I'm 66 and just started taking Hydroxyurea as, like you, I was keen to try alternative ways to bring my platelets down. Unfortunately I haven't been able to and now my platelets have reached 900,000, I have decided to agree to take the chemo but am starting off on low dose 500mg every other day. I am due to be seen for the first time since starting the Hydroxyurea on 1st April. It will be interesting to see if my numbers have gone down much. My doctor was keen for me to take daily but, thankfully, agreed to see how I got on with the lower dose. I have had no side effects whatsoever which is good news. I'd still rather be using supplements or spices so would be very interested if you find anything that works.