According to the American Society of Radiation Oncologists, two-thirds of all cancers are currently treated with some form of radiation. Radiation, or "radiotherapy," may be used as the primary treatment or as an adjunct to surgery or...
Saw palmetto is a small, spiny palm tree indigenous to Florida. This tree bears a ripe fruit that has been used medicinally as an herb for years by the Seminole tribe. Saw palmetto is found in various forms including tablets, capsules, liquid...
Infrared heat is the type of electromagnetic radiation used in microwave ovens. Because infrared heat penetrates and agitates food molecules instead of heating the surrounding area, food cooks very quickly. This feature gave microwave ovens vast...
In general, cancer begins when a change occurs in a cell's DNA called mutation. The mutation causes the cell to grow and divide uncontrollably. These dividing cells clump together and form tumors. A cancerous tumor can kill the nearby healthy...
Estrogen is a group of hormones made primarily by the female ovaries. What's most notable about their function is that they are most directly responsible for the normal sexual and reproductive development in women. Estrogen and its metabolites...
During lung cancer, cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, which may form tumors. Although cigarette smoking is the proximate cause of lung cancer, people who have never smoked can develop lung cancer. Some Ayurvedic herbs possess cancer-fighting...
Pineapple juice provides multiple beneficial vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, manganese and copper. Pineapple juice also aids in digestion and can help reduce inflammation. Several equally delicious and satisfying fruit juices contain...
Phytochemicals are a number of chemicals found in plants. Some phytochemicals are found in grape seeds, such as gallic acid and catechins. Scientific studies show that phytochemicals in grape seeds may provide health benefits. However, consult...
Many kidney patients are surprised when doctors prescribe lisinopril or some other ACE inhibitor for the treatment of kidney disease. This is particularly surprising for patients who do not have hypertension, because lisinopril is usually...
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that results in the accumulation of glucose sugars within the vascular system. There are three basic types of diabetes and are classified as Type I, Type II and gestational. Type I diabetes, which is typically...
Grapes have a long history as a food thought to confer health benefits above and beyond simple nutrition. Interest is growing regarding the potential for grape seed extract to be used as a cancer therapy aid. Several studies have observed the...
Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, with one-half medium grapefruit providing 100 percent of the daily recommended value. Grapefruit also contains bioflavonoids, or vitamin P, a nutrient that is supplied by citrus fruits. According to the Beth Israel...
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, incurable and ultimately fatal form of dementia. The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease occur because of the loss of neurons. However, the exact form of cell disease that Alzheimer's causes is not yet known....
Xanthones were first discovered and isolated in 1855 by a German scientists performing research on dysentery. Xanthones were named after the Greek word for yellow, xanthos. Xanthones are actually a yellow pigment with the highest concentrations...
Naringenin is a flavonone, a natural compound in several types of citrus fruits. According to a paper published by Dr. Erlund in "Human Nutrition and Metabolism" in 2000, naringenin is an antioxidant that has anticarcinogenic properties; it may...
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, the network of tissues and organs that manufactures and transports disease-fighting white blood cells. Lymphoma is commonly treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and...
Although aloe vera has been commonly used as a topical treatment, manufacturers have also offered derivatives of the plant in capsule form. Before you take aloe vera orally, you should consult a physician. There are side effects associated with...
The seeds of grapes may have potent biological actions. Although primarily stemming from animal studies, there is some evidence suggesting that grape seed may have the ability to reduce tumor growth with a variety of cancers. However, consult with...
Ginger is a widely cultivated tropical plant that has been used as an herbal remedy in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for at least 2,000 years. Its medicinal value is essentially due to ginger's pungent aromatic rhizome. Today, many...
The pungent mix known as curry powder can contain up to 20 different spices, but only one of them -- turmeric -- gives it the yellow tint that lends a dash of color to Indian dishes. Turmeric is also responsible for curry's anti-inflammatory...
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, according to Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website. Your chance of experiencing breast cancer is a little less than one in eight in a...
Some herbal compounds have demonstrated potential in fighting cancer. Triphala is a herb mixture that has shown some promise as an anti-cancer drug, but its effects in humans have not been tested. Talk to your doctor before using this compound or...
Triphala is an Indian ayurvedic herb. Recently, it has been investigated for use as an anti-carcinogen. Triphala has also shown antioxidant and immune-enhancing benefits in test tube studies. It contains several compounds that are responsible for...
Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. There are two forms of lymphoma, the most common of which is known as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. According to the U.K National Health Service's website, NHS Choices, lymphoma is...
Pulsatilla, also known as pasque flower and meadow anemone, is a versatile herb. Traditionally, different species of pulsatilla were used to treat dysentery, headache, pain and reproductive system disorders. The fresh plant of all pulsatilla...
Prostate cancer occurs when cells of the prostate, a walnut-sized gland responsible for producing the liquid component of semen, become malignant. Early-stage prostate cancer is often symptom-free, but urinary problems usually occur as the disease...
The prostate is a gland that starts causing problems as a man gets older, especially after the age of 50. Inflammation of the prostate and prostate cancer are two of the most common diseases affecting the prostate, according to National Institute...
Acai berries and mangosteen fruit are thought to have considerable promise as "superfoods," foods that may help protect us from disease and illness. Acai berries are sold as a juice and a pulp. Mangosteen is sold as a juice. Both acai...
Turmeric, also known as Indian saffron because of its vibrant orange color, is used as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes. Its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful medicinal herb for a variety of...
