Herbs for Preventing Cancer

For centuries, herbs have been used to aid in the prevention of cancer. Many herbal remedies contain medicines that build a strong immune system, fight off diseases and prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Eating a healthy diet and adding exercise to your life is a good start to preventing cancer but if you are searching for additional methods to prevent cancer, herbal remedies may be the boost you are looking for.

History

• Herbal remedies to prevent cancer have been used by many cultures for centuries. The Ojibwa Indian tribe in North America used a mixture of four different herbs in a formula called Essiac, which was used as a preventative treatment and cure for cancer. The Chinese used green tea leaves and the Japanese used Maitake extract made from the mushroom of the same name to prevent cancer. Combinations of many different herbs are used to prevent different types of cancer, but the most prominent herbs are those that help boost the immune system to ward off growth of cancerous cells.

Facts

• Preventing cancer by using herbs can mean taking several different types of herbs in various doses. Knowing exactly which combination and what doses to take can be confusing, dangerous and expensive. It is recommended you work with a certified herbalist to help in your goal of preventing cancer. Check with your doctor or online at the American Herbalist Guild to find a certified herbalist in your area.

Herbs Used in Essiac

• The herbal combination known as Essiac that is used to prevent and treat cancer is made up from four different herbs and is best if taken as a tea. To prevent cancer, it is recommended to only drink 4 ozs. a day for two weeks about every four months. The herbs in Essiac are:

  Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) works in breaking down or reducing the size of tumors. This herb contains high amounts of essential vitamins and minerals as well as chlorophyll which help to raise the oxygen in the body, thereby reducing cancer cells.

  Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus fulva) contains high quantities of essential vitamins and minerals as well as gallic acids. It helps to reduce irritation and sensitivity to acids.

  Burdock Root (Arcticum lappa) works as a blood purifier and enhances white blood cell activity to strengthen the immune system.

  Turkey Rhubarb Root (Rheum palmarum) contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals and works as a powerful liver cleanser.

Original Recipe for Essiac

• The original recipe for Essiac:

  1 oz. powdered Turkish Rhubarb Root
  1 lb. powdered Sheep Sorrel
  6 1/2 cups Burdock Root
  ¼ lb. powdered Slippery Elm Bark

  Mix thoroughly and store in a glass jar. To make tea, use 1 oz. of herb mixture for 32 ozs. of water. Boil for 10 minutes, cover and let sit on a warm plate overnight. The next day, heat to steaming and let settle a few minutes. Strain mixture into hot, sterilized bottles and let cool. Store in dark cupboard and refrigerate after opening.

More Herbal Remedies

• Pau d' Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) works as an anti-inflammatory medication as well as a blood purifier and has been known to show significant progress with shrinking cancerous tumors. This herb is also used for leukemia, lupus and liver disease.

  Maitake Extract (Grifola frondosa) is an extract from the maitake mushroom found in Japan. It is believed to contain a compound that bolsters the immune system and also attacks the growth of cancer cells.

  Green tea has been used for centuries across Asia for many ailments, including the prevention of cancer. Green tea leaves contain powerful antioxidants that help to prevent damage to cells and inhibit cell replication. Green tea also bolsters the immune system.

  Tumeric contains a compound called curcumin, a strong antioxidant and works as a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine and provides liver and heart-protecting benefits. Research has shown that curcumin does fight some types of cancer cells.

  There are many other herbal remedies that help to prevent cancer. Talk to your doctor or a certified herbalist about which herbs are right for you.