According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and its incidence is rising in the United States. There are several types of skin cancer, the most common of which are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both forms are commonly caused by over-exposure to the sun and usually affect skin on the head, arms, neck and lower legs. Skin cancer is usually treated by cutting away the cancerous skin under a local anesthetic. However, advanced cases may require more extensive surgery or radiotherapy treatments. Some herbs may give the body a boost and aid healing, but should never be solely relied on to treat skin cancer.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is an herb with skin protecting properties, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), ginkgo has a long history of use in Chinese medicine and is often found in skin care products. Ginkgo may cause side effects including nausea, dizziness and headache. Do not take ginkgo if you are using anticoagulants or have a bleeding disorder as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Do not consume raw ginkgo seeds as they contain a chemical called called ginkgotoxin, which can can cause seizures and even death, notes NCCAM.
Bilberry
Bilberry is another herb often used to protect and maintain skin health, although the UMMC website says that there is no scientific evidence to show it can treat skin cancer. Bilberry is related to the blueberry and according to NCCAM has been used in traditional medicine for almost a thousand years. Bilberry may be consumed by eating the fruit itself or taking it as a tea or as a standardized extract. The plant's leaf is sometimes used to make an extract, but NCCAM does not recommend taking bilberry leaf extract as it may have toxic effects.
Green Tea
Green tea, also known as Japanese or Chinese tea, contains antioxidants known as polyphenols that help protect against free radicals. According to the UMMC website, the main polyphenol in green tea, known as epigallocatechin gallate, may stop skin tumors from growing. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, notes that some people put green tea bags on their skin to try and prevent skin cancer from sun exposure. Green tea, which is usually taken as a beverage, is generally safe when consumed in moderation. However, it contains caffeine, which may cause headache, irritability and tremor.
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