One common, unpleasant side effect of undergoing chemotherapy is nausea. Sometimes this nausea can be so severe that it can incapacitate patients to the point where they refuse to continue with their treatment. So knowing several different options for relieving nausea is important in ensuring successful chemotherapy.
Herbal Teas
Both black horehound and German chamomile are herbs that have the potential to reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy since they each help relax the intestinal area. Try making tea by combining 1 tsp. of either of these herbs with one cup of boiling water. In particular, German chamomile has an anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect that is so gentle it can be used on a child.
Ginger is another good herb used for making tea to relieve nausea and vomiting. To make ginger tea, simmer one fresh, chopped ginger root in a cup of water for 15 minutes. Since it can be strong, take ginger tea with some food or sip it very slowly from a tsp.
Acupressure & Acupuncture
The best acupressure point for lessening nausea is the back of the jaw. Push the vertical part just below the ear forward, extending your lower jaw as if you have an underbite. When you feel a twinging ache, hold that position gently for a few minutes.
More powerful than acupressure, acupuncture can effectively relieve nausea caused from chemotherapy. Make sure you tell your practitioner you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Many insurance companies are now covering acupuncture treatment for the relief of nausea and vomiting.
Other Options
To overcome chemotherapy-caused nausea, doctors use a number of anti-nausea drugs. Medications known as antiemetics can control the stimulating of the vomit center. Two anti-nausea drugs are Zofran or Kytril.
Dandelion root also can be helpful in strengthening the liver and other organs in order to reduce the severity of vomiting. You can either roast, dry or grind dandelion root to prepare as you would coffee, or you can add dandelion leaves to salads.
Try aromatherapy, color or music therapy, homeopathy, qigong, guided imagery, Sea Bands, hypnosis, hypnotherapy, suggestion, or biofeedback. The power of suggestion has been found effective for many problems, including involuntary responses from chemotherapy like nausea.
Another technique to combat nausea is to try to relax and breathe deeply and slowly. Avoid odors such as smoke, perfume and cooking aromas. Eat small meals all day instead of three large one to prevent your stomach from getting too full. Stay away from fried fatty foods as well as spicy ones. You can also settle the stomach by drinking clear liquids.
As you can see, there are many tips and strategies to help relieve nausea caused from chemotherapy treatments. Make sure that if you do experience nausea and vomiting you discuss this problem with your doctor so you can decide on what treatment options might work best for you.
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