While cancer is a multifaceted illness stemming from various causes, you may help decrease your chances of getting certain types of cancers. Specifically, certain herbs have been found to prevent the spread of certain types of cancer. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any type of cancer with herbs.
Astragalus Mongholicus
Astragulus mongholicus is a perennial shrub used to treat conditions such as night sweats and chronic ulcers. Astragulus mongholicus shows preliminary evidence as a potential anti-breast cancer herb. A study published in June 2009 "Medical Journal of National Defending Forces in Northwest China" found that this herb stopped the proliferation of human breast cancer cells in vitro. Consult your primary care physician before using astragulus mongholicus.
Clove
Clove is a common cooking herb that comes from the dried flower buds of a type of evergreen tree. Clove may have potential in the prevention against cancer. A study published in 2006 in "Carcinogenesis" found that clove exhibited chemopreventive properties. A chemopreventive is something that prevents cancer cells from forming.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe actually refers to a group of plants that attach themselves to and in between the branches and shrubs of trees. Mistletoe has been studied in relation to cancer prevention, and the outcomes have been promising. For example, a study published in June 2008 in "Cancer Letters" found that mistletoe led to the death of human leukemia cells in vitro. In fact, the authors mention that mistletoe is one of the most popular chemopreventive herbs used in alternative medicine therapies. Contact a health practitioner familiar with mistletoe's use for dosing guidelines for your individual needs.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is often disregarded as a pesky garden weed. However, dandelion has many uses in alternative medicine. Among the potential benefits of dandelion is cancer prevention. A study published in 2011 in "Evidence Based Complement Alternative Medicine" found that dandelion kills melanoma cells while keeping healthy cells intact. Check with your doctor before using any sort of supplement, however, to ensure safe and proper usage.
References
- "Medical Journal of National Defending Forces in Northwest China"; Effects of Astragalus Mongholicus on the Expressions of VEGF and CXCR4 in Human Breast Cancer Cells; Feng Zhang, et al.; June 2009
- "Carcinogenesis"; Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum L.), a Potential Chemopreventive Agent for Lung Cancer; Sarmistha Banerjee, et al.; 2006
- "Cancer Letters"; Molecular Mechanisms of Mistletoe Plant Extract-Induced Apoptosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia In Vivo and In Vitro; Georg Seiferta, et al.; June 2008
- "Evidence Based Complement Alternative Medicine"; The Efficacy of Dandelion Root Extract in Inducing Apoptosis in Drug-Resistant Human Melanoma Cells; S.J. Chatterjee, et al.; 2011
