Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Anwar Hyat
Posted on: August 01, 2005

My father is 75. He recieved 6 cycles of CHOP when it was found that he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma two years back. His CT was normal after he received the CHOPS. This year, three months back, the disease reoccured. Now we have given him one cycle, but he cannot tolerate more allopathic treatment. I want your help to suggest some names of medicinal plants to start some herbal treatment.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer of the lymph system, which is part of the immune system – the system that protects us from disease. CHOP is the acronym for the chemotherapy drug combination used in NHL. There are different types of NHL, and different presentations in individual patients. These must be taken into consideration with treatment.

I have not treated NHL. Herbalists who have treated NHL generally agree that building the immune system should be the basis of natural therapy accompanying drug therapy. The drugs kill all of the immune cells – the healthy as well as the diseased. Natural therapy, taken before, during and after this drug therapy, is necessary to protect the healthy immune cells and rebuild the immune system – the system that is needed to regain health. Immune system protection has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs without reducing the effectiveness of the drug therapy.

Two of the most powerful immune system protective herbs are astragalus root and ganoderma (reishi) mushroom. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium are usually given in moderate doses that are reflective of the normal balance of these herbs in a healthy immune system.

Along with immune system therapy, it is important that the patient be given protection and support for other body systems as needed for the individual. Support for the digestive system may be needed to ensure that the herbs and food are absorbed into the blood stream. Support for the nervous system may be needed to minimize the negative effects of stress on the immune system.

I suggest that you consult with a natural therapist, such as a medical or clinical herbalist, who can do a full assessment and recommendation. To find a qualified therapist, please contact one of the organizations listed on our website www.richters.com. Choose "Q&A" from the main menu, then enter "herbalist" for the search. The item "finding a herbalist" lists organizations of qualified natural therapists. Some of the therapists specializing in cancer will do phone consultations and may do email consultations.

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