What Herbal Medicines Are Used by Mesothelioma Patients?
Many herbs have been studied for their possible role in supportive cancer care. Some may help with symptoms such as nausea or digestive discomfort, while compounds found in other herbs are being studied for possible anti-cancer effects.
Right now, herbal medicines may be considered alternative mesothelioma treatments or complementary therapies, depending on how they’re used. They haven’t been proven to cure mesothelioma or extend life expectancy.
Herbal medicines used or studied during cancer care include:
- Astragalus
- Cat’s claw
- Dong quai
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ginseng
- Turmeric (curcumin)
Although some research on herbs and cancer is encouraging, more studies are needed to understand whether these products provide meaningful benefits for people with mesothelioma.
Herbal products are available in forms such as capsules, liquid extracts, teas, and supplements. Mesothelioma patients should talk with their care team before using them because some herbs can interfere with cancer treatments or other medications.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide for tips from a registered nurse on how to build a cancer survivor’s diet.
Types of Herbal Medicine for Mesothelioma
There are many herbs and supplements that could potentially relieve symptoms of mesothelioma, as well as some side effects of treatment.
Each type of herbal medicine works in slightly different ways, with some being used for thousands of years for their purported medicinal properties.
Astragalus
Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been studied with chemotherapy for several types of cancer. It may help support the immune system and reduce some treatment-related side effects.
A case study from Integrative Cancer Therapies followed a pleural mesothelioma patient who took astragalus and other herbs as part of a Korean herbal therapy regimen called Bangam-tang. At the time of the study’s publication, he was still alive nearly 2 years after his diagnosis.
Paul Kraus, one of the longest-lived survivors of mesothelioma, also incorporated a liquid astragalus extract as part of his regimen of alternative therapies.
“There have been a number of pharmacological studies carried out in recent years suggesting that astragalus enhances immune function and increases the production of white blood cells, antibodies, and interferon.”
– Paul Kraus, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor
However, additional studies are still needed before astragalus can be recommended as part of routine cancer care.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the most widely studied herbal remedies for people receiving chemotherapy. While it doesn’t treat mesothelioma, it may help improve comfort and quality of life for some patients during treatment.
Ginger is commonly used to help relieve:
- Digestive discomfort during cancer treatment
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Researchers are also studying compounds found in ginger for possible anti-cancer effects. In 2025, Osaka Metropolitan University researchers found that kencur, a plant in the ginger family, could interfere with cancer cells’ ability to produce energy.
Patients should talk with their oncologist before taking ginger supplements, especially before surgery or if they use blood-thinning medications. Ginger may affect blood clotting and could increase the risk of bleeding.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Turmeric contains a naturally occurring compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have studied curcumin for its potential role in slowing cancer cell growth and supporting chemotherapy.
For example, a report from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences reviewed a series of studies on curcumin and mesothelioma.
The analysis found that curcumin can potentially:
- Help stop mesothelioma cells from growing
- Improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy
- Kill some mesothelioma cells
- Stop the growth of tumors
“Hopefully, in the near future, it will be possible to include curcumin as a chemo-preventive agent or as a substance in combination with conventional chemotherapy in [mesothelioma].”
– International Journal of Molecular Sciences
However, more clinical trials are needed to understand the benefits of turmeric when used alongside conventional cancer treatments.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is an herb that’s commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, especially for women’s health concerns. Researchers have also studied compounds in dong quai for possible anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, but there isn’t enough evidence to show that it can treat cancer.
Research on dong quai in people with cancer is limited, and its benefits haven’t been confirmed for mesothelioma patients.
Dong quai can also interact with some medications, including blood thinners. If you have mesothelioma, talk with your care team before taking dong quai or any other herbal supplement during treatment.
Download our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to help you get answers about herbal therapies and other alternative treatments for mesothelioma when speaking with specialists.
Other Herbal Remedies Used During Mesothelioma Care
Researchers have studied many other herbs and botanical extracts for their potential health benefits during cancer treatment.
Additionally, patients across the country have tried different herbal supplements after a mesothelioma diagnosis in an effort to relieve symptoms and treatment side effects naturally.
More herbs that may help some mesothelioma patients include:
- Ashwagandha: Researchers found that a compound called withaferin A found in ashwagandha could help kill mesothelioma and reduce inflammation.
- Cat’s claw: An herb from South America, cat’s claw may be able to help with cancer and other illnesses. It was among the herbs used by Paul Kraus, who relied on it for relief from flu-like symptoms.
- Garlic: This contains antioxidants that have been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties. Garlic was also shown to potentially limit the harm done by asbestos fibers (which can cause mesothelioma) in a 2022 study. However, garlic supplements may increase bleeding risk, especially before surgery.
- Peppermint (mint): This is often used to help relieve nausea, indigestion, and other digestive symptoms that can occur during chemotherapy.
- Mistletoe: Mistletoe is a common herbal supplement and has even been used intravenously by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers to help patients with advanced cancer.
- St. John’s wort: Sometimes used to support mood, this herb can potentially interfere with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and many other prescription medications.
While some of these herbs may offer supportive benefits, they should never replace conventional cancer treatments or be taken without guidance from a health care professional.
Can Herbal Medicine Cure Mesothelioma?
No. Herbal medicine hasn’t been proven to treat or cure mesothelioma. None of the herbs discussed on this page are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat mesothelioma.
Some laboratory and early clinical research has produced encouraging findings, but there isn’t enough evidence to recommend herbal medicine as a primary treatment for the disease.
