You have many treatment options for cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and alternative therapies such as herbal remedies. Medicinal herbs for cancer aren't meant as a cure, but can offer some relief from effects of the cancer. The Plants for a Future website lists medicinal herbs for cancer patients and rate them according to use and palatability.
Aloe
Aloe, also known as Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis, is an evergreen perennial succulent. The gel from the aloe vera plant leaves is used as a wound healer and burn treatment. Folk remedies include this as a cancer herb. Taken internally, it can help some cancer side effects including aiding in digestion, treating constipation and relieving a poor appetite. The Plants for a Future website lists it has having a soothing effect for burns and this could aid radiation burns from cancer therapy.
Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn is a European deciduous shrub that is used for food and medicinal purposes. It has an edible fruit that is high in vitamin C and is the only part that is used on the plant medicinally. The fruit is useful against radiation burns from cancer therapy. Fruit can be given for a vitamin and essential fatty acid infusion. The fruit is in clinical trials for halting the growth of cancer according to Plants for a Future.
Pacific Yew
The Pacific yew is an evergreen tree with all parts being potentially toxic except the fruit's flesh. The fruit is sweet and berry-like. Plants for a Future website notes that the shoots and bark contain "taxol", which is showing positive results as an anti-cancer drug. Taxol is promising especially for ovarian cancer where it shows the best results. It takes six trees worth of bark to treat one cancer patient.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is thought as a memory booster; however its raw seeds are being tested for anti-cancer properties. It may be promising for its ability to reduce lethargy, which would help cancer patients fatigued by their therapy. Ginkgo is also an antifungal, antibacterial and an astringent.
Garlic
Garlic, or Allium sativum, has been reported to reduce cancer risk, especially in gastric and colorectal cancers according to Medline Plus. Further testing on garlic and garlic supplements and its anti-cancer abilities are being funded. Some may be allergic to garlic and there are the side effects of runny nose, headache, itching, fever, chills, sweating and dizziness that have been reported.
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