What is it?
Herbal medicines are often used to help manage the side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as reducing fatigue and improving wellbeing. Evidence shows that they should only be used in addition to conventional medical treatment, rather than as an alternative therapy.
What to expect
After asking you some questions, the practitioner puts together a holistic picture of your health. They will look for underlying reasons for your ill health or symptoms, and provide a herbal mixture aimed at addressing the causes and symptoms of your illness
The practitioner may give you a pre-made herbal formula, but more often they will prepare a blend of herbs specifically for your needs.
Herbal medicines can be prepared:
- as liquid extracts, usually taken with water
- as herbs that are made into a tea or infusion
- as creams applied to the body
- or as tablets or capsules.
Western herbal medicines are usually made from herbs traditionally grown in Europe and North America, but some come from Asia.
What is the evidence?
There is a wide body of research into the effectiveness and safety of many herbs, and some studies show promising results. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist and herbal medicine practitioner about the potential benefits and side effects of any herbal preparations.
Using herbs is complex and it’s best to see an experienced practitioner rather than trying to treat yourself. Some herbs interact with conventional cancer treatment or medicines, and change how the treatment works or how the dose is absorbed. See some tips on using herbs safely.
Meditation and Relaxation Podcast
Listen to more of our meditation and relaxation podcast for people affected by cancer
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