Depending on a patient’s diagnosis and overall health, mesothelioma treatment may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical trials
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Herbal remedies may be used as complementary therapies alongside standard cancer care, but only with guidance from a patient’s medical team.
How Herbal Medicine May Support Mesothelioma Care
Various herbs may help to ease different symptoms that are caused by mesothelioma. Similarly, they can make side effects of mesothelioma treatments easier to bear.
How effective herbal supplements will be for treating mesothelioma can vary significantly due to factors like the patient’s overall health, their mesothelioma type, and which herbs they are using.
Potential benefits of herbs for mesothelioma patients include:
- Managing nausea: Chemotherapy commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort. Ginger and peppermint are among the herbs most frequently used to relieve these symptoms when used alongside standard anti-nausea medications.
- Supporting energy and fatigue: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common challenges patients experience during treatment. Some early research suggests herbs such as astragalus and ginseng may help support energy levels.
- Helping with overall wellness: Some patients use herbal supplements because of their anti-cancer properties. Some herbs, and the compounds they contain, have properties that may make it harder for cancer cells to survive.
When used along with other holistic, mind-body therapies like acupuncture, reiki, yoga, or tai chi, patients could find more relief for the discomfort that mesothelioma causes.
“When my husband and I started researching mesothelioma alternative treatments, I think that’s what saved my life. It’s really important for patients to do their research and make the choices that are best for them.”
Are Herbal Supplements Safe During Mesothelioma Treatment?
While many herbal supplements are safe, you may need to stop using them before and during mesothelioma treatment.
Although herbal supplements are often marketed as natural products, they can affect how cancer treatments work.
Some herbs may increase bleeding during surgery, reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy or immunotherapy, or interact with prescription medications.
Concerns about using herbs during mesothelioma treatment include:
- Garlic, ginseng, and dong quai may increase bleeding risk.
- St. John’s wort can interfere with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and many other medications.
- Herbal supplements can vary in strength, purity, and quality because they are not regulated like prescription medications.
UCLA Health recommends patients stop taking ginseng, St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, and high-dose vitamins and supplements up to 10 days before mesothelioma surgery.
Mesothelioma patients should never begin herbal supplements without discussing them with their oncology team first.
Talking With Mesothelioma Oncologists About Herbal Supplements
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s understandable to want to explore every available treatment option. Many patients are interested in herbal remedies that may help ease side effects, improve their quality of life, or support their overall health during treatment.
However, before taking any herbal supplements, always talk with your mesothelioma doctors. They can help determine whether a supplement is safe alongside your treatment plan and identify any possible interactions.
Be sure to tell your mesothelioma care team:
- The name of the herb or supplement
- The brand and dosage
- Whether you take it as a tea, capsule, extract, or powder
- How often you use it
Open communication helps ensure you receive safe, coordinated care throughout your mesothelioma treatment.
You may also want to discuss herbal supplements and other natural treatments with a nutritionist, who can review your mesothelioma diet and recommend tips to best support you.
Download our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide for tips from a registered nurse on how to build a cancer survivor’s diet.
Finding Support During Mesothelioma Treatment
Deciding whether to use herbal medicine or other complementary therapies during mesothelioma treatment can feel overwhelming.
With so much information available, it’s important to have trusted guidance from health care professionals who understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and nutritional needs.
Mesothelioma Hope is here to help you:
- Learn which herbal supplements may be safe during treatment
- Connect with mesothelioma specialists
- Manage treatment side effects such as nausea, fatigue, pain, and loss of appetite
- Explore treatment options, clinical trials, and supportive care resources
- Access resources so you can make informed treatment choices
Call us at (866) 608-8933 or download our Free Nutrition Guide to learn more about managing nutrition, dietary supplements, and supportive care during mesothelioma treatment.
Mesothelioma & Herbal Medicine FAQs
What is the plant that kills cancer cells?
Various plants and herbs have been shown to help kill cancer cells in clinical trials, including ginger, turmeric, and dong quai. However, no herbal supplements have been approved by the FDA as a mainstream treatment for mesothelioma to date.
While studies do show encouraging results, it’s not enough to use herbs or plant-based alternative treatments after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Can herbal medicine cure mesothelioma?
No. There’s no scientific evidence that herbal medicine can cure mesothelioma or replace standard cancer treatments.
Some herbal remedies may help with symptoms or treatment side effects when used with guidance from a care team.
Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with a registered nurse about treatment options and any questions you have about your care.
What herbs may help with chemotherapy side effects?
Ginger and peppermint may help with chemotherapy-related nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort. Ginger may notably help without causing side effects that other anti-nausea medications carry.
Herbal products can interact with cancer treatments and medications, so talk with your mesothelioma specialist before starting a supplement.
Is herbal medicine considered an alternative treatment for mesothelioma?
Herbal medicine is considered complementary when it’s used alongside standard cancer treatment. If it’s used instead of standard medical care, it’s considered alternative treatment.
Standard treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery may still be recommended based on a patient’s needs. Talk with your care team before adding herbal products.
Request our Free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about how to safely incorporate alternative treatments into your cancer care plan.
Are traditional Chinese herbs safe for mesothelioma patients?
Not always. Herbs such as astragalus, dong quai, and ginseng have been studied for possible health benefits, but they can also cause side effects or interact with medications and cancer treatments.
Always discuss traditional Chinese herbal medicine and other supplements with your health care team before using them.
