The Natural Route to Battling Breast Cancer
Statistics claim breast cancer to be the second largest cause of death in women, second only to lung cancer. One of the biggest problems related with the treatment of cancer is that a resistance to the synthetic anticancer drugs develops in patients and hence the search for alternative and herbal therapies is continuously going on. There are many herbs which have been reported to have health benefits in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in many research studies and clinical trials.
The treatment of breast cancer
The traditional form of treatment of breast cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biologic therapy and/or radiation. Generally women suffering from breast cancer receive more than one kind of treatment. The treatment modalities of cancer which are a tad apart from the standard treatments are referred to as complementary and alternative medicine. As an adjunct with the traditional therapy these complementary therapies including meditation, yoga, and supplements like vitamins and herbs are being popularly used these days. it is imperative to mention here that you should always consult your doctor before using any of these therapies and some of these therapies are not tried and tested scientifically and hence may not be considered safe for use.
Natural therapy for breast cancer
The most popular natural therapies for the treatment and management of breast cancer are the use of nutritional supplements including of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants; special vegetarian and macrobiotic diets and even the use of physical activity and meditation to create a harmony between the mind, body and spirit of the cancer patients. Many studies have been conducted to report that these natural therapies have helped patients in maintaining body weight, balancing female hormones, and improving cognitive function, fatigue, general mood and inflammation.
Special diet for breast cancer
It has been proven that cancer cannot survive in an oxygen rich and alkaline environment to and hence the use of juices, nutrition and herbs creates an oxygen rich environment in the body which acts against cancer cells. Raw, vegan diet complemented with the medicinal benefits of herbs have been shown to possess anti-cancer effects. Raw fruits and vegetables, almonds, raisins, water and fresh fruit juices all help in avoiding toxins which are present in cooked and carcinogenic foods. It is also helpful in maintaining acid/alkali balance in the body. Clinical nutritionists have provided a list of certain foods which are associated with preventing the risk of breast cancer in women. These foods are flaxseeds, Brazil nuts, Garlic, dark green leafy vegetables, pomegranate, salmon, broccoli and broccoli sprouts, peppers, turmeric, walnuts and berries.
Herbs in the treatment of cancer
Certain herbs have also been found to help in your fight against breast cancer. There are many herbs which have been cited to be “cancer active.” Some of these are Astragalus, Berberis family, Blood root, Cat’s claw, Echinacea, Feverfew, Golden Seal, Milk Thistle, Red clover, Wheatgrass, and wormwood. Astragalus is considered to be an immune system booster which enhances the body’s natural production of interferon. The use of this herb in cancer and AIDS has given encouraging reports. Berberis has also shown strong action against cancer. Blood root is a herb which has persistently showed neoplastic activity. Cat’s claw is also an adaptogen and immune stimulant and enhances the function of the white cells to remove the cells; Research studies have given conclusive reports of the role of Cat’s claw in reducing the size of the tumor. Turmeric or curcumin has significant anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity. Upcoming research has brought forth the use of turmeric in reducing the size of the cancer tumors and inhibiting the blood supply to the growth of the tumors. Its antioxidant properties also provide it with protective benefits. Echinacea is also a herb which acts as an immune system booster and is helpful in increasing the levels of certain immune white cells in the body. Feverfew is another herb which shows extremely good efficacy in killing leukemia cells. Golden seal is an anti-microbial and is helpful in the treatment of cancer. Milk thistle is an herb which is capable of protecting the liver during chemotherapy of breast cancer. It does not possess any anti-cancer activity of its own but is helpful in the treatment of cancer. Red clover is also a potential herb used against a number of cancer treatments including breast cancer. The fresh juiced wheatgrass acts as a blood purifier and detoxifies and purifies the liver and kidney during therapy. It enhances the concentration of the circulating oxygen in the blood and hence is an enemy of the cancer cells. Wormwood is another Chinese herb which helps the cancer patients by exhibiting its anti-microbial and anti-yeast effects. Research has also shown wormwood to have direct anti-cancer effects. Research has also proven that marjoram herb (Origanum majorana) is also known to inhibit the growth of cultured invasive breast cancer cells. It has also been proven that the high concentration of this herb can prevent the cancer cells from forming a colony which is a property making the cancer deadly invasive.
Along with the use of traditional treatments of breast cancer, it is essential to use the alternative therapies and herbs for cancer. Maintaining overall health and general balance of the acids and alkalis in the body is also of extreme significance as well as creating an oxygen rich environment within the body. The use of herbs and natural foods can create a healthy body which is able to prevent and combat cancer in every possible way.
Category: CANCER
