The Power of Plants in Modern Cancer Care
Plants have been used for healing for thousands of years, and modern science is beginning to confirm what traditional medicine has long understood: botanicals can play a powerful role in supporting health during cancer treatment.
An estimated 40% of modern medications are derived from plants, and research into botanical agents in oncology has grown rapidly over the last decade. Certain herbs and mushrooms are now being studied for their ability to:
- Ease treatment side effects (nausea, fatigue, neuropathy)
- Support immune function and recovery
- Improve energy, digestion, and quality of life
- Enhance resilience during chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies
What the Research Shows
✅ Medicinal Mushrooms (Maitake, Reishi, Coriolus/Trametes versicolor)
- Rich in beta-glucans that modulate immune function, increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity and supporting recovery during treatment.
- Studies suggest they may help reduce fatigue, improve white blood cell counts, and improve quality of life in patients receiving chemotherapy.
✅ Astragalus
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine and supported by clinical research to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy agents like cisplatin and carboplatin and to improve immune parameters.
✅ Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)
- Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, curcumin has been studied for reducing treatment-related inflammation and protecting healthy tissues during chemotherapy and radiation.
✅ Ginger
- Evidence supports its use in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. (However, it should be avoided before and after surgery or in patients with very low platelet counts—this is where expert guidance is essential.)
✅ Green Tea & Grape Seed Extract
- Contain polyphenols and proanthocyanidins that may help reduce free radical damage and support tissue recovery.
Why Expertise Matters
While botanicals are natural, their use in cancer care must be precise and well-informed.
- Some herbs can interact with chemotherapy or other medications, either reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
- Quality and purity vary widely—not all products on store shelves are safe or properly tested.
- Correct dosing and timing are critical to ensure benefits without interfering with conventional treatment.
At the Marsden Centre, we don’t guess. Our team has advanced training in botanical pharmacology and oncology support. Every recommendation is based on your specific treatment plan, medical history, and the latest evidence.
Your Care, Your Way
Whether you’re looking for gentle support to ease treatment side effects or want to explore long-term strategies for prevention and recovery, botanical medicine can be a powerful ally when used safely and correctly.
We’re here to help you choose what’s right for you—at the right time in your treatment journey.
→ Book a visit, and let’s create a botanical care plan that supports your health safely and effectively.
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