Complementary medicines
- Homeopathy
- Herbal medicine
- Flower remedies
Homeopathy
Although homeopathy is not part of conventional treatment for cancer it is often used to try to improve the quality of life of people with cancer as an addition to conventional treatment. Homeopathy has been used for many years for a wide range of illnesses, and the number of people using it to relieve cancer symptoms has steadily increased in recent years.
Homeopaths use homeopathy to help with a range of symptoms caused either by the disease itself or by the side effects of some of the conventional treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. They aim to help the body to find its own way of healing itself.
Homeopathy is based on the theory that a substance which causes similar symptoms to those of the illness being treated can be used in tiny amounts to treat those symptoms. Homeopathic remedies, which come in tablet form, liquid or creams, contain very diluted forms of these active ingredients.
Some GPs and hospital doctors are trained in homeopathy, and homeopathy is sometimes available through the NHS. If you are interested in this type of treatment you can discuss it with your GP or your cancer doctor.
You can get information about homeopathy and finding a registered practitioner from the British Homeopathic Association or The Royal London Homeopathic NHS Trust.
Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine is the use of plants or mixtures of plant extracts to treat disease. Herbs were commonly used in the UK before the development of modern medicines and they are still widely used by many people for common illnesses. In the UK there are also practitioners of Chinese medicine who use herbs as part of traditional Chinese medicine. The herbs are usually boiled up and drunk as a tea or tincture, but they can also be given as tablets, creams or ointments.
Herbal medicines aim to improve the natural functions of the body and restore a natural balance of health. They may help to reduce symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment.
If you are interested in trying herbal medicine, first check that the therapist is properly qualified, then talk to your cancer doctor. Some herbal medicines may contain substances that could be harmful to some people with cancer, such as arsenic, steroids or oestrogen. Some doctors are cautious about patients using herbal medicines because they are unsure of their effects and possible interactions with other medicines you may be taking.
It is important to check out carefully with your doctor any herbal medicines you are thinking of taking, as many herbal remedies are misleadingly promoted as cures for cancer.
You can get more information about herbal medicines and finding a registered practitioner from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists or the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine.
Flower remedies
Bach flower remedies
These remedies are based on the essences of flowers, diluted many times and drunk as a liquid. They are considered to be harmless and some people say that they help to reduce psychological and emotional symptoms. Bach flower remedies can be bought from health-food shops and some chemists. The remedies are often diluted in alcohol and so people who do not drink alcohol may choose not to use them.
You can get more information about Bach remedies from The Doctor Edward Bach Centre.
Other types of flower remedies such as Jan de Vries flower remedies are also available from chemists. They are considered to be harmless, and may help to reduce anxiety and some symptoms for some people.
