Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer and is the leading cause of death from skin disease, the National Center for Biotechnology Information notes. There are four principal types of melanoma, the Center states, including superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma. Herbs may help treat your melanoma, but before using herbs for this condition you should speak with your doctor or cancer specialist.
Melanoma Information
The National Health Service of the United Kingdom states that melanoma, also called malignant melanoma, is a rare type of cancer that can spread to various organs throughout your body. Melanoma accounts for about 10 percent of all cases of skin cancer, the Service reports. There are several characteristic features of moles, sores, lumps or growths that may suggest you have melanoma, including lesions that are asymmetric, have irregular borders, are different colors and are larger than 6 mm in diameter.
Appropriate Herbs
There are several appropriate herbs that may help treat melanoma and other types of skin cancer. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch notes that skin cancers, including melanoma, may respond favorably to poultices containing wood sage, ragwort and comfrey. Herbs that cleanse your blood and lymph nodes, such as burdock and red clover, may also be helpful in treating this condition. Potent antioxidants include ginkgo and curcumin, while green tea has demonstrated anticancer action in various research studies.
A Helpful Herb
Sarsaparilla may be a helpful herbal remedy in the treatment of melanoma. Balch reports that sarsaparilla helps stimulate your liver, stabilizes your blood composition and may halt the proliferation of cancer cells. The roots and rhizomes of the sarsaparilla plant have been used to treat many health problems, from female sexual dysfunction to nervous system conditions to rheumatoid arthritis. Sarsaparilla, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes, is used to treat cancer, urinary tract infections and dysentery.
Additional Information
Melanoma can lead to life-threatening health complications, such as the spread, or metastasis, of cancer to other parts of your body, including your organs. Other possible complications associated with melanoma include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, pain and other symptoms that commonly occur with conventional cancer treatments. Herbs may be a helpful adjunct therapy in your melanoma treatment, but in most cases, herbs alone should not be used for this condition. Talk with your cancer specialist before using herbs to treat your melanoma.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Melanoma
- National Health Service: Skin Cancer
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Smilax Glabra
