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Certain homeopathic remedies may ease the side-effects of cancer therapy, without interfering with the treatments, a new study reports.

A review of eight clinical trials showed that while homeopathic remedies did not enhance cancer treatment, certain preparations did seem to alleviate some effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

One study found that a marigold extract, topical calendula, may help relieve skin inflammation caused by breast cancer radiotherapy.

Another suggested a mouthwash made from plant and mineral extracts can help ease mouth inflammation associated with chemotherapy.

However, researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration said there were currently too few studies to make any recommendations to cancer patients.

The use of homeopathy for cancer patients has proved controversial in the past, as some remedies have been found to be no more effective than placebos.

Adverse side-effects during cancer therapy are often caused by damage to normal healthy cells and they can vary depending on what treatment is being used.

The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with cancer.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Medical Developments and treatments.