t 1E1taWhy Try Holistic Therapies?
Even though some of the therapies and strategies shared in this guide may not yet be supported by large-scale clinical trials, many are grounded in emerging research, traditional use, and powerful patient experiences. When the risk is low and the potential benefit is high; such as improved quality of life, reduced side effects, or even enhanced outcomes, it becomes worth considering.
You are not choosing between hope and science. You are choosing to explore every possible option.
Holistic approaches often come with fewer side effects than conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. In some cases, they may help you tolerate those treatments better or offer an alternative when conventional options feel too harsh or have stopped working. You are not being reckless. You are being proactive, thoughtful, and empowered.
If the risk is minimal and the possibility of benefit exists, that may be reason enough to try.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about the research behind any of the therapies, supplements, or strategies in this guide, we recommend exploring PubMed — a free, trusted database of medical studies provided by the National Institutes of Health. While some natural therapies may lack extensive clinical trials, many do have promising early data, case studies, or published results you can review.
Empowerment begins with education. Ask questions. Read the evidence. Then move forward with confidence in your choices.
WEEKS 1–2: FOUNDATION & PREPARATION
Medical
- Confirm cancer type: Non-Small Cell (NSCLC) or Small Cell (SCLC)
- Determine staging (I–IV) with imaging: CT, PET, brain MRI if indicated
- Genetic testing for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, MET, PD-L1 (to guide targeted or immunotherapy)
- Establish care team: oncologist, pulmonologist, integrative provider, therapist/spiritual counselor
- Run baseline labs: CBC, CMP, CRP, LDH, vitamin D, inflammatory cytokines, thyroid panel
- Assess pulmonary function tests (PFTs) if needed
Nutrition
- Start anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet with lung-protective foods:
- Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage)
- Citrus (vitamin C support)
- Garlic and onions (sulfur compounds)
- Turmeric (curcumin)
- Berries, green tea, tomatoes
- Avoid: processed foods, red meats, sugar, refined grains, dairy, alcohol
- Hydration: 64–80 oz water/day + herbal teas (lung cleansing teas)
- Drink 2-4 oz NingXia Red daily, diluted in water or with a drop of lemon essential oil. Best taken in the morning or early afternoon for energy and antioxidant defense
- Eat 1-3 apricot seeds per day.
Supplements (always with provider approval)
- Vitamin D3/K2
- Omega-3s (anti-inflammatory)
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine) – supports glutathione and lung health
- Curcumin – anti-inflammatory
- Quercetin – antihistamine & antioxidant
- Mushroom extracts (Turkey Tail, Reishi) – immune modulation
- Astragalus – supports lung qi and immunity
Essential Oils
- Frankincense: rub (diluted) over lungs 2x/day
- Copaiba: boosts other oils; use aromatically or topically
Detox Support
- Begin gentle detoxification:
- Dry brushing, Epsom salt baths
- Liver support: milk thistle, dandelion tea
- Lymphatic drainage with essential oils (lemon, frankincense)
- Begin swapping out ALL toxic household cleaners, candles, and air fresheners for natural non-toxic options
- Anti-cancer support tea and tincture
- Warm lemon water daily firs thing in the morning
Emotional/Spiritual
- Acknowledge and process diagnosis: journaling, prayer, therapy
- Guided meditations: breathing, healing visualizations
- Daily gratitude practice
- Begin 7 day devotional
WEEKS 3–6: IMMUNE SUPPORT & TREATMENT INTEGRATION
Medical
- Begin or continue conventional treatment:
- Surgery (if early-stage), radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy
- Consider second opinions if needed
- Track labs and imaging for progress
Nutrition
- Continue Anti-inflammatory meal planning
- Juicing for lung support (e.g., carrot, apple, ginger, turmeric)
- Add immune smoothies (spinach, blueberries, flaxseed, plant protein)
- Add supportive essential oils (diffused or culinary-safe): eucalyptus, peppermint, frankincense
Supplements
- Continue previous + also consider:
- Melatonin (potential anticancer properties)
- CoQ10 (supports energy and cardiovascular system during chemo)
- Glutathione precursors (or IV therapy, if tolerated)
- Soursop (Graviola) -limit to 30 days on, 30 days off. Not for long term use
Note: Do not use during chemotherapy without guidance and avoid high doses or extended use due to neurotoxicity.
Movement
- Daily light movement:
- Chair yoga, walking outdoors, gentle tai chi or qi gong (lung meridian work)
- Breathing exercises (pursed-lip, diaphragmatic)
- Avoid overexertion
Detox Support
- Incorporate gentle sauna (if approved)
- Castor oil packs to reduce inflammation and support liver
- Consider air purifier at home
Mind-Body
- Explore breathwork and guided imagery focused on lung expansion
- Attend a support group (in-person or online)
- Integrate healing affirmations: “I breathe deeply and fully. My lungs are healing.”
WEEKS 7–10: GUT & LUNG REGENERATION
Nutrition
- Begin lung-repairing nutrition:
- Bone broth, aloe vera juice (for mucosal healing)
- Sulforaphane-rich foods (sprouts)
- High-fiber diet to support gut-lung axis
- Fermented foods: sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir (if tolerated)
Supplements
- Add gut support:
- Probiotic + prebiotic fiber
- L-glutamine
- Digestive enzymes
- Continue lung-specific support: NAC, mushroom blend
Detox & Cellular Support
- Focus on mitochondrial support: B-complex, magnesium, alpha-lipoic acid
- Red light therapy (especially chest area and thymus gland)
- Consider homeopathic lung formulas (consult with a naturopath)
Spiritual/Emotional
- Identify emotional wounds tied to breath/grief/loss
- Deepen prayer life or spiritual practice
- Listen to healing music and scripture
WEEKS 11–13: RESTORE, REBUILD, RECLAIM
Medical
- Review progress with oncology team
- Evaluate maintenance vs. further treatment
- Repeat labs/imaging
Lifestyle
- Implement long-term healing habits:
- Clean indoor air (HEPA filter, non-toxic cleaners)
- Digital detox and nature immersion
- Sleep hygiene: consistent schedule, no screens 1 hr before bed
Movement
- Increase activity slowly: daily 30-min walk, light strength exercises
- Continue breathwork and gratitude
Optional Advanced Therapies
- IV Vitamin C therapy
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Mistletoe injections
- Apoptosis-inducing compounds (e.g., Honokiol, artemisinin—under supervision)