Herbal Medicine for Mesothelioma: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects

No herb has been proven to control or cure any type of cancer, but in response to a life-threatening diagnosis, mesothelioma patients and their families frequently look for complementary treatment approaches to manage symptoms and side effects. Herbal medicine, while not a replacement for standard cancer therapies, is an alternative therapy that can offer benefits when used appropriately and under medical supervision. 

Understanding Herbal Medicine in Mesothelioma Care

Herbal medicine uses plants or plant extracts to promote health and treat illnesses. These remedies can be prepared as teas, alcohol-based tinctures, tablets, creams, or ointments. Many many patients are drawn to the idea of herbal treatments, associating the fact that they’re natural with purity. When mesothelioma patients consider herbal cures, it’s critical to speak with your care team before beginning any course of action outside of what they’ve prescribed. “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe,” particularly during mesothelioma treatment.

Researchers have reported on specific medicinal herbs and their phyto-compounds that have the potential to be helpful to mesothelioma patients, particularly in managing symptoms and side effects of treatment. Clinical studies have reported beneficial effects on survival, immune response, and quality of life when certain herbal medicines are used alongside conventional therapies.[1] 

Important Safety Considerations for Mesothelioma Patients

Before exploring specific herbs, it’s important to address several important safety considerations:

1. Potential Interactions: Some herbal therapies can reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatments or increase side effects. For example, St. John’s wort may help with depression and kill some cancer cells, but it can also reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.[2]
2. Unknown Ingredients: Herbal medicines sold over the counter may contain multiple substances. This makes it difficult to identify all active ingredients, some of which may be contraindicated for cancer patients.
3. Dosage Concerns: Many natural substances that are safe in small quantities can be toxic at higher concentrations. For example, green tea is a popular beverage that is generally considered safe, but in supplement form, it can cause serious liver problems. 
4. Quality Control: There are significant questions about the quality control of herbal medications sold to the public. One of the most famous examples of the potential harm caused by poor quality control occurred in the 1970s when an herbal tea popularly used for digestion (and more recently identified as potentially inhibiting cancer tumor growth) was contaminated with atropine, causing irregular heartbeat and blurry vision.[3]

Most oncologists are open to herbal medicine but recommend that mesothelioma patients entirely avoid them while under active cancer treatment. If you’re interested in incorporating herbs into your care plan, consult with your mesothelioma specialist first.

Herbs for Managing Mesothelioma Symptoms

Certain herbal medicines have been shown to help with specific symptoms frequently associated with mesothelioma:

For Pain Management

• Marijuana/Cannabis: Cannabinoids may help manage cancer-related pain.
• Boswellia: Has anti-inflammatory properties that might reduce pain and swelling.
• Turmeric/Curcumin: Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
• White Willow Bark: Contains salicin, a compound similar to aspirin.
• Arnica: May help with pain when applied topically (should not be used on broken skin).

For Respiratory Symptoms

• Hawthorn: May help improve circulation and breathing.
• Eucalyptus: Can help open airways and ease breathing difficulties.
• Lobelia: Traditionally used for respiratory conditions, though it can be toxic in large doses.
• White Pine Bark: May help with respiratory issues.
• Black Cohosh: Potentially helpful for coughing symptoms.
• Slippery Elm Bark: Forms a soothing gel when mixed with water, potentially easing throat irritation.
• White/Western Yarrow: Traditional remedy for coughs.

For Psychological Symptoms

• Kava: May help reduce anxiety, though liver concerns exist.
• Passionflower: Used for anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
• Magnolia Bark: Has potential calming effects.
• St. John’s Wort: Used for mild to moderate depression but has significant interaction potential.
• Valerian: May help with sleep disturbances and anxiety.
• Chamomile: Has mild calming effects.

Herbs for Managing Treatment Side Effects

Studies have shown that several herbs have the potential to alleviate side effects of conventional cancer treatments:

For Nausea and Vomiting

• Ginger: Research supports ginger’s effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. It should be avoided before and after surgery due to bleeding risk.
• Marijuana/Cannabis: May stimulate appetite and reduce nausea.
• Grape Seed Extract: Contains antioxidants that may help with nausea.
• Peppermint: Often used for digestive issues and nausea.
• Roman Chamomile: Has calming effects on the digestive system.

For Appetite Loss

• Marijuana/Cannabis: Cannabinoids in marijuana stimulate appetite.
• Dandelion: May stimulate digestion and appetite.
• Devil’s Claw: Used traditionally for digestive issues.
• Lemon Balm: Might help with appetite and digestion.
• Siberian Ginseng: Potentially helpful for general strength and appetite.

For Digestive Issues

For diarrhea:

• Bilberry, Blackberry Leaf, Chamomile, Huanglian, Marshmallow Root

For constipation:

• Aloe Vera, Fenugreek, Ragweed, Senna, Psyllium

For Fatigue

• Astragalus: May reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.
• Chlorella: Contains nutrients that might help with energy.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Could improve circulation and energy.
• Gotu Kola: Traditional energy tonic.

