Herbal supplements help cancer patients
Whether herbal supplements can help cancer patients avoid common problems such as fatigue and sleeplessness is under study at the Medical College of Georgia.Ginseng, a perennial found in North America and eastern Asia touted as a safe way to improve the body’s stress resistance, is being tested for its potential in battling common fatigue.Valerian, a flowering perennial from Eurasia widely used as a sedative, is being studied for its potential in helping cancer patients sleep.Thirty to 50 percent of cancer patients also have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep, a common side effect of chemotherapy, says Darlene Gibson, research nurse.While anecdotal evidence abounds about the effectiveness of these herbal therapies, scientific studies in animals or humans, particularly those with cancer, are sparse, Dr. Ferris says. “Many cancer patients look for ‘natural,’ non-traditional treatments. We are delighted to offer alternatives that many patients desire in a way that ensures the qua...
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