Complementary and Alternative Therapies - Leukemia

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Complementary and Alternative Therapies

A comprehensive treatment plan for leukemia may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies.
Nutrition

Eating the following nutrient-dense foods that are high in antioxidants may help protect against cancer: dark berries, orange and yellow vegetables, dark leafy greens, fresh vegetable juices containing wheatgrass, beets, romaine lettuce, parsley, and cucumber.

Potentially beneficial nutrient supplements include those listed below.

* Vitamin A (25,000 IU a day), vitamin E (800 IU a day), vitamin C (3 to 6 g a day), and selenium (200 to 400 mcg a day) have antioxidant activity and may decrease side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
* Vitamin D (400 to 800 IU a day) may help promote differentiation of cells
* B-complex (50 to 100 mg a day) with additional B12 (1,200 mcg a day) and folic acid (800 mcg a day) for anemia

Herbs

The use of certain herbal remedies may support the lymphatic system, spleen, bone marrow, and liver. Take a combination of the following herbs in equal parts, 30 to 60 drops three times a day.

* Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
* Blue flag (Iris versicolor)
* Yellowdock (Rumex crispus); for late-stage disease, substitute greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) for yellowdock
* Poke root (Phytolacca americana)
* Tree of life (Thuja occidentalis)
* Cleavers (Galium aparine)
* Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
* Turmeric (Curcuma longa) (250 to 500 mg two to three times a day)
* Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) and autumn primrose (Colchicum officinale). Note: these are potentially toxic herbs to consider for use only under a supervising physician.

Herbs are generally available as dried extracts (pills, capsules, or tablets), teas, or tinctures (alcohol extraction, unless otherwise noted). Dose for teas is 1 heaping tsp./cup water steeped for 10 minutes (roots need 20 minutes).
Homeopathy

An experienced homeopath can prescribe a regimen for treating leukemia that is designed especially for you. Acute remedies may be useful for relief of symptoms associated with complications.
Acupuncture

Chinese herbs and acupuncture may be a powerful adjunct to conventional therapy.