The Hoxsey Therapy was developed by Harry Hoxsey in the early 1900s. The Hoxsey Therapy began with an elixir composed of a variety of supplements and herbs and an herb-based topical paste that was administered at Hoxsey clinics throughout the U.S. Later, dietary guidelines were added to enhance the herbal treatment's effectiveness because Hoxsey realized that adding cancer-fighting foods such as whole fruits, vegetables and grains would strengthen the body's immune system and promote healing. The therapy is still administered today at the Bio-Medical Center in Mexico.
Fruits
The diet component of Hoxsey Therapy relies on eating foods that offer an abundance of nutrients and cancer-fighting properties. These include grapefruits, oranges and lemons, which contain monoterpenes. Monoterpenes flush cancer cells from the body. Oranges and lemons also contain limonene. Limonene promotes the growth of cancer-killing cells. Red grapes have bioflavonoids. These bioflavonoids are strong antioxidants that prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Papayas contain vitamin C and folic acid. Vitamin C is known to have antioxidant properties while folic acid minimizes the risk of certain cancers, according to the The National Cancer Institute. Raspberries and figs offer a variety of vitamins and minerals. Raspberries are high in antioxidants and other plant components that offer cancer fighting properties.
Vegetables
The effectiveness of Hoxsey Therapy relies on the body's ability to use the nutrients it receives. Fresh vegetables offer a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that strengthen and support the immune system. Carrots and sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene and other nutrients that offer cancer-fighting benefits.Jalapenos and chili peppers contain capsaicin. Capsaicin lessens the risk of cancer caused by nitrosamines, according to the National Cancer Institute. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain antioxidants that help reduce the risk of cancer. They are also full of vitamins and minerals that the immune system needs to remain healthy and fight off various illnesses. Shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms are also thought to aid in the fight against cancer. Mushrooms contain polysaccharides that help strengthen the body's immune system.
Grains
Whole grains contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as large amounts of fiber, all of which are recommended for optimal success of the Hoxsey Therapy. Flax is a grain that contain omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to vitamin E and selenium. Flax also contains lignans. Lignans act like antioxidants and may be able to suppress changes in cancer cells. The Hoxsey Treatment depends on the antioxidant capabilities that grains have to offer. Tapioca comes from the cassava plant. It is high in the vitamin B17, which is thought to be a strong cancer-fighting vitamin.
Diet Restrictions
There are specific foods that the Hoxsey Therapy discourages. Tomatoes, vinegar, pickles, pork and salt should be avoided. Additives and preservatives should also be avoided. Highly processed foods that contain bleached flour and sugar are also on the do-not-eat list.
Alcohol and carbonated beverages are full of empty calories and offer little nutritive value. These should also be avoided, according to the American Cancer Society.
The Treatment
A Hoxsey treatment is designed specifically for each individual. Components vary according to patient and the clinic administering the treatment. External preparations are applied directly to the surface of the tumor or lesion. They can contain sulfur, blood root, zinc chloride and antimony trisulfide and may be slightly caustic.
The herbal elixir that is taken internally as part of Hoxsey Therapy can include red clover, cascara, potassium iodide, burdock root, prickly ash bark and licorice.
It is believed that the internal elixir, the external paste and the addition of cancer fighting foods to the diet, strengthens the body and it's immune system so that it can rid itself of cancer.
