Herbs represent the healing forces of nature. In the frenzied race to identify the right mineral or the right supplement to cure cancer, we often forget about the power of the natural plant or the whole food. There are, I believe, eight major considerations in treating a cancer patient. Obviously there needs to be a judicious selection from these herbs based on the individual case (as I have illustrated in the case history provided).
1.Strengthen body resistance and enhance vitality
This consideration recognizes that a patient can live with cancer as opposed to dying with cancer.
Panax ginseng (Panax)
Ginseng is used during convalescence to strengthen the body's resistance. Ginseng strengthens digestion and increases the function of the adrenal cortex. It increases ACTH and thereby increases cortisol production. In the alarm stage of stress the adrenal cortex response is facilitated. In the exhaustion phase there is a sparing effect on the gland. The vitamin C content and the weight of the gland are better preserved. Ginseng decreases the side effects of many toxic drugs including cancer drugs.Ginseng may assist cellular differentiation.
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
Siberian ginseng is an ideal herbal adaptogen. An adaptogen is a substance that can facilitate a nonspecific increase in the resistance of an organism to noxious influences including physical, chemical and biological stressors.It also doubles the lifetime of rats exposed to prolonged radiation. When given to cancer patients it minimized the side effects from radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, and improved healing and wellbeing. Survival time in patients with terminal disease was lengthened. While Siberian ginseng has no direct cytotoxic effect, it has been shown to stimulate the immunological reactivity of humans with cancer.
Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)
Traditionally used in Chinese Herbal Medicine as a tonic for building both vitality and blood. Astragalus helps stop debilitating sweating, promotes organ regeneration and is used for organ prolapse. Astragalus is beneficial in treating recurring colds, shortness of breath and chronic sinusitis. It tonifies the lungs, expels toxins and removes pus, and is good for deficient chronic ulcerations. The key-note for its use is chronic debility and immune depression. It is a warming herb so is well indicated wherever there are cold signs; such as sensitivity to cold, cold extremities, or white tongue moss. It is a major herb for the treatment of fatigue.
