Non-Toxic Herbs Vs. Radiation for Cancer

Herbal supplements are often used along with or as an alternative to conventional cancer treatments. While some benefits of herbs have been demonstrated, as of 2010 there is not enough research to support the use of only herbs for treatment or prevention of cancer. However, herbs may help patients deal with symptoms of cancer and cancer treatments.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• Herbal medicine is one of the most common forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by patients with cancer, explains CancerHelp.org. The two main types of herbal medicine are Western herbal medicine, which looks at overall health, family history and patient lifestyle, and Chinese herbal medicine, which incorporates herbs, acupuncture, massage, breathing and movement exercises. Herbal medicine is typically used to help patients cope with physical and mental symptoms associated with cancer and its conventional treatments.

Herbs

• The list of herbs associated with cancer treatment is quite extensive. Herbal-Supplemts-Guide.com recommends turmeric, green tea extract, maitake extract, and red clover as the best substances for fighting cancer. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, garlic, mistletoe, goldenseal, evening primrose oil, cat's claw and astragalus can also be used to specifically target cancer.

Cautions

• Just because herbs are natural does not necessarily mean they are safe. CancerHelp.org cautions that certain herbs can interact with chemotherapy, make patients more prone to excessive bleeding, and make skin more sensitive to light. For instance, the National Cancer Institute found that St. Johns Wort may speed up the elimination of the cancer treatment "imatinib" from the body, potentially decreasing its effectiveness (CancerHelp.org). Always consult with your oncologist before starting CAM treatments.

Benefits

• Some herbs supposedly impact cellular replication and decrease free radicals, but many herbs benefit the body by improving immunity, digestion and mental well being. Herbs may also relieve symptoms associated with cancer. For instance, CancerCare.org explains that women with breast cancer may take black cohosh to deal with menopausal symptoms caused by the cancer.

Research

• CancerHelp.org frequently points out that there is little scientific evidence that herbs can cure or prevent cancer, though several trials show herbs may improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms of cancer treatments.

  However, the "Journal of Clinical Oncology" published a study by Hlubocky et al. in 2007 that found that cancer patients using CAM had overall slightly lower quality of life scores than those using conventional treatments. The data was collected through surveys and interviews, and quality of life was based on measures such as physical and emotional health, social interaction and relationships with their doctors.

  A 2006 American Association for Cancer Research study by Jiang et al. found that the herb angelica gigas, when combined with other Oriental herbs, acted as an antiandrogen and may treat prostate cancer.