From the Guidelines
Natural remedies such as meditation, yoga, and massage are effective in improving mood and reducing fatigue in patients with breast cancer, as supported by strong evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials 1. When considering natural remedies, it's essential to prioritize those with strong evidence backing their effectiveness and safety. For instance,
- Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression in patients with breast cancer 1.
- Yoga has also been found to improve mood and reduce fatigue in these patients, with a Grade A recommendation 1.
- Massage therapy has a Grade B recommendation for improving mood and conserving energy in patients with breast cancer 1.
- Ginger and ginseng have some evidence supporting their use for nausea and fatigue, respectively, although the evidence is not as strong, with a Grade C recommendation 1. In contrast, some natural remedies like kava, valerian, and chamomile have been found to have potential harms or lack sufficient evidence to support their use for insomnia and other conditions 1.
- Kava, in particular, has been associated with a risk of acute liver damage and death, leading to a strong recommendation against its use 1.
- Valerian and chamomile have not been shown to have a significant benefit for insomnia, and their use is not supported by evidence 1. It's crucial to approach natural remedies with a critical eye, considering both the potential benefits and harms, and prioritizing those with strong evidence backing their effectiveness and safety. Therefore, patients and healthcare providers should engage in shared decision-making, using evidence-based information to guide the use of natural remedies, and monitoring for efficacy, futility, and harm 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - Vitamin Bottle Label Safrel Melatonin 3mg Tablets: Helps establish normal sleep patterns 100%Drug-free and non-habit forming melatonin is a nighttime sleep aid for occassional sleeplessness.VeganFast Dissolve DIETARY SUPPLEMENT Melatonin 3mg Tablets 60 Count Melatonin 3mg Tablets 90 count The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies that have been studied for their potential health benefits include:
- Herbal medicines, which are believed to be less effective but less risky than conventional medicines 2
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which have been linked to healthy aging, cardiovascular function, and cognitive function 3
- Anti-inflammatory diets, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health 4
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in adults 5
- Multivitamin and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, which can have complementary effects on cardiovascular health 6
Specific Natural Remedies
Some specific natural remedies that have been studied include:
- EPA and DHA supplements, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote heart health 3, 6
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, which have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in adults 5
- Anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3s and polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health 4
- Multivitamin supplements, which can help reduce homocysteine levels and promote cardiovascular health 6
Key Findings
Key findings from the studies include:
- Herbal medicines are believed to be natural and relatively safe, but people need to be given clear information about their risks and benefits 2
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been linked to healthy aging and cardiovascular function 3
- Anti-inflammatory diets can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health 4
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in adults, particularly when taken in doses of 1-2g per day 5
- Multivitamin and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can have complementary effects on cardiovascular health 6