Bone cancer is among the rarest forms of cancer in the United States, and the University of Maryland Medical Center reports an average of 2,000 bone cancer diagnoses are made per year. As with all forms of cancer, treatment options vary; however, such treatment plans typically consist of prescription medications and surgical procedures. The University of Maryland Medical Center states a comprehensive treatment plan for bone cancer may include the use of herbs. However, never begin taking herbs without discussing the herbal medication with your physician.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw has traditionally been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, which include viral infections, arthritis, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports chemicals in cat's claw, such as sterols and tannins, are used by the body to enhance the immune system, reduce free radicals and repair cellular damage due to free radicals. Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D. suggests consuming 20 mg of cat's claw up to three times per day.
Green Tea
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that several studies have shown the consumption of green tea to be beneficial for those with cancer and for protecting the body from developing cancer. The medicinal qualities of green tea are linked to chemicals known as polyphenols and catechins. These substances are known to be powerful antioxidants, and have potential anticancer properties. While research is still necessary to determine the full effectiveness of green tea on bone cancer, preliminary research suggests that green tea can indirectly assist those with bone cancer by enhancing antioxidants in the body. Consume 250 mg to 500 mg of green tea per day in freshly brewed tea of a standardized extract.
Milk Thistle
Traditionally, milk thistle is used to treat ailments of the liver and gallbladder; however, preliminary research has found the active compounds within milk thistle may hinder cancer cell reproduction through shortening the cell lifespan and hindering the flow of blood to cancerous tumors. The primary constituents in milk thistle are compounds known as silymarin, which are reported to contain a high concentration of antioxidants. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming 80 mg to 160 mg of milk thistle two to three times per day. Ensure that the standardized extract contains a 70 percent to 80 percent concentration of silymarin.
Lifestyle Alterations
Along with herbal meds, bone cancer patients may control their symptoms by altering their lifestyle and nutritional habits. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests patients avoid consuming refined and processed foods and eliminate trans fatty acids, dairy, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol from the diet. Exercise is also vital for bone cancer patients, and if they are able, performing light to moderate exercise five days per week may help reduce the severity of bone cancer symptoms.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Bone Cancer; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Cat's Claw; July 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cat's Claw; November 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Green Tea; David Zieve, M.D., M.H.A., et al.; September 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Milk Thistle; Steven. D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; March 2009
