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 properties, particularly in the treatment of certain lung cancers. Nevertheless, you must always consult with your medical service provider before using them.
Green Tea
A component of green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate appears to protect against lung cancer by causing cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis -- a normal physiological process by which your body get rids of unwanted cells, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea polyphenols selectively kill cancer cells that have become resistant to apoptosis.
Astragalus
Astragalus, a Chinese medicinal herb, stimulates your body's immune system to inhibit cancer growth in organs, particularly the lungs, according to DePaul University. When your immune system is strong enough, it produces more antibodies that can lyse and kill cancer cells. The main constituent of astragalus IL-2 compound helps to activate T lymphocytes -- the body's natural cancer killer cells.
Rhizoma Zedoariae
The cancer protective effect of beta elemene, the chief constituent of the Chinese herb Rhizoma Zedoariae, on lung cancer cells is mediated by regulating cell cycling and inducing apoptotic cell death, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Cancer cells proliferate repeatedly in response to DNA damage in the cells. Therefore, preventing cell division allows time to repair DNA, thus enhancing cancer prevention.
