Using Herbs to treat Cancer: Traditional Medicine in a Modern World

The simple fact that plants are a major source of many drugs is not a surprise to most. Penicillin comes from mold, coumadin from sweet clover and aspirin from the bark of the white willow. Many of the most effective cancer drugs are also plant derived such as Vincristine (from periwinkle), Etoposide (from mayapple) and Taxol (from the pacific yew tree). In China and Japan, the mainstream medical opinion is that supplementing chemotherapy with traditional herbal formulas can improve survival rates and life expectancy of cancer patients. Skeptics might doubt any herbal effect but for cancer patients, it raises a very simple question, What does the research say? Coriolis versicolor, the common turkey tail mushroom, has over 400 published studies including several long term human clinical trials confirming its cancer killing, antimetastatic, and immune enhancing effects. (1-9) It is referred to as a Biological Response Modifier as it improves the patients own anti-tumor response (10). Researchers at the St. Marys Medical Center in San Francisco reviewed several randomized clinical trials and agreed with the Japanese Ministry of Health that this common mushroom significantly improves survival rates and lifespan for gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers (9). Coptis chinensis (Huang Lian) is a favorite herb of traditional Chinese medicine for signs of infection associated with heat or inflammation. Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) have demonstrated effects on hepatoma, gastric, colon, and breast cancer cells in the lab. Researchers also discovered that the whole herb is more effective than the single major constituent, berberine (11). A phase one clinical trial is currently underway on the effects of Huang Lian on solid tumors at MSKCC. Artemisinin annua (Qing Hao), commonly known as sweet wormwood, has recently gained fame as the best treatment for quinine resistant malaria. A University of Washington study shows Artemisinin selectively kills several cancer cell lines in the test tube. It worked against breast cancer cells but was most effective for aggressive forms of pancreatic and leukemia cell lines (14,15). Artemisinin damages cell membranes by reacting with iron, high concentrations of which are found in both the malaria parasite and quickly dividing cancer cells. Researchers observed cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy were still killed by aremisinin (16). Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao) is used traditionally for snakebite or any conditions of heat due to toxin. The Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy published an article in 2004 that showed oral doses of Bai Hua She She Cao inhibited lung cancer growth and metastasis in rats and eight other cancer cell lines in the test tube (12). In the near future, Americas healthcare will be very similar to what is found in China and Japan: an integrative system that takes the best of all worlds for the benefit of the patient. Clearly, herbs can be potent medicines and in the case of the turkey tail mushroom a clinically proven complementary option for stomach, colon, lung and throat cancer.

Patrick Paine is a cancer survivor. He is a California licensed acupuncturist with a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He spent a summer at Zhe Jiang

University in China studying the use of traditional Chinese medicine for cancer patients. He currently practices at two clinics, one in Saratoga and the other near his home in Santa Cruz. He can be reached at (408) 608-4814. Questions can be sent to his email address patrick@tccwc.com. For more information on this topic and many others please go to the website, treatpaineacupuncture.com/
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individuals suffering from any disease or illness should consult with a physician or health care professional.

1.Torisu M., Hayashi Y., Ishimitsu T., Fujimura T., Iwasaki K., Katano M., Yamamoto H., Kimura Y., Takesue M., Kondo M., and Nomoto K. Significant prolongation of disease-free period gained by oral polysaccharide K (PSK) administration after curative surgical operation of colon cancer. Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy, 31:261-268 (1990).

2.Hayakawa K., Mitsuhashi N., Saito Y., Takahashi M., Katano S., Shiojima K., Furuta M., and Niibe H. Effect of Krestin (PSK) as adjuvant treatment on the prognosis after radical radiotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Anticancer Research, 13:18151820 (1993).

3. Ilino Y., Yokoe T., Maemura M., Horiguchi J., Takei H., Ohwada S., and Morishita Y. Immunochemotherapies versus chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of operable breast cancer. Anticancer Research 15:2907-2912 (1995).

4.Nagao T., Komatsuda M.., Yamauchi K.., Nozaki H.., Watanabe K.., Arimori S. Chemoimmunotherapy with Krestin (Coriolus)in Acute Leukemia. Tokai J Exp Med., Vol. 6. No. 2, pp.141-146, 1981.

5.Nakazato H., Koike A., Saji S. et al. Efficacy of immunochemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer. Lancet, 343-1122-1126 (1994).

6. Hu, Y., et al . Pharamacological Studies of the Effects of PSP on Analgetic Action and Appetite Improvenent. PSP International Symposium, 125-131 (1993).

