No natural remedies can treat leukemia. However, some complementary remedies may help manage the symptoms of leukemia and the side effects of treatment.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that typically affects white blood cells, but it can also originate in other types of blood cells.

An individual’s treatment plan will depend on several factors, including the type of leukemia, the stage of the cancer, and the person’s overall health.

Treatment typically involves medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of both. There are no alternative treatment options available that can treat, cure, or manage leukemia.

However, some methods may help ease symptoms or reduce the side effects of treatment, which is known as complementary therapy.

This article discusses some natural remedies and summarizes available research on their effectiveness.

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Acupuncture is a traditional remedy that involves placing thin needles into specific pressure points around the body to stimulate the nervous system and reduce pain.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), some clinical trials have found that acupuncture can relieve nausea and vomiting as a side effect of chemotherapy.

A 2020 review also found that acupuncture may help reduce pain, fatigue, and dry mouth, as well as relieve symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, or depression in people undergoing cancer treatment.

Essential oils are compounds from plants that people combine with a carrier oil to treat various ailments.

According to the NCI, essential oils may help some people with leukemia manage certain chemotherapy side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, or changes in appetite.

There are many types of essential oils. Some common examples include:

There are also several methods for administering or applying essential oils, including infusion and topical application.

While some research supports the benefits of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for cancer, it’s important to note that essential oils are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This means that the type, quality, and quantity of ingredients in a product may not accurately reflect what is listed on the product’s ingredients label.

Auricular acupressure is a treatment that uses magnetized pellets or seeds to stimulate areas of the ear.

A 2021 study found that auricular acupressure may help individuals living with cancer sleep better, even during treatment.

Some older research also found that acupressure may help relieve specific symptoms associated with leukemia and cancer treatments, such as:

The NCI states that no herbal products can treat or cure cancer, but some may help with certain side effects of treatment.

For instance, a 2025 review suggests that turmeric may be helpful for people with leukemia. This may be due to the active ingredient curcumin, which has been shown to have antitumor properties and may help slow disease progression when used in conjunction with medical treatments.

Another herbal product that may offer benefits for people living with leukemia is ginseng. The active ingredients in ginseng are ginsenosides, which may help support leukemia treatments by slowing disease progression and boosting the effects of chemotherapy.

A 2020 study also found that combining chemotherapy with compound K, another substance found in ginseng, may be beneficial for treating leukemia.

Despite these findings, it’s important to note that herbal products, such as turmeric and ginseng, are not regulated by the FDA. Further research is needed to understand the potential benefits of herbal products in managing leukemia.

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet may help support the body of a person who has leukemia, but it will not cure or treat the condition.

The majority of supplements simply ensure the body has enough vitamins and minerals to function properly, but research on their effectiveness is mixed.

For instance, a 2024 study found that vitamin C and E supplementation may help reduce the risk of leukemia, while vitamins A and D showed no effects.

On the other hand, a 2023 study found that vitamin C and D supplementation may help reduce the risk of complications associated with chemotherapy and restore vitamin D levels before stem cell transplantation.

A 2024 review also suggests that the following supplements may help reduce the risk of side effects caused by leukemia treatments:

However, the authors of all these studies and research reviews concluded that more studies are needed to understand the potential benefits of supplementation for leukemia management.

Detoxification (detox) therapy refers to diets, regimens, and therapies that claim to remove toxins from the body and promote overall health.

Common examples include fasting or using a sauna.

However, the human body already has an effective system for removing toxins. Detoxification therapy is unlikely to benefit most people, including those with leukemia.

Homeopathy is a medical approach that stems from two theories:

  1. Like cures like: This principle refers to the idea that a person can cure a condition by taking substances that produce similar symptoms in individuals without the condition.
  2. Law of minimum dose: This principle suggests that lower doses of medication are more effective than higher doses. People who make homeopathic products often dilute them to the extent that they contain no active ingredients.

Limited studies support either of these theories, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health warns people against using homeopathy to replace established treatments, as this could worsen symptoms and allow the disease to progress.

Treatment options for leukemia vary and depend on several factors, including the:

  • type of leukemia
  • person’s age
  • person’s overall health

Common treatments for leukemia include:

A healthcare professional can help develop a treatment plan tailored to an individual’s specific needs.

A person with leukemia should talk with a doctor before trying any alternative therapies, herbal products, or supplements.

Not only can some therapies reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments for leukemia or interfere with other medications a person may be taking, but complementary therapies may even be harmful.

After starting medical treatment for leukemia, it is essential to discuss any side effects that occur with a doctor.

In addition to suggesting methods to ease or manage side effects, a doctor may also make adjustments to a person’s treatment plan to minimize adverse effects.

Find a medical specialist in your area today

Your healthcare team may comprise several people who can provide support.

Sometimes, a medical specialist will be required to help diagnose, manage, or treat a healthcare condition.

You can find the following medical specialists in your area today:

Some types of leukemia progress very slowly and may not require immediate treatment. However, leukemia rarely goes away without medical treatment.

Certain herbal products can interfere with medications that people use to treat leukemia and should be avoided, including green tea supplements and St. John’s wort.

Some foods may also aggravate certain side effects of treatment, including foods high in sugar or fiber, spicy foods, caffeine, and citrus fruits.

Traditional treatments for leukemia include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants. These approaches are effective, but they can also cause side effects.

Several home remedies and complementary therapies may help a person manage some symptoms of leukemia and certain side effects of treatment. These include nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and acupuncture.

However, it is unclear how effective these methods are, and there is no evidence that they can cure cancer.

It is important for a person to speak with a doctor before trying any home remedies. Some approaches are unsafe or may prevent other treatments from working properly.