When you are undergoing mesothelioma chemotherapy, drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated is important. Diarrhea and vomiting during mesothelioma chemotherapy combined with low fluid intake can cause dehydration, according to WebMD. Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid dehydration. But let’s face it, drinking just plain water can get boring.
Herbal teas can help during mesothelioma chemotherapy by:
- Offering flavor variety
- Boosting fluid intake
- Providing relief from nausea
What Is Herbal Tea?
Herbal tea technically isn’t really tea at all but an infusion of boiled water with dried fruits, herbs, and/or flowers. Unlike black tea or green tea, which are both made from the leaf of the plant Camellia sinensis, herbal teas do not contain caffeine. Caffeine can interfere with sleep, digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food and vitamin supplements. (More information about black tea and green tea from the National Cancer Institute here.)
Although iced and ready-to-drink herbal teas sold in cans and bottles are popular, they may not have the same soothing properties as an equal volume of brewed herbal tea. Ready-to-drink teas frequently have lower levels of an actual herb or flower because their base may be another liquid, such as juice, which dilutes the key ingredient.
3 Best Herbal Teas For Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
Ginger – Ginger is frequently used to treat digestive problems, nausea and diarrhea – which can help with symptoms of nausea associated with mesothelioma chemotherapy treatments.
Peppermint – Peppermint is well known in treating indigestion and gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint tea can be used to prevent nausea, vomiting and anxiety which are common side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment.
Valerian – Insomnia can be a side effect of mesothelioma chemotherapy. Valerian is reputed to reduce tension and anxiety and promote sleep.
- Determine how much tea you want to make and measure one cup of water per cup of tea. Bring the water to a boil on the stove in a pot or tea kettle.
- When the water has come to a rolling boil, pour it into a teapot and add the herbal tea. The general rule when making a pot of tea is to add a teaspoon of tea (or one tea bag) for each cup and one for the pot. If you’re making tea for one in a cup or mug, then add the bag or leaves to the mug and pour the boiling water over them.
- Steep for two to five minutes, depending on how intense you like the flavor.