Herbs for leukemia

Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer which affects the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. The symptoms of leukemia in children or adults may include fatigue, weakness, fever, chills, headaches and unexplained weight loss. Since leukemia causes damage to the bone marrow, the patients can feel pain in the bones, they may easily get bruised or they can bleed often. Leukemia also affects white blood cells which are important for fighting against various infections. Because of this, the patient's immune system becomes weakened so it cannot defend the body from infections, such as tonsillitis, mouth sores or pneumonia. Other symptoms may include swelling of the lymph nodes, liver or spleen, and night sweats.

Treatment

The treatment for leukemia will be determined according to various factors. It depends on your overall health condition and the fact whether the cancer has spread to the rest of the body. The standard medical treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplantation. Another treatment involves biological therapy which helps the immune system to destroy cancerous cells.

Herbs

There are various herbs which can help you improve your health condition and increase your energy level. The best herb which will help you get rid of infections is garlic. You can eat it fresh or take it in capsules. You can make your own mixture of herbs which are drunk as tea. These herbs include nettle, brooklime, St. John's wort, celandine, wormwood, elder, woodruff, meadowsweet and calendula. You should add dandelion root extract and yarrow extract in the mixture. In case of spleen and liver problems caused by leukemia it is recommended to drink calamus herbal tea and to apply warm compressions with horsetail herb.

Supplements

While dealing with leukemia, your body will need additional vitamins and minerals in order to give you energy or protect you from side effects of certain medications used in treatment of leukemia. You should take vitamin B complex and iron to improve your blood. Folic acids are also highly recommended. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids will strengthen your organism so it can fight against infections. Vitamin E will help you with side effect of leukemia medications.

Diet

While you are fighting leukemia, it is important to have proper diet which will help your body to get rid of toxins and improve you strength. Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables should be taken on a daily bases. You should eat plenty of garlic, tomatoes, soy products, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lemons, oranges and olive oil. You should avoid alcohol, smoking and greasy food.