white blood cells/platelets -herbal treatment
 

I have started a new chemo combo. Gemzar/Tykerb. The Gemzar is knocking my blood counts down to far to continue treatment on a regular schedule. 3 weeks on and one week off. I am taking the neupegen shots for three days after chemo but I still didn't get treatment today as scheduled. Has anyone tried herbal therapy in addition to the shots to boost the wbc and platelets? I am going to an accupuncturist in about an hour. My sister talked me into going to see her. I haven't mentioned it to my Dr. yet. I will see him next week. I wan't to get your opinions. I know there are many of you on different herbs for different reasons. I would love to hear from anyone with any experience with herbs and blood counts. Thanks Sally

good book
 

My favorite book has a lot of info on this. It's "The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Breast Cancer: A Practical Manual for Understanding, Prevention & Care" by Sat Dharam Kaur ND
Herbs for improving lymphatic and immune function include: Burdock Root, Marigold Flower, Goldenseal Root, Echinacea Root, European Mistletoe, Poke Root, Red Clover, Cleavers Herb, Wild Indigo Root, Bloodroot, Pau d'arco, Carnivora (Venus fly-trap), Green Tea.

The ones I'm most familiar with and might be most easily available are the green tea, organic decaf is best. Also, echinacea, raises white blood cell counts, the book says take 25-50 drops tincture 3x daily. Goldenseal, 7-40 drops tincture 3x daily, three weeks at a time with a week break.

I recommend finding a copy of the book for more info, and of course consult with your doctors. Let me know if you want me to give you more info from my book on any more of these.

white blood cells/platelets-herbal treatment
 

I have been seeing a naturopath for many, many years. Astragalus and various kinds of mushrooms like shitake, reiishi and maitake help the white blood counts (immune system). I use both fresh or dried mushrooms in my cooking and mushrooms in supplement form.
I never took neulasta shots, because supplements, mushrooms and alot of fresh veggies and fruits kept my blood counts healthy. Echinecea (spelling ????) also helped. Pole root is an old fashioned remedy to be used externally to help keep lymph moving, but should not be taken internally, because it can be poisonous.

Poke root.
 

My source says Poke root is toxic in high doses and has a cumulative toxicity in small doses. She recommends 1 drop of tincture daily for 6 weeks, then break for a week. It's said to "promote detoxification, clears dampness and heat, reduces lymphatic congestion, and can shrink tumors...It has a particular affinity for the breasts and reduces fibrocystic breast disease and breast swelling."
Probably not the first thing to reach for in your case, it's true.
I've also found lots and lots of evidence that those mushrooms have great benefits.

white blood cells/platelets-herbal treatment
 

That is interesting about the poke root. I used phytolacca oil externally for lymph congestion.
Phytolacca is a combination of poke root and olive oil.
My naturopath prescribed it, but he suggested I avoid taking it internally.

Yes, the book also recommends it externally. My lymphatic massage therapist recommends castor oil packs externally for lymph congestion. I use it on my abdominal area and it seems to really help aid digestion.

This has become the Freyja/ElaineM thread, I think.

white blood cells/platelets-herbal treatment
 

Castor oil can be used for muscle aches too. Directions can be found by doing a search on the internet. The directions are probably similiar to the directions for using it for digestion.
Yeah. It seems we are the only ones replying to this thread. Well, it just shows our interest in integrative medicine.
Anyway, I hope the information about the supplements, mushrooms, fruits and veggies for the immune system helps the person who started the thread.

white blood cells/platelets-herbal treatment
 

I forgot to mention that my naturopath told me Castor oil is only for external use. When I want to use it for muscle aches I apply it on the area that aches, then I put a covered heating pad turned on low and put that on top of the area for a little while. Needless to say I have a heating pad that has a removeable cover for washing.

greenridge Immune support
 

Hi
Greenridge make a extract called Immune support that works well for upping wbc. Contains reishi and astralagus extracts. I took it 3 days after chemo and stopped 3 days before the next dose. Never had trouble with wbc like I did the first time and I didnt get as sick.
Cheers
jackie (down under)

hi

I am taking reishi mushroom powder (ganoderma) . My Wbc has been too good after that, i have lots of energy and really feeling well with the chemo going on. I thank God for that. Along with that i am taking spirulina also

I am also taking Gonaderma lucidem powder in capsule form. (The saleslady advised me to open the capsule and mix the powder with small amount of water then drink it.) It seems to prevent constipation.