Alternative Treatments for Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is often the end result of another liver condition like hepatitis C or the spread of cancer from somewhere else in the body. While the cancer is treatable, some doctors will recommend alternative treatments like herbal remedies to help with your surgery or chemotherapy.

Astragalus

• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a twining perennial plant that has a root system much valued by herbalists. The root of the plant is a popular energy tonic in China, a treatment for the cold and flu viruses, and it has the ability to enhance the immune system against cancer. The herb is thought to stimulate the lymphokin-activated killer (LAK) cells into attacking tumors. Take a 500 milligram dose of the herb in capsule form three times a day. If you don't like pills, the herb can be taken as an herbal tea as well

Barberry

• Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a plant that was used by the Native Americans to heal a host of different conditions. The stem bark, root bark, and berries of the plant have been used to treat heart burn, parasites, the gallbladder, and the liver. The herb can improve the flow of bile which helps to remove the toxic chemicals left by cancerous liver cells. The alkaloids of barberry may also inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Create an herbal decoction of the herb by adding one teaspoon of the powdered bark to a boiling cup of water and letting it steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Do not use barberry if you have gallbladder disease, take supplemental vitamin B6, or take supplemental amino acid histidine.

Cinnamon

• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a well-known culinary spice that can be found growing in Sri Lanka and Ceylon. The spice can promote circulation, fight the common cold, remedy irregular periods, and prevent against liver cancer. Cinnamon's anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties make it a formidable opponent against certain alfatoxins which may be a causative agent of liver cancer. The spice can deactivate plasmin, which is a substance that lets cancer cells invade healthy tissues. Take one teaspoon of cinnamon with food each day.

Baical Skullcap

• Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis syn. S. macrantha) is a traditional remedy used since at least the 2nd century AD in Chinese herbal medicine. The root of the plant has been used for asthma, skin diseases, digestive infections, and its anti-inflammatory properties. Baical skullcap can help reduce the inflammation of the liver, stop damage of the immune-system caused by chemotherapy, and induce the death of liver cancer cells. Take a 1 to 2 gram dose of the capsule form (scutellaria) three times a day. Do not use the herb if you are experiencing diarrhea.

Disclaimer

• Herbal remedies may cause allergic reactions and they may react negatively with any medications that you may be taking. Consult a doctor or an integrated medical practitioner before supplementing your diet with herbs. You should also be extremely careful what supplements you use when about to undergo surgery or chemotherapy.