Herbs for Cancer

Astragalus– is a powerful remedy that has long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is said to tone the spleen, blood, and “chi.” Astragalus helps boost energy levels, restores damaged immunity, regenerates tissue, inhibits the growth and spread of cancer, and strengthens the heart, liver, and lungs.  Studies at the University of Houston have shown that astragalus  increases the ability of NK cells and T-cells to kill cancer cells while switching on the anti-tumor activity of Interleukin-2.  When combined with chemotherapy treatments, astragalus provides anti-neoplastic activity and decreases immunosupression and reduces the consequences with both chemo and radiation of fatigue, weight loss, anemia, nausea, while increasing WBC production which decreases life-threatening infections.   You can find [easyazon_link identifier=”B00F1J733W” locale=”US” tag=”cancomanaltro-20″]Astragalus Supplements[/easyazon_link] online or in health food stores.

Cayenne pepper– the beta-carotene contained in cayenne pepper works as an antioxidant which prevents cell damage caused by free radicals and it also lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. Hot peppers also have the ability to dissolve the fibrin (protein) layer that surround cancerous cells. This mucus works as a cloaking mechanism that prevents cancerous cells from being recognized by the immune system. Once dissolved, the cells are vulnerable to attack by the natural killer cells of the body.  Read more about cayenne peppers.

Curcumin is the principal antioxidant extracted from turmeric.  Much of curcumin’s power seems to lie in its ability to modulate genetic activity and expression—both by destroying cancer cells, and by promoting healthy cell function. It also promotes anti-angiogenesis, i.e. it helps prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth.  Read about curcumin and cancer.

Dandelion-the leaves and roots have long been used to treat liver, gall bladder and kidney problems, and can help to purify the blood. In a 2008 study on breast and prostate cancer cells, researchers found that dandelion leaf extract slowed the growth of breast cancer cells and stopped the spread of prostate cancer cells.  You can find dandelion in capsule, tincture, and tea form that contains all parts of the plant leaves, roots, and flowers.  Fresh dandelion leaves can also be consumed in salads or as a side dish.  Read more about using dandelions for cancer

Essiac Herbal Tea- is rich in both vitamins and minerals and works to detoxify the body as well as rebuild the immune system, this allows the body to defeat an illness or a diseased state by using its own resources.  Essiac must contain four essential elements: burdock root, roots and leaves from the sheep sorrel, bark from the slippery elm, and Turkish rhubarb root. Essiac Tea Herbs can  be purchased online

Garlic–  can help lower heart disease risk by as much as 76 percent by reducing cholesterol levels and by naturally thinning the blood. Garlic’s sulfur compounds also appear to ward off cancer, especially stomach and colorectal cancer. The compounds flush out carcinogens before they can damage cell DNA, and they force cancer cells to self-destruct.  Garlic is antibacterial and anti-fungal, and can help with yeast infections, sinus infections, and the common cold.

In order to take advantage of the potential anti-cancer benefits from garlic you have to peel and chop it, and then let it rest for 15 minutes before eating or cooking with it. This gives the garlic time to form the compound allicin, which is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Once that transformation has occurred, it begins the process of converting the allicin into the anti-cancer compounds diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide. Chopped garlic that is not given this time to rest will not have any of these anticancer compounds.

Ginger– helps stomach ailments including nausea and vomiting because it controls the peristaltic movement of the muscles.  Ginger also works as an anti-inflammatory and can help with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or inflammation due to injury. Ginger tea can be made by steeping one or two 1/2-inch slices of fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water. For arthritis, some people have found relief consuming as little as a 1/4-inch slice of fresh ginger cooked in food, although in the studies noted above, patients who consumed more ginger reported quicker and better relief.

Milk Thistle- the active ingredient, or liver-protecting compound is known as silymarin. This substance, which actually consists of a group of compounds called flavonolignands, helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances.  Silymarin also seems to encourage liver cell growth and regeneration. It can reduce inflammation (important for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis), and has potent antioxidant effects.

Nettles -helps with coughs, colds, allergies, eczema, skin problems, intestinal disorders, lupus and arthritis. The nettle leaves increase thyroid function, increase metabolism, and releases mucus in the colon allowing for the release of excess waste.  Nettle can be taken as capsule, tea, or tincture.

Pau D’ Arco- the inner bark of the tree has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal agents that have been shown to be effective against candida, herpes, prostitus, cancer, Hodgkin’s disease and AIDS. It also has the added benefit of providing relief from cancer related pain, with at least one company obtaining a U.S. patent based on their research findings in regards to cancer. Read about Pau D’ Arco and cancer.