Lymphoma refers to a group of over 50 types of cancer that originate in lymph system cells. There are two categories of lymphomas: non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease. About 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with lymphoma every year, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Scientists are researching herbs that may support lymphoma treatment, such as mistletoe and turmeric. Ask your physician which herbal remedies may be appropriate for you.
Lymphoma
The lymphatic system is an essential component of the immune system. Its tubular structure of vessels runs throughout the body, in a similar manner as the circulatory system. The spleen manufactures lymphocytes, which are blood cells that assist in protecting the body from toxins and infection. These cells are transported throughout the lymph system in a clear, thin fluid called lymph. Many kinds of lymphomas develop from lymphocytes, but not all do, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. When a cell becomes damaged and cancerous, it reproduces chaotically and forms tumors. Symptoms of lymphoma may include fever, exhaustion and swelling of lymph nodes.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is an herb used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The ground root is a bright yellow powder due to the presence of curcumin, the bioactive agent in tumeric. Currently, curcumin is being researched as a cancer-suppressing agent. Taking herbal remedies, vitamins or medicines to avert or postpone a disease, such as cancer, is called chemopreventation. According to a 2009 study published in "Expert Opinion on Investigative Drugs," curcumin has been shown to be a chemopreventative substance in that it hinders the growth of some tumor cells, including lymphoma cells. Scientists hypothesize that curcumin accomplishes this by interfering with particular survival pathways in cancer cells. As with any herb, do not use turmeric without consulting your doctor first.
Mistletoe
A Swiss-made intravenous drug made from the mistletoe plant increases the immune response against a variety of cancers, according to herbalist Michael Castleman in "The New Healing Herbs." Clinical studies in Europe over three decades have evaluated the efficacy of this mistletoe-based medicine. The research shows that mistletoe may slow the growth of tumors. The German government's Commission E, charged with assessing herbal remedies, approved mistletoe as an adjunct therapy along with conventional cancer treatment. Check with your doctor before taking mistletoe remedies to address lymphoma.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that are considered to cause harm to cells, including damaging the genetic material or DNA of a cell. Scientists conjecture that these damaged cells may be at the root of diseases such as cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Free radicals are created during food metabolism and from exposure to environmental pollutants, including cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, X-rays and ultraviolet rays, according to "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs." The natural antioxidants present in plants and minerals can help combat free radicals. If you have lymphoma or any other chronic disease, it is vital to include antioxidants in your diet. Some common herbal antioxidants are green tea, ashwagandha, elderberry, eleuthero, garlic, reishi and cat's claw, according to Castleman. Check with your doctor before using any supplement, though, to ensure safe and proper usage.
References
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lymphoma
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Lymphomas
- "Expert Opinion on Investigative Drugs"; Developing Curcumin Into a Viable Therapeutic for Lymphoma; S. Uddin, et al.; January 2009
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs"; Wayne Kalyn; 1999
