Cancer describes a vast number of diseases in which abnormal cells have developed and divided in the body. These cancerous cells can destroy healthy tissues and spread like wildfire all over the body. With new screening and early detection, survival rates are increasing for many cancer patients. Conventional treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Alternative treatments for cancer, including herbal and nutritional remedies, are also available. Consult with your physician before using conventional and alternative treatments together.
Spirulina
Studies have shown that this blue-green algae can increase the production of natural killer cells in the body. These NK cells bind to tumor cells and destroy them with lethal chemicals. Not only does this herb increase the number of NK cells, but also improves their strength and efficacy. Spirulina boasts a high nutrient content, including essential fatty acids, vitamin B12 and iron. These components are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and a strong immune system.
Milk Thistle
This herb contains a chemical known as silybin, which competes for estrogen receptor sites in cancers that are stimulated by the hormone. Silymarin, also found in milk thistle, can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, according to studies conducted at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Milk thistle is also suggested to aid in the destruction of cancer cells in the liver, as well as cause cancerous cells in the prostate to return to a normal state.
Garlic
This well-known flavorful herb has undergone numerous studies to learn more about its impact on cancer. It is an excellent herbal remedy to be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments. For example, using garlic powder with selenium can increase the efficacy of selenium supplements in inhibiting breast cancer growth. This herb may also prevent the development of blood supplies to tumors, thereby inhibiting their continued growth. The National Cancer Institute provides information about garlic and cancer prevention, including the association of increased consumption with a reduced risk for stomach, pancreas, and breast cancers, just to name a few.
Essiac® Tea
This herbal tea is comprised of four herbs; burdock root, Indian rhubarb root, sheep sorrel, and slippery elm bark. The mainstream appearance of the formula started with a nurse named Caisse in Canada, who was given the decoction by a patient claiming it had cured her breast cancer in 1922. Since that time, the tea has been used by countless numbers of people for the treatment of cancer, as well as basic immune support. Studies have been conducted over time with conflicting results. One study conducted at Indiana University-Purdue University found that the Essiac® formula decreased the reproduction of cancer cells in the prostate.
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