Lymphoma, or cancer of the lymphatic system, develops in the lymphocytes or the infection-fighting cells of the body. In simple terms, it means that these cells divide and grow uncontrollably. The lymphocytes are found in the spleen, thymus gland, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other parts of the body. The treatments differ from person to person depending on various factors such as age, the extent of lymphoma, location of the disease, and others. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are critical; however, natural treatments lymphoma can relieve the pain.
Conventional treatments for lymphoma include radiation and chemotherapy. However, many people are going for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). These include natural treatments lymphoma such as acupuncture, stress relief, and home remedies. Most of the natural treatments for lymphoma means the inclusion of green tea extract, parsley, milk thistle, liquorice, naturopathy, yoga, artemisinin, and olive leaf extract among others.
1. Reishi mushrooms
Some of the recent researches have found that these mushrooms extract were helpful in keeping the lymphocytes healthy and active.
2. Parsley
Parsley has been known to inhibit the factors that cause lymphoma such as a lower level of antioxidants. Other natural treatments lymphoma of similar type are basil, oregano, and curry leaves.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is mainly practiced as a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves inserting tiny needles into specific energy points on the body. This is believed to unlock or realign the energy pathways. It is known to minimize the pain and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
4. Green tea extract
The epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) present in green tea extracts works as an anti-cancer substance. It is more effective when combined with turmeric.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
These fatty acids are wonderful natural treatments as they strengthen the immune system. It is found in salmon, oysters, and other fatty fish.
6. Ginger
Ginger has traditionally been used for pregnancy-associated nausea. It is believed to relieve chemotherapy-associated nausea also. Ginger can be consumed in any form like chewing ginger gum, eating candied ginger, as a beverage, or taking it in pill form. Before going ahead with consuming ginger, be sure to discuss with your health care provider as it can possibly interfere with certain medications.
7. Alternative medicine
Lymphoma patients suffer from anxiety and stress. This exhausts them mentally as well as physically because of reduced metabolism and reduced energy levels.
Alternative medicine like yoga, meditation, and Chinese medicine that works on harmonizing the opposing forces of yin and yang all work to lower the stress levels.
8. Milk thistle
Using milk thistle as a natural treatment by adding it into your diet can improve the protection against cancer. This herb acts as a detoxifying agent and improves the functioning of the liver.
Though natural treatments for lymphoma may be unable to cure the condition by themselves, they can help in alleviating pain, symptoms, and/or side effects of lymphoma.