Natural Health Therapies For Cancer – Herbal Therapy
Natural Health Therapies For Cancer
These
therapies are to be used in cooperation with other cancer treatment
methods. They are not meant to be done in place of your physician’s
care. In the previous articles, we have covered the basics of cancer,
the causes, the various types and stages, and how nutrition can trigger
and promote cancer growth. This article will focus on Anti-Cancer Herbal
Supplements as a form of cancer therapy.
Herbal therapy is also
known as Phytotherapy or Phytomedicine. As you may recall from previous
articles, the word ‘phyto’ means ‘plant.’ This form of cancer therapy
focuses on herbal or botanical supplements have been used for centuries
in dealing with a wide range of diseases. Many of these plants have been
studied by pharmaceutical companies to isolate active ingredients for
use in drugs. A few key examples are foxglove (used for digitalis),
rauwolfia (used in reserpine), and opium poppy (used in morphine).
The
anti-cancer herbal supplements that we will discuss in this article are
listed below in alphabetical order. Due to the number of herbals
involved, we will only be able to cover each one briefly. However, this
does give us a starting point to follow-up at the library for more
in-depth information. Remember that ‘herbal’ does not equal ‘safe.’
Although herbal therapies usually work more slowly than pharmaceuticals,
adverse reactions can occur if the wrong dosage, a poor quality herb,
or the incorrect herb is used. In addition, there are potential
interactions with prescription drugs. Always check with a medical
professional before using any complementary therapies.
Natural Health Therapies For Cancer
The
effects of these various herbs on cancer have been researched and
documented by a large number of studies worldwide. The results indicate
that the herbs work by:
• Stimulating DNA repair
• Producing antioxidant effects
• Promoting protective enzymes
• Inhibiting cancer-activating enzymes
• Inducing oygenating effects
The anti-cancer herbal and botanical supplements currently being used by a variety of medical practitioners are:
Algae
Chlorella,
Sea vegetables, and Green Drinks provide high levels of antioxidants
that help to clean up the damage done by free radicals. The albumin,
vitamins, and minerals contained in chlorella are considered a major
detoxification resource.
Aloe Vera
Long used for burns,
cuts, and minor skin irritations, tests indicate that this plant has
tumor-fighting capability. A major component of aloe vera called
Acemannan has displayed remarkable ability as an immune system
stimulator.
Amygdalin
Known also as Laetrile, this substance
is found in the pits of apricots and other fruits. It has been used for
centuries and produces a cyanide compound that targets cancer cells.
Astralagus
This
herb is widely used in China, often in conjunction with ginseng.
Research shows that it increase Natural Killer (NK) cell activity,
reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and boost interferon levels.
Natural Health Therapies For Cancer
Cat’s Claw
Used
in Peruvian tribal medicine, this herb displays antioxidant, and
anti-tumor properties. Studies have indicated that it enhances the
immune system as well as digestive system.
Echinacea
This
well-known herb has shown properties that enhance the immune system.
Test results indicate an increase in NK cell activity ranging from
90-221%. Echinacea provides support to battle secondary problems like
infection.
Essiac
This is an herbal tea originally used by
Native Americans. It contains burdock, sheep sorrel, Indian rhubarb,
slippery elm, and other herbs. It has been shown to boost immune system
function, diminish inflammatory processes, and reduce the toxic side
effects of many drugs.
Flavonoids
A group of phytochemicals
found in fruits and vegetables. These substances have very high
antioxidant levels. This group contains quercetin, rutin, citrin,
hesperidin, proanthocyanins, and anthocyanins.
Garlic
Enough
scientific evidence exists for this longtime folk remedy that
scientists held the First World Congress on the Health Significance of
Garlic and Garlic Constituents in the late 1980s. Research points out
garlic’s ability to suppress cancer initiation and growth by boosting NK
cell and T-cell activity. Garlic also blocks cancer cell adhesion to
blood vessels which helps prevent metastases.
