Epithelial cells cover the surface of the cervix and normally regenerate, regrow and repair this delicate tissue at a rapid rate. Although the Pap test is intended to screen for cervical cancer, most abnormal findings are due to sexually transmitted disease. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now recognized as the agent responsible for up to 90 percent of cervical malignancies. HPV causes tiny squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), also known as dysplasia. Although such lesions could eventually become cancerous, the immune system is capable of resolving most infections. Alternative treatments may assist healing.
Healthy Lifestyle
Foods high in antioxidants, such as brightly colored vegetables and fruits, are known to have a protective effect on cells. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reminds women that many individuals are infected with HPV but that most do not get cervical cancer. Women who eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight have a lower risk.
Oncologist Phillip Castle of the National Cancer Institute has reported a link between smoking and cervical cancer. A carcinogenic chemical, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), has been found in the cervical mucus of smokers. It is not known if smoking inhibits the immune response against HPV, if smoking causes DNA damage that makes cells more vulnerable to HPV, or if BaP somehow interacts with and proliferates the growth of HPV. Castle suggests that it isn't necessary to know how smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer, only that it does. Like most experts, Castle states that the majority of HPV infections clear up spontaneously without treatment. For HPV-induced cervical lesions to become cancerous, there must be a high number of viral organisms and persistent infection.
Herbal Remedies
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen the body's immune system. Four teaspoons of dried herb in 1 quart of boiling water can be steeped covered 5 to10 minutes for leaves or flowers, or 10 to 20 minutes for roots, to extract active ingredients. Strain and drink 2 to 4 cups daily. UMMC lists the following herbs that may reduce inflammation and fight infection: cat's claw, green tea, bromelain, tumeric and reishi mushroom. Tumeric has a slight blood-thinning effect: Talk to your doctor if you are on an aspirin regimen.
Aloe Vera, B Complex and Propolis
In 2006, researchers in Bosnia tried natural remedies to heal cervical dysplasia. The scientists chose aloe vera because of its reported ability to inhibit cancer growth and stimulate immune response; bee propolis for its alleged antiviral, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties; and B vitamins for their influence on the immune system. Fifty-five women were divided randomly into two groups. The first group received standard (control) treatments, and the second group used intravaginal applications of a mixture of an antiviral cream, aloe vera and bee propolis, and took an oral B complex vitamin supplement. After six months, 90 percent of women in the control group were still HPV positive, while 100 percent of subjects in the second (alternative) group were free of the virus.
References
- American Cancer Society: What Causes Cancer of the Cervix?
- "Journal of Virology," How Does Tobacco Smoke Contribute to Cervical Carcinogenesis?; Phillip E. Castle; June 2008, 82(12)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cervical Dysplasia
- "Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences," Efficacy in treatment of cervical HRHPV infection by combination of beta interferon, and herbal therapy in woman with different cervical lesions; E. Iljazovic et al.; Nov. 2006, 6(4)
