Welcome to herbs2000.com - Number one source of traditional and nutritional health care.

Let herbs be your medicine and medicine be your herbs!

Cancer

There are more than a hundred types of cancer, all marked by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Most begin as solid tumors, from which cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Untreated, cancer cells can overpower normal cells and sap the body's vital nutrients, resulting in grave illness or even death.

Why healthy cells turn cancerous is unknown. But such factors as smoking, excessive sun exposure, pollutants, stress, and a poor diet appear to play a role. Any of these may weaken the immune system, which is then unable to attack cancer cells effectively, or expose the body to free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cells. Heredity also seems to be a key element in the development of many types of cancer.

Supplements and herbs

In cancer treatment, supplements stir intense debate. Studies conflict, and a parade of fraudulent "miracle cures" is offered-often at a steep price. While there are no natural treatments that have been shown to cure cancer, a number of supplements, taken daily over the long term, do show promise as valuable additions to conventional cancer therapies. Vitamin A, along with the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids (especially beta-carotene and Iycopene) , selenium, and coenzyme Q 10 helps protect cells from free radicals and may inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. These supplements may be particularly beneficial for people who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation-procedures that damage healthy cells as they attack cancer cells. Folic acid may be beneficial for cancer patients, but it can mask vitamin B12 deficiency.

Rotating Echinacea in three-week cycles with extracts of medicinal mushrooms and other immune-boosting herbs may help to strengthen overall immunity during cancer treatments. (Vitamin C also bolsters the immune system, aiding it in fighting off any cancer cells remaining in the body after treatment.) The Coriolus versicolor mushroom has shown particular promise against lung, stomach, and colon cancers. Taking a liver detoxification formula (sometimes called a lipotropic combination in health-food stores) to help prevent the buildup of dangerous cancer promoting toxins in the body may hold some potential for prevention.

What else you can do

Eat a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.
Join a support group: Studies show this step can prolong your survival.
Try exercise, meditation, biofeedback, massage, or imaging techniques to help reduce stress, lessen anxiety, and ease symptoms.

Usual dosage

Vitamin A: 25,000 IU a day for 1 month, then 10,000 IU a day.
Take only 5,000 IU a day if you may become pregnant.
Vitamin C / Vitamin E: 2,000 mg vitamin C 3 times a day; 400 IU vitamin E twice a day.
Vitamin C helps boost the effects of vitamin E.
Carotenoids: 3 pills mixed carotenoids a day with food.
Each pill should supply 25,000 IU vitamin A activity.
Selenium: 200 mcg a day.
Don't exceed 600 mcg daily; higher doses maybe toxic.
Coenzyme Q 10: 200 mg each morning.
For best absorption, take with food.
Folic acid: 400 mcg a day.
Take folic acid with 1 mg vitamin B12.
Echinacea: 200 mg 3 times a day.
Rotate in 3-week cycles with astragalus (400 mg twice a day), pau d'arco (500mg twice a day), and mushrooms (below).
Mushrooms: 500 mg reishi, 400 mg shiitake, 200 mg maitake 3 times a day; and/or 3,000 mg Coriolus versicolor divided into 2 daily doses.
Avoid reishi mushrooms if you're on anticoagulants.

For kids

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

If your child is undergoing chemotherapy, astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) can be used to support her immune system. It has been shown to diminish some of the side effects of chemotherapy, including poor appetite, hair loss, and depression. Give your child one dose, two to three times a day, as needed.
Note: This herb should not be given if a fever or any other signs of infection are present.
A tea of ginger or peppermint, or a combination of the two, helps to lessen the nausea that may be caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. Give your child one dose of tea as needed.
Note: If you are giving your child a tea containing peppermint as well as a homeopathic preparation, allow one hour between the two. Otherwise, the strong smell of the mint may interfere with the action of the homeopathic remedy.
Siberian ginseng is useful for a child whose main difficulty is fatigue. It improves energy and also acts to protect the liver from being damaged by chemotherapy and/ or radiation treatment. Give your child one dose daily, as needed.
Some studies have found that shiitake mushrooms have antitumor properties. The whole mushrooms can be added to foods, such as soups. Shiitake is also available in capsule form. Follow dosage directions on the product label.

More useful herbs

Back To Top

Thank you for visiting herbs2000.com, and have a nice & healthy day!