Herbal Remedies for Cancer
Thousands of individuals seek herbal therapy for the treatment of their cancer. There are numerous reasons for this, but the primary reason is that conventional medicine has failed to lived up to its expectations of curing cancer. Conventional medical therapy is not only expensive but also associated with serious side effects and in many cases is still considered experimental.
The one reason why herbal therapy is criticized is because it sometimes lacks scientific data to demonstrate effectiveness. But that does not mean that herbs are not effective. In fact, numerous cancer drugs that are actively used in the treatment of numerous cancers have been derived from plants. The most popular herbs used in cancer treatment are mentioned below.
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Astragalus may help improve the immune system and fight off blood cancers. But it has also side effects like lowering of blood pressure, dizziness and fatigue. Cat?s claw is also known as Uncaria tomentosa. This South American vine is an ancient treatment for arthritis and numerous other ailments. Cat's Claw remains popular among cancer patients. The herb is generally safe but it has been known to cause gastric ulcers and fatigue. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds that lower circulating estrogens in the body. Flaxseed is particularly high in one phytoestrogens called lignan, which appears to decrease estrogen production and which may inhibit the growth of some breast cancers. There is a Chinese traditional medicine sold under the name Revivo that is known to be an immune system booster, which can be beneficial for cancer patients. Unfortunately, it has been banned in the US by the FDA since the company selling it was claiming that it cures HIV, and in the US anything labeled saying it cures a disease is considered a drug by the FDA and follow the FDA drug laws, not the herbal supplement rules.
Green tea is today reported to be the cure for many diseases and medical conditions. So many myths are associated with it, and scientific research is still ongoing to determine all of its benefits. It has been reported to prevent certain cancers and slow the growth of many cancers. The National Cancer Institute is continuing to study what effect, if any, green tea has on cancer. In the meantime, drinking a few cups of the antioxidant-rich brew each day certainly is not harmful.
Iscador is an extract from European mistletoe and contains compounds called lectins, which are believed to destroy cancer cells. Data on its efficacy as a cancer killer are conflicting. But there is no doubt that when taken in high doses, the drug has serious toxicity including severe nausea, vomiting, bleeding and weight loss. Although herbs are clearly of value, the herbal industry has been unregulated and there are a lot of companies selling ineffective herbs claiming that they can cure cancer. So as a last word of advice, be knowledgeable, and seek advice from a licensed herbalist or natural therapist and if in doubt always seek a second opinion.