7. Yang, M., et al .The Anti-tumorous Function and Clinical Significance of Yun Zhi Essence. PSP International Symposium, 221-223 (1993).

8. Yang, Q., et al .The Comparative Analysis of the Extracts of the Mycelia and the Fruitbodies of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor). PSP International Symposium, 41-55 (1993). 9) Anticancer Res. 2002 May-Jun;22(3):1737-54 10) Lin HL, et al. Up-regulation of multidrug resistance transporter expression by berberine in human and murine hepatoma cells. Cancer 1999;85:1937-42

11) Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2004 Jan-Feb;31(1-2):65-9. 12) Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy: 2004 Feb: 4(1): 2113) J Am Cell Nutr 11(2): 192-8, 1992 14) Selective cancer cell cytotoxicity from exposure to dihydroartemisinin and holotransferrin, Cancer Letters 91 {1995} 41-46) 15) The anti-malarial artesunate is also active against cancer, International Journal of 16)Oncology, 18 {2001} 267-773 International Journal of Oncology 18; 767-773, 2001 by Efferth, et al

Researchers find Chinese Herbal Medicine more effective than modern medicine for female infertility 15 November 2011

In an Australian Government-funded study, Ried and Stuart of Adelaide University reviewed 8 RCTs and 22 smaller studies involving a total of 1851 women with poor fertility. Meta-analysis of studies involving over 1000 women found roughly double the likelihood of achieving pregnancy with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) than with western drug therapy. Over a 4 month period pregnancy rates were 60% for CHM verses 32% for drug treatment 9n=1005, odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval 2.3-5-2, p < 0.0001). Other studies, involving over 600 women, compared CHM with IVF and revealed a mean pregnancy rate for CHM of 50% compared with 30% for IVF. The Adelaide study also provided evidence indicating that herbal treatment tailored to the specific traditional diagnosis of what was wrong with each individuals reproductive health was a key factor in successful treatment. The authors write: Our meta-analyses suggest Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine to be more effective in the treatment of female infertility achieving on average a 60% pregnancy rate over 4 months compared with 30% achieved with standard western drug treatment, or IVF over 12 months. It will be interesting to see if these findings provoke the usual backlash from the powerful medi-business lobby who, according to past form, will wheel out an expert to rubbish the findings and suggest that CHM treatment is unproven and dangerous.

Efficacy of Traditional CHM in the Management of Female Infertility: A Systematic Review. K Ried, K Stuart Complementary Therapies in Medicine Vol 19 issue 6 Dec. 2011

Herbal remedies for muscle pain Herbal remedies for muscle pain: the reliable ancient remedy
Despite the many changes the Earth has undergone, there are few things that never changed. One of the most evident examples is the peoples practice of using herbal medicine as their means of giving remedy to their aching muscles brought about by the demands of every day work and chores. Despite the fact that there are many existing commercially prepared drugs for muscle pains, the popularity of herbal medicine never faded because it is naturally prepared and is known to have lesser side effects compared to its commercial counterparts. Although herbal remedies for muscle pain has its own set of critics claiming that the said cure is less effective than the scientifically prepared medications we can still not deny that there are patrons who are very happy with the soothing effect that they were able to reap out of using herbal remedies for muscle pain. With the two contradicting claims over the said subject matter, it is always wise for you to do your research before engaging yourself with any kind of remedy. Because by doing so, you will be able to distinguish the lowest and safest dose to take first to avoid grasping the undesirable effects. However, if you feel any unusual occurrences after you have taken herbal medicine, you should stop using it as soon as possible and consult your physician for prompt medical intervention. Despite of its being natural, herbal medicines are also not advisable for pregnant and nursing mothers. On the other hand, in instances when you are left with no other option and the only refuge is herbal medication, then be ready to explore your choices.

Yes, There Are Natural Herbal Remedies For Muscle Pain

First on the list is menthol. The substance is a natural component of peppermint and is best to incorporate into your steamy hot bath to give you instant relief of your sore and stiff muscles. Chamomile is also best to soothe and relax your aching and weary muscles if mixed in your bath. Another good herbal remedy for muscle pain is arnica it is a wildflower that is said to have an antiinflammatory effect and is known to offer natural pain relief that can be a good substitute for commercial massage creams and gel. Water is indeed a wonder substance that humans cant live without. Aside from it being a necessity, drinking lots of water pre and post exercise can usually thwart muscle spasms and painful cramps. Having adequate intake of fruits rich in Vitamin C and E such as citruses and guava can also protect you from contracting painful muscles. Herbs like turmeric and boswellia can help reduce inflammation