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Integrative, Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Second Edition

R

by Mary E. Dietmann, , EdD, APRN, ACNS-BC, CNE

Radiation Therapy And Homeopathy

Category: Homeopathy

Definition: The use of highly diluted remedies to treat the side effects of radiation therapy.

Studied homeopathic remedies: Belladonna, combination homeopathic remedy containing belladonna and irradiated water plus alcohol, Ledum palustre, sulphur

Introduction

Radiation therapy is one of the most important methods to treat cancer. However, while it generally causes fewer side effects than chemotherapy, it can still cause problems, including skin damage, diarrhea, and fatigue. Homeopathic remedies have been proposed for minimizing these side effects.

Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies

Radiation therapy can cause significant skin damage, similar to that of a severe sunburn. A ten-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sixty-one women with breast cancer evaluated the possible benefits of homeopathic treatment for reducing the severity of this side effect. Researchers used a combination of belladonna 7c (centesimals) and a novel homeopathic remedy made from water and alcohol that had been subjected to radiation. However, no benefits were seen in the treated group as compared with the placebo group.

Acupuncture is used by a substantial number of patients undergoing radiation as a way to treat or reduce the side effects experienced with treatment. Some commonly associated side effects acupuncture has been effective treating include management of depression, reduction in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, neutropenia, hot flashes, cancer fatigue, cancer pain, joint pain and stiffness, overall well-being, and dry mouth.

Other homeopathic methods are viewed as health-seeking behaviors that require replacing former food choices for options that plan for a lifestyle of health and wellness. This includes a pattern of eating new foods such as fresh produce and foods that are unprocessed and preparing them in new, healthy ways.

Traditional Homeopathic Treatments

According to the principles of classical homeopathy, there are many possible homeopathic treatments for radiation therapy support. These therapies are chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment.

Homeopathic belladonna is traditionally used to treat skin conditions that are red and hot and possibly accompanied by fever. The homeopathic remedy sulphur might be used for radiation skin damage that involves red and irritated skin with scaly patches that may be dry or moist. The symptom picture includes the worsening of the irritated area of the skin by application of heat or water and by contact with clothing. Homeopathic Ledum palustre is traditionally used for conditions involving puffy, swollen skin that feels cold to the touch and feels better when cold compresses are applied.

Acupuncture is used by a substantial number of patients undergoing radiation as a way to treat or reduce the side effects experienced with treatment. Some commonly associated side effects acupuncture has been effective treating include management of depression, reduction in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, neutropenia, hot flashes, cancer fatigue, cancer pain, joint pain and stiffness, overall well-being, and dry mouth.

Human Universal Energy (HUE) as a form of CAM has been studied as a promising form of treatment for breast cancer patients following external beam radiation therapy to improve quality of life. HUE focuses on restoring energy balance within an individual that has been disrupted by illness and treatment with radiation. Restoration of balance is thought to enable the body to heal by activating major nerve points (chakras or energy centers), breathing exercises and meditation, and energy transfer. While attention has been paid to energy healing such as quigong, reiki, therapeutic touch, and HUE, more study is needed in this area to provide scientific data to support its use.

See also: Cancer complementary treatments; Homeopathy: Overview

Further Reading

1 

Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://cam.cancer.gov/. This site provides health professionals, persons with cancer, and the general public information about complementary and alternative medicine in treating cancer.

2 

Kabel, A. “Fighting for Wellness: Strategies for Mid-to-older Women Living with Cancer.” Journal of Cross Cultural Gerontology 30 (2015): 107-117.

3 

Knecht, K, et al. “Biologically-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use in Cancer Patients: The Good, the Bad, the Misunderstood.” Frontiers in Nutrition 6 (2020): 1-7.

4 

Nguyen, J. et al. “Human Universal Energy Improved Health-related Quality of Life Outcomes 1 Month After External Beam Radiotherapy for Early-stage Breast Cancer.” Integrative Medicine 17 (2018): 24-35.

5 

Oh, B. “Utilisation and the Effects of Acupuncture during Systemic and Radiation Cancer Treatment in the Public Hospital.” Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine 10 (2016): 7-11.

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Dietmann, Mary E. . "R." Integrative, Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Second Edition, edited by Paul Moglia, Salem Press, 2020. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=CAM2e_0615.
APA 7th
Dietmann, M. E. (2020). R. In P. Moglia (Ed.), Integrative, Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Second Edition. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Dietmann, Mary E. "R." Edited by Paul Moglia. Integrative, Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Second Edition. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2020. Accessed December 14, 2025. online.salempress.com.