Supplements and Herbs

Herbs in the Natural Treatment of Cancer

by Dr. A., a naturopathic physician, published with special permission, adapted and expanded by copyright © Healing Cancer Naturally

Many claims have been made for marked antineoplastic[1] action in certain plants.

Every healing tradition in the world has plants that have a reputation for being anti-cancer herbs. A research project in the United States is monitoring every flowering plant in the world (it will take some time) for cancer-inhibiting properties.

Some of the ‘miracle drugs' used in the treatment of cancer by orthodox medicine were found in plants. The best example is the Madagascar Periwinkle, which is the source of the drug vinblastin and vincristine which are used in leukemia.

This is an example of the way herbs may be used specifically or as sources of active ingredients. Whilst not wanting to belittle the value of this approach, it is limited by the perception of cancer as a specific localized condition, which a specific drug (or herb) will counteract.

It is far more appropriate to approach this condition as a manifestation of systemic disease, and use such systemic treatments as are appropriate in aiding the body to regain control.

Herbs can be most effective in supporting this sort of bodily transformation through their cleansing, strengthening and healing properties. They work best when they are part of an approach to transformation — change in body, mind and spirit — which is possibly the only effective context in which to treat cancer.[2]

Using the whole system approach we recommend alteratives[3] and specific anti-neoplastic herbs as most relevant.

Alteratives

Through the cleansing and normalizing activity of the alteratives, herbs can support the process of the body ridding itself of cancerous growths. The remedies that work via the liver, augmenting its detoxifying activity, are especially useful. These include Burdock, Yellow Dock and many others.

The kidneys’ important eliminative function is aided by Cleavers (part of the Kidney Cleansing Tea [kit]) and other herbs. Remedies that have specific tonic and cleansing action on the Lymphatic system are especially indicated in the herbal approach to cancer. Such herbs are Echinacea, Golden Seal etc. Consider the Tissue Cleansing Decoction.

Antineoplastics

To aid the body in reasserting order and structured organization in the affected tissue, we use plants that appear to have a specific action in inhibiting and combating the development of tumors.

Many claims are made for different plants, some justified, some wishful thinking. We could give an exhaustive list culled from folklore and old herbals, but while the action of some is certain, that of others is somewhat nebulous and uncertain.

Those we list in the Tissue Cleansing Decoction (CCD) are in use in modern herbal therapeutics, especially in North America. The way in which these herbs work has not been fully analyzed from a scientific standpoint, but we know that they have a definite role to play in any herbal treatment of cancer.

In addition to specific antineoplastic plants, we should remember that, through aiding an organ or tissue with supportive and sustaining remedies, a renewal and release of 'vital energy' will move the affected part of the body to heal itself of the cancer.

It may in fact be appropriate to use plants that are specific for that organ or suggested by the general state of health that have 'nothing' directly to do with cancer.

For example, if there is a long history of lung infections, but the tumor is in the stomach, utilize tonics for both lungs and stomach. As explored throughout this treatise, healing comes from the life force of our own being and herbs can only facilitate this.

More on Herbs

If herbs or natural remedies are considered (and we trust that this is the case), then one can start with Garlic (traditionally a potent cancer preventive, blood cleanser and immune system stimulant), Ginseng and Cayenne as a stimulant, Chickweed is an excellent additional blood purifier.

A powerful diuretic and potent anti-cancer herb is Cleavers which is part of our Kidney Cleansing Tea and the above-mentioned Tissue Cleansing Decoction (CCD).

Taheebo (aka Lapacho or Pau d'Arco) eliminates the pain associated with cancer and it multiplies red blood corpuscles. If pain persists, drink approximately 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. each of Lobelia and Ginseng powder in water.

A Garlic enema at the onset of pain will also bring relief. Another pain reliever is a poultice of one part Mullein and three parts Lobelia placed on the area of pain.

A Castor oil pack on the liver area will relieve the pain there. Make sure that you bring heat to the top surface by a hot water bottle or heating pad. Keep the pad in a refrigerator when not in use. A plastic pad will prevent soiling other things like the bed.

Golden Seal helps the hormonal balance, Rosehips are an excellent source of vitamin C. They help dissipate infections and improve immunity function.

Devil's Claw and Chaparral help detoxify the lymph and blood. Certain Chinese herbs in special combinations will help considerably in the restoral and maintenance of the immune system.

There are others herbs as well. Each case should be discussed in detail in order to make an intelligent choice in order to help the task of detoxification.

Caution: NEVER MIX HERBS AND SYNTHETIC PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TOGETHER AT THE SAME TIME!

More on healing/alleviating cancer pain

More herbal cancer treatments

A number of other herbal or plant preparations boast good success rates in helping heal tumors, among them

... and for ALL the best, easiest, and least expensive ways I know to heal cancer

after studying the subject for some twenty years, click here.

Footnotes

1 antineoplastic = inhibiting the development of a tumour (neoplasm or new growth)

2 Compare Holism in Health Recovery and Cancer Cure.

3 alterative = a medicine or treatment which works by changing processes within the body, rather than by evacuating something etc.

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