Medicinal plants to help prevent cancer

Herbal treatment of cancer

Phytotherapy: Medicinal preparation to prevent cancer

It is the specialist who has to determine the treatment depending on the patient’s condition and the evolution of the disease. Natural cancer treatment is a complement to conventional treatments, among which we can mention surgery, the use of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc.

The following plants could be very helpful in the prevention of cancer. Most of them contain principles with antitumoral properties, because they can perform one or several activities:

• They can stimulate the immune system
• They can neutralize the action of free radicals
• they can eliminate cancer cells
• They can inhibit the growth of cancer cells

Mistletoe (Viscum album), a plant with many properties. It offers a derivative called Iscador, with antitumor powers. Nevertheless, there is strong debate about it, arguing that despite its efficacy, it may be also responsible for brain tumors.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) The antibiotic properties of hypericin seem to be confer this plant a positive effect in the treatment of AIDS. This component has been also used internally to detect cancer cells in the body and prevent its spread.

Yew (Taxus brevifolia): taxol is extracted from it. Taxol improves the conditions of patients with cancer and extends their life expectancy.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera): It has been proven in animal studies that the use of this plant inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Agave (Agave americana) The cleansing properties of agave could be useful in preventing the development of cancerous tumors (Infusion of 5 tablespoons of dried leaves per liter of water. Take a couple of cups a day)

Pepper (Piper nigrum) Due to its richness in vitamin C, beta carotene and vegetable aromas as terpenoids, black pepper is a spice highly antioxidant that prevents oxidation and helps cells function properly. (Add pepper to your food. Maximum 5 gr daily)(25 drops of mother tincture 3 times a day.)

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) It contains betacyanins (a type of betalains), purple pigments that have anti-cancer properties

Guanabana or soursop (Annona muricata) Seeds, leaves and, to a lesser extent, the fruits of soursop, have more than 50 different acetogenins, some components with properties against different types of cancer: skin cancer, pancreas, prostate and breast cancer

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, E. purpurea) is one of the main plants used to stimulate the immune system , so it is applied as a solution in the treatment of infections (flu, cold, boils etc). In some cases, it has proven its effectiveness in eliminating cancer cells. It should not be given if you have immune system disorders or degenerative diseases such as leukemia, AIDS, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.

Nor should it be given to children or pregnant women without prior medical consultation; the treatment and resting period should not be extended beyond 15 days. (Take capsules according to the prospectus conditions)

Clover (Trifolium pratense): Clover is being recently studied as a resource to fight cancer. It seems that genistein prevents or helps cancerous tumors to decrease, especially among smokers (mainly pipe smokers, who are more likely to develop cancer of the mouth and tongue). Genistein is a component that can also be found in other vegetables such as peanuts or soybeans.

Therefore, infusions of this plant or eating foods which contain genistein seems to be a good way to prevent the appearance or development of the disease. (Infusion of a teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of water. A couple of cups a day.

Before swallowing, there should be some mouthwashes) (Topical applications with a poultice made from the juice of the leaves applied to the affected area.)

Warning: Many studies advocate the non-use of clover in cancer cases because of phytoestrogens to which some patients are sensitive. Therefore, it is essential to consult with your doctor or specialist before starting treatment with clover in cancer patients.

Tripterygium (TPL), a derivative of the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii, has been proven in mice; its power to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in melanomas, bladder and stomach tumors is greater than taxol. Its ability to inhibit metastasis of lung and spleen cancers has been demonstrated, with a superior efficacy than drugs such as Adriamycin, mitomycin, and cisplatin.

Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) Saponins contained in yucca could help prevent the development of cancerous tumors

Green tea (Thea sinensis): for its flavonoid content, it is one of the best antioxidant. It helpsthe body’s defenses against the appearance or development of tumor cells.

FOODS WITH ANTI-CANCEROUS PROPERTIES

SOME ANTICANCEROUS FOODS

Beet (Beta vulgaris) The action of betaine and allantoin renew cells and increase the defenses.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. Gemmifera), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis),

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) and melon (Cucumis melo), due to the presence of antioxidants components, which protect the digestive system from cancer.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L) The presence of a compound called lycopene affects a smaller percentage of cancers.

Oranges (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck), lemons (Citrus Limonum), tangerines (Citrus reticulata) and citrus fruits in general, are very rich in vitamin C and pectin. They have a protective power on the digestive system and protect it against the cancers that could affect them. Recently, it has proven that modified pectin and pectin have a beneficial effect in treating prostate cancer and melanoma, favouring the non-appearance of metastasis.

Garlic(Allium sativum L.): Recent studies seem to link the consumption of garlic with cancer inhibition. Its sulfur compounds appear to be responsible in the fight against the appearance of cancer cells in the stomach, liver, breast, etc. The flavonoid quercetin, for its antioxidant effects, may also play the same role.

Hop (Humulus lupulus): Modern research suggests the possibility that this plant can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The reasons for these studies focus on the hypothesis that some components can neutralize the enzymes that trigger the abnormal growth of cells causing cancerous tumors.

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa): The use of this plant prevents the development of cancerous tumors because it increases the power of red blood cells in their ability to engulf and kill bacteria, viruses, or substances which could favor the occurrence of cancers, as also due to its antioxidant activity.

Lime: (Citrus aurantifolia) More and more studies highlight the anticancer properties of essential oils. In case of the lime, limonene has demonstrated a protective role against the breast, liver, lung, stomach and skin cancer.

Caraway: (Carum carvi) Using caraway as a condiment not only increases our health. Besides giving flavor to cheeses, salads, breads and casseroles, these delicate fruits are rich in antioxidants and anticancer aromatic components.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) may be helpful in the treatment of cancer. It can reduce the dose of chemicals in the treatment of chemotherapy, while protecting their cells from damage caused by them at the same time.

Spirulina (Spirulina ssp.) Chlorophyll has cancer preventive properties, not only for oral cancer but also liver cancer and colon cancer. So, spirulina remedies could be useful not only for external prevention of this disease, but for those cancers that develop inside the body.

More information on cancer

Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

6 July, 2021