According to research from the American Cancer Society, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is among the most prevalent U.S. cancers, making up roughly 4% of all cancer diagnosis. Lymphoma strikes adults and children alike, however, it’s a very treatable form of cancer that affects the lymphocytes (or white blood cells), which are the body’s immune-fighters. Patients with lymphoma may experience early warning signs, such as sudden weight loss, fever, night sweats, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain or swelling of the lymph nodes.

While lymphoma patients are typically treated with a mixture of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, these treatments may yield several unpleasant side effects (i.e., dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, lowered immunity, etc.). Many cancer patients, therefore, turn to the following natural remedies:

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional form of Chinese alternative medicine that utilizes thin needles inserted into specific areas of the body to unblock energy flow, which many alternative practitioners consider the root of disease. Even though it’s widely disputed, many cancer patients undergo acupuncture for cancer symptom reduction (i.e., dry mouth, hot flashes, anxiety, irritability, nausea, etc.) while boosting the immune system.

2. Green tea extract

A study conducted by hemotologists at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota found a link between green tea extract and tumor shrinkage. Scientists pinpoint a specific plant compounds, known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (or EGCG) in green tea extract with natural anticancer and anti-tumor benefits in the battle against lymphocytic leukemia.

3. Glutamine

The amino acid, glutamine, is often enlisted by cancer patients to reduce the unpleasant symptoms that come as a result of many traditional cancer treatments. In particular, cancer patients use glutamine supplements to reduce peripheral neuropathy, which occurs when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord become damaged, as with many forms of lymphoma. Patients report significantly less numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness when taking glutamine.

4. Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a digestive aid. So it’s no surprise that many cancer patients use this spice (or supplement) to reduce side effects such as indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting following cancer treatments. Many take ginger in the form of chews, candy, gum, or powdered supplements.