For Skin Irritation

• Calendula: Has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
• Holy Basil: Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects.
• Milk Thistle: May protect skin cells.
• Panax Ginseng: Might help with skin health.

Promising Herbs in Mesothelioma Research

Some herbs have been the focus of significant attention from researchers for their use in treating cancers, including malignant mesothelioma:

Astragalus

Research suggests that astragalus may reduce the side effects of the platinum-based chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat mesothelioma, while a single case study reported significant progression-free survival in a mesothelioma patient.[4]

Importantly, astragalus is potent. It can either help or diminish how the body processes chemotherapy, depending on the individual patient’s diagnosis and presentation of symptoms. Consultation with your oncologist before considering use.

Dong Quai

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses dong quai to support several symptoms and health conditions. Some research suggests it may offer benefits to cancer patients receiving doxorubicin, a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes used to treat malignant mesothelioma.[5]

However, dong quai is also known to interact in a detrimental way with certain medications. It is not recommended for women with estrogen-sensitive cancers, and researchers are still investigating whether it is safe for use in mesothelioma patients.

Other Notable Herbs

• Essiac Tea: This herbal tea blend contains immune-boosting herbs, including burdock root. Though studies indicate that it doesn’t cure cancer, it does contain high levels of antioxidants. 
• Hypericin: This compound found in St. John’s Wort may help kill cancer cells. 
• Moringa Tree: A 2006 study published in the Journal of Experimental Therapeutics in Oncology found a compound in moringa tree effective at killing ovarian cancer cells. Other research suggests it may help with cancer symptoms including difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat, fever, and joint pain.
• Red Ginseng: A study conducted at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology determined that two components of red ginseng can play an important role in stopping the spread of lung cancer.
• Mistletoe: Research in humans suggests mistletoe may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in lung cancer patients. It may also help people with cancer tolerate higher doses of gemcitabine, which is used to treat mesothelioma.
• Turmeric/Curcumin: Research indicates it may be safe to combine with gemcitabine in cancer patients. When combined with bromelain and arnica, curcumin may reduce bruising in surgery patients.
• Aloe Vera: Studies suggest it may help prevent mouth sores when taken during chemotherapy.

Herbal Medicine’s Potential Benefits for Mesothelioma

Herbal medicines may offer several potential benefits for mesothelioma patients. Some herbs contain compounds that may enhance immune function, while others have properties that can ease the asbestos-related cancer’s symptoms. Herbs may also help mitigate some of the typical adverse effects of conventional treatments. 

Some of the plant compounds found in herbs have shown evidence of slowing the spread of various types of cancers, while others have demonstrated the ability to fight cancer and kill cancer cells. 

Integrative oncology has embraced research into alternative approaches and therapies that can complement traditional cancer treatments, and herbal medicines are the focus of many studies being conducted globally. The goal is to find herbs that can safely and effectively be combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, but this research is in the preliminary stages, with few large-scale human clinical trials being pursued at this point.

Choosing Quality Herbal Products

If you and your oncologist decide that it’s safe for you to use herbal medicines, it’s important to restrict your choices to products that assure robust quality control measures.  

1. Look for the THR mark: Products with the traditional herbal registration (THR) certification mark have been tested for quality and safety.
2. Avoid unregulated products: Herbal products sold online or made for personal use without the THR mark lack quality guarantees.
3. Check practitioner credentials: If visiting a herbalist, ensure they are registered with an accredited body and that your physician approves you receiving their care.
4. Research thoroughly: Investigate the potential risks and benefits of specific herbs before use, and when in doubt, opt out.

The Importance of Consulting with Your Mesothelioma Specialist

Your mesothelioma specialists are the most important voice in optimizing your treatment outcomes: The importance of discussing herbal remedies with your team before moving ahead with anything outside of their recommended protocols cannot be overstated. Patients who don’t discuss supplements and herbs with their doctor risk harmful interactions, including reducing the effectiveness of proven treatments.

It’s common for people to assume that natural products are safe and that there’s no harm in combining them with pharmaceutical medications, but that is a misconception. Many natural substances can be extremely harmful, and can even lead to death. The impact that herbs have on your condition can range from mild to potent depending on your specific condition and what other medicines or treatments you are receiving. 

Your oncology team has your best interest in mind. Seeking their guidance allows them to protect you from potentially harmful interactions. In many cases, doctors may approve herbal remedies after your mesothelioma treatment is complete.

While herbal medicine may offer supportive benefits for mesothelioma patients, it should never replace conventional treatments. No herb has been proven to control or cure mesothelioma, though certain herbs may help manage symptoms and treatment side effects when used appropriately and under medical supervision.