
Ginseng can interact with:
- medication for depression, such as sertraline (Zoloft)
- medications that slow blood clotting, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporine (Neoral)
- diabetes medication, such as metformin (Riomet)
- diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix)
Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages while taking ginseng.
One 2021 study suggests that garlic has a positive effect on the immune system.
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In the study, 70 women with rheumatoid arthritis were divided into a control group and a group supplementing with garlic. After 8 weeks, the women who ate garlic had decreased levels of pain and fatigue.
Garlic may cause:
- stomach or digestion problems
- allergic reactions
- increased bleeding
- low blood pressure
Garlic can interact with:
- certain antibiotics, such as isoniazid
- some HIV medications, such as saquinavir (Invirase)
- immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporine (Neoral)
- medications that slow blood clotting, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Natural remedies may help ease symptoms, but some may have serious interactions with other medications or treatments, especially with anticancer and hormonal treatments.
If you want to add a natural remedy to your current treatment plan, it’s important to talk with your doctor first.
They can walk you through the potential benefits and risks of each remedy you’re interested in and explain any interactions they may have with your existing treatment.
These remedies aren’t a replacement for your doctor-prescribed treatment plan. They’re only intended to help relieve your side effects, not treat cancer.