In 2010, more than 222,500 new diagnoses of lung cancer were made, and more than 157,000 individuals died of the disease. There are many treatments for lung cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but some individuals use herbal therapies in conjunction with traditional treatments. These complementary and alternative treatments may be effective in some individuals, but it is best to consult your health care team before using any herbal treatments for lung cancer. Some treatments might interfere with cancer therapy, so it is best to talk with them about whether it is safe for you to take herbal therapies.
Step 1
Take 2 to 6 mg of melatonin at bedtime. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, melatonin can help boost immune function and aid with sleep, and higher doses can be especially beneficial for individuals with lung cancer. Chemotherapy might weaken the immune system, and melatonin can help strengthen it. Ask your health care team before taking melatonin, as it can interfere with various medications.
Step 2
Drink ginseng tea or take ginseng capsules. Asian ginseng and American ginseng have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. American ginseng has been found to inhibit tumor growth, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, which adds that research suggests Asian ginseng reduces the risk of certain cancers, including lung cancer, and slows down tumor growth, although more studies need to be performed.
Step 3
Consume at least one cup of green tea daily. The American Association for Cancer Research presented a study that found that among smokers and nonsmokers, individuals who did not consume green tea had a 5.16-fold increased risk of developing lung cancer, compared with those who drank at least one cup daily. Drinking at least one cup of green tea even reduced the risk of lung cancer in smokers.
Step 4
Buy grapeseed extract tablets that are standardized to 40 to 80 percent proanthocyanidins or that have an OPC content of at least 95 percent, advises UMMC. Grapeseed extract has been shown to slow the growth of lung cancer cells in test tubes, but more studies need to be done to obtain conclusive evidence.
Step 5
Consume a quercetin supplement. According to the American Cancer Society, quercetin is a flavonoid, or plant-based chemical, which has antioxidant properties. Diets high in flavonoids have been shown to lower the risk of certain types of cancers, including lung cancer, and quercetin might slow down the growth of cancer cells and promote cell death of cancer cells, says the American Cancer Society.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lung cancer
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American ginseng
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian ginseng
- American Association for Cancer Research: Green tea could modify the effect of cigarette smoking on lung cancer risk
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Grapeseed
- American Cancer Society: Quercetin
