Alternative Medicines to Complement Chemotherapy: What Helped Me Along the Way
Chemotherapy can be one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences a person can go through. As someone currently fighting cancer for the second time, I know firsthand how important it is to find relief, balance, and support—not just from your medical team, but also from tools that complement traditional treatment.
Many people undergoing chemotherapy turn to alternative or integrative therapies to manage side effects like nausea, fatigue, pain, and anxiety. Below are some alternative medicines and therapies that have helped me feel more supported and in control during treatment.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Always consult with your doctor or oncologist before starting any alternative treatment. Some supplements or therapies can interfere with chemotherapy drugs, so it’s important to make informed, medically guided decisions.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to support the body’s healing process. For me, it helped reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea, manage headaches, and lessen some of the anxiety I felt before treatment days. Some cancer centers even offer acupuncture as part of their integrative care programs.
2. Ginger and Peppermint for Nausea
Ginger tea and peppermint oil were two simple yet effective remedies I used to calm my stomach. Ginger candies or capsules can also help with nausea and digestion, while peppermint essential oil rubbed on the temples or diffused can ease headaches and queasiness.
3. Reiki and Energy Healing
While more spiritual in nature, Reiki helped me feel grounded and emotionally supported. Whether it was a calming session in-person or just taking time to meditate and breathe intentionally, energy work gave me space to feel calm amidst the chaos.
4. Supplements (With Doctor’s Approval)
I was extremely careful with supplements—and you should be too. I worked with an integrative oncologist to determine which ones wouldn’t interfere with my chemo drugs. For example, I took Vitamin D to help with immune support, magnesium for muscle cramps, and L-glutamine for neuropathy (under supervision).
5. Turmeric & Curcumin
Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and many cancer patients use curcumin supplements. I added turmeric to my food regularly and occasionally took curcumin capsules (again, cleared by my doctor first). It’s important to note that turmeric can thin the blood, so it’s not for everyone.
6. Cannabis & CBD
In states where it’s legal, medical cannabis can be a game-changer for managing chemo side effects like nausea, appetite loss, and insomnia. I personally found CBD oil helpful for sleep and anxiety. THC products, on the other hand, helped with appetite stimulation. Always get your medical team’s input before trying either.
7. Essential Oils
Essential oils became a staple in my day-to-day. Lavender for anxiety, lemon for an energy boost, and eucalyptus for clearing my sinuses when chemo had me congested or fatigued. I never ingested them, but diffusing or using a rollerball gave me a sense of calm.
8. Mind-Body Therapies (Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation)
Movement was hard some days, but even gentle stretching, restorative yoga, and breathwork helped me connect with my body again. Meditation—especially guided ones focused on healing—helped reduce fear and give me a sense of control when everything else felt out of my hands.
Cancer treatment is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another. But through trial, error, and lots of conversations with my doctors, I found tools that made my days just a little easier. If you’re exploring alternative medicines, I encourage you to do so with an open mind—but also a cautious one. Partner with your care team, ask questions, and listen to your body.
You deserve to feel supported every step of the way.
