Your lymph system is made up of the thymus gland, lymph nodes, bone marrow and the spleen. This complex structure also manufactures and accumulates white blood cells. Additionally, it features capillaries and slender tubes that transport white blood cells and lymphatic fluid to the body's tissues. When cancer of the lymphatic system occurs, it is called lymphoma. Specific herbs may be useful for supporting the immune system during an occurrence of lymphoma, as noted by the University of Maryland. Use of herbs should not substitute for conventional medical care -- seek advice from your doctor.
Graviola
Graviola is a tropical evergreen plant prized for its delicious fruit. In the tropics, traditional practitioners use the bark, root, fruit, fruit seeds and leaves for healing purposes. Leslie Taylor writes in "The Healing Power of the Rainforest Herbs" that acetogenin compounds in graviola have been shown to be toxic to human lymphoma cells in test-tube experiments. Acetogenins are a bioactive elements that occur naturally in plants of the Annonaceae family, including paw paw and graviola. According to a 1993 article in "Phytochemical Analysis," acetogenins are anti-tumor compounds that show promise in fighting cancer. Use graviola under a physician's supervision.
Turmeric
Early research on turmeric indicates its effectiveness as an anti-cancer agent, reports a 2009 article in the journal "Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs." Turmeric, which contains the phytochemical curcumin, may able to inhibit the growth of blood vessels connected to cancerous tumors. Curcumin has also shown promise as a chemopreventative that inhibits lymphoma cells from reproducing. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant as well an anti-inflammatory. Often used as a culinary spice, turmeric is available in extracts, capsules and tinctures. Seek advice frοm a qualified health practitioner before ...sing turmeric.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw, whose botanical name is Uncaria tomentosa, is a tropical vine held in high regard for its healing qualities. Traditional practitioners have used it for centuries to treat cancer, asthma and rheumatism, among other illnesses, explains Taylor. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that this plant showed anti-cancer activity against cancer cells in test tube research, which is also termed in vitro research. In other in vitro testing, alkaloids in cat's claw demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Cat's claw bark is now a popular and widely-available supplement and can be purchased in tinctures and capsules. Ask a qualified healthcare practitioner whether this herb is appropriate for your condition.
Herb Safety
Do not use graviola if you have cardiac disease or low blood pressure. This plant has been known to cause vomiting and nausea, reports Taylor. She also writes that cat's claw should not be taken if you are on immunosuppressant or blood thinning drugs. If you take drugs to lower gastric acid, turmeric should be avoided. Turmeric is also contraindicated if you take diabetic medications, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals"; Leslie Taylor; 2004
- "Phytochemical Analysis"; Annonaceous Acetogenins: An Updated Review; Xin Ping Fang et al.; January-February 1993
- "Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs"; Developing Curcumin into a Viable Therapeutic for Lymphoma; S. Uddin, et al.; January 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Cat's Claw
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lymphoma
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