Gingko Biloba
This
herb has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. One of
its components, gingkolide B, interferes with a chemical in the body
that promotes tumor growth. Gingko also has a high antioxidant level.
Ginseng
Used
for centuries in Asia, this small woodland plant has been documented to
have immune system enhancing properties. It stimulates macrophage and
NK cell activity as well as boosting the production of antibodies.
Grape seed extract
Pycogenols,
the active ingredients in grape seed extract and pine tree bark, might
be the most powerful antioxidants found to date. Studies show that they
are 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more powerful
than Vitamin C in reducing free radical damage.
Green tea
A
popular drink in Japan and China, green tea has been shown to reduce the
risks of throat and liver cancers. This is attributed to the high
antioxidant properties found in green tea, far exceeding those of
Vitamin E. The average daily consumption of green tea in Asia is 2-10
cups.
Haelan 851
This is a liquid soybean concentrate made
with a specialized fermentation process. The preparation contains zinc,
selenium, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, D, E, and K. It also contains high
levels of genistein, an isoflavone shown to increase cancer cell death,
inhibit blood vessel growth to tumors, regulate hormonal imbalance, and
provide other anti-cancer functions.
HANSI
A homeopathic
combination of about 10 herbal components, HANSI has been shown to
increase NK cell activity in the immune system. The primary ingredients
in the formula are from rain forest and desert plants such as cactus,
aloe, arnica, licopodium, and lachesis. Made in Argentina, this formula
is available in the U.S. on a three month supply basis.
Hoxsey’s herbs
This
is an herbal preparation that contains red clover, burdock root,
buckthorn, barberry bark, stillingia root, chaparral, licorice, cascara
amarga, and prickly ash bark. Used since the 1840s, these herbs produce
documented antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-estrogen activity. They
also have been shown to boost immune function and inhibit blood vessel
growth to tumors.
Iscador (Mistletoe)
Used by European
physicians since 1920, Iscador has been found to increase the length and
quality of life, stabilize the cancer, cause tumor reduction, and
improve the overall condition of the patient. Immune system function,
particularly NK cells, increases within 24 hours after Iscador
treatments.
Larch arabinogalactan
This is a complex
carbohydrate compound derived from the Western Larch tree. Studies have
shown that it enhances the activity of NK cells, macrophages, and
immune-enhancing chemicals called cytokines.
Maitake mushroom
Maitake,
shitake, and reishi mushrooms have all been shown to promote NK cell
and antibody activity. Maitake mushrooms consistently show the greatest
results in inhibiting cancer development and metastasis.
Pau D’Arco
An
herbal extract derived from the inside of the bark of certain trees in
the South American rainforest that has displayed anticancer properties.
The key component, lapachol, has a unique molecular composition that
produces biological activity against cancer.
Pectin, modified citrus
This
is a food fiber found in fruits which has been modified to bring out
the immune system enhancement properties. Research show that modified
citrus pectin boosts the function of both T-cells and NK cells in the
immune system.
Silymarin
Known also as milk thistle, this
herb is full of antioxidants and flavonoids. It has been seen to provide
protection from liver damage. Studies indicate that Silymarin
accelerates the regeneration of damaged liver tissue. This is important
in cancer patients because all toxins including chemotherapy drugs are
filtered through the liver and excessive toxins can result in liver
dysfunction.
Turmeric
A major ingredient in curry powder,
this herb comes from India and is a member of the ginger family. Studies
show that it provides powerful antioxidant effects, inhibits tumor
growth and formation in certain cancers, and reduces production of some
cancer-promoting enzymes.
In the next article, we will explore the
use of Physical Support Therapies for cancer therapy. These methods
include Detoxification, Biological Dentistry, Water Therapy, Heat
Therapy, Bodywork/Therapeutic Massage/Exercise, and Qi Gong. I hope that
this material has been helpful and informative. The material in these
articles is a portion of an e-book available on my website.
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