Your kidneys are responsible for producing hormones to regulate red blood cell production and blood pressure, as well as purifying blood by eliminating waste through urine. Kidney tumors may occur on either kidney, and many tumors remain undetected as they cause only mild symptoms. Treating tumors typically involves chemotherapy, surgery and prescription medications. Alternative medicine proponents claim several herbs and natural substances may help treat kidney tumors. While initial research may be promising for some herbs, do not use any herb without first discussing its safety and dosage with your physician.
Garlic
Garlic is a common ingredient in a variety of dishes. However, this flavoring herb also has potential anti-cancer benefits. The primary active constituent of garlic is allicin, derived from alliin. As alliin breaks down, it is converted into allicin, which the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests is one of the most active compounds responsible for garlic's health benefits. According to the Phillip DeMars Cancer Fund, the phytochemicals in garlic may have anti-tumor properties, so this herb may help shrink tumors such as kidney tumors. If consumed in supplement form, make sure the supplement contains 1.3 percent alliin or 0.6 percent allicin for maximum potency. Talk with your doctor about adding garlic supplements to your daily supplementation routine.
Acetic Acid and Citric Acid
The A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research reports acetic acid and citric acid may potentially inhibit phosphofructokinase, the primary enzyme responsible for feeding energy to cancer cells. In order for cancer cells such as those found in tumors to survive, they require a process known as glycolosis to provide them with energy. Glycolosis is the metabolism of glucose, or sugar. Researchers have found that acetic acid and citric acid shut down glycolosis, which in turn eliminates the cancer cells' energy source. Once the cancer cell energy supply is removed, the cancer cells commit cellular suicide. You may obtain acetic acid from vinegar and citric acid from fructose. Discuss the use of these natural compounds with your physician.
Green Tea
Green tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, and researchers have found that this herb may potentially have anti-cancer benefits. The primary active compounds in green tea are polyphenols known as catechins. Catechins are classified as potent antioxidants, which work to eradicate free radicals from your body. The A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research suggests green tea extract may assist in inhibiting glycolosis, the process cancer cells rely on for energy. By shutting down glycolosis, cancer cells may die off due to lack of food, or energy. Further research is required to determine the full effectiveness of green tea on kidney tumors. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming 240 to 320 mg of green tea polyphenols per day; however, your physician may suggest a different amount.
Safety Considerations
While the use of natural supplements for cancer may help reduce the size and scope of tumors, do not utilize any herbal remedy without first discussing its use and safety with your physician. If you are on medications, certain herbs may cause adverse reactions.
