Although the allopathic medical community has been diligently working on effective cancer treatments for decades, treatment options have changed little over the years. The conventional approach includes chemotherapy and radiation, both of which can be dangerous. Herbalists from different cultures, however, have been treating cancer for centuries, using natural methods. Medical doctors are beginning to recognize that patients are now looking for a more integrated approach, complementing conventional medicine with alternative medicine, including herbs.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a culinary herb used in Indian dishes. It adds flavor and a golden color to foods. It has also been used for centuries by herbalists in the east to treat cancer. The Cancer Research Center of the UK reports that a number of studies with animals shows curcumin, a chemical component of turmeric, to have anti-cancer properties. It seems to not only be able to kill cancer cells, but prevent more from growing. Although more studies are being done, turmeric may currently offer the most promising herbal cancer treatment. The recommended dose is 400 mg, twice a day.
Acai Berry
Acai berries have recently become popular in the United States as the latest wonder food. But they have been used by natives in Central and South America for hundreds of years. Acai is very nutritious, containing a full spectrum of protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty-acids. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant. Laboratory tests done by Stephen Talcott of the University of Florida, showed that acai extracts killed up to 86 percent of cancer cells. Although the lab tests done at UF are only preliminary studies, researchers are optimistic that acai berries will prove an excellent anti-cancer treatment. There are no recommended doses yet, but acai berries can be purchased fresh or frozen, added to salads or mixed in smoothies.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is technically a parasitic plant that grows on oak and other trees. It has been used in many herbal formulas to boost the immune system and treat cancer. The National Cancer Institute lists several studies done using mistletoe in conjunction with and independent of conventional cancer treatments. They note that mistletoe extracts are effective at killing cancer cells with few side effects. Animal studies done show that the herb may also be helpful in decreasing the side effects of standard anticancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. Mistletoe extracts are normally given by injection, and should only be administered by a licensed healthcare professional.
Herbal Formulas
There are two popular alternative herbal formulas: Hoxsey and Essiac. The Hoxsey formula is issued by the BioMedical clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. However, the Essiac Formula is available in most natural health foods stores or online. It contains several herbs, including: burdock root, indian rhubard, sheep sorrel, and slippery elm. The Essiac Flor-Essence formula also includes kelp, blessed thistle, watercress and red clover blossom. It has been used in complementary medicine since the 1920s. There are dozens of testimonials regarding its effectiveness, but clinical studies done by various groups have produced mixed results. A laboratory study done at Purdue University showed that the Essiac Formula actually slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells. Essiac Formula is taken as a tea, 1 to 12 ounces per day.
Precautions
It is important to note that vitamins and herbs are considered "food," and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration the same way that medications are. While this is good news for consumers (no prescription needed), it does mean that there are no federal standards for manufacturing of herbs. Unfortunately, not all herbs are the same. Try to find quality products sold by reputable companies.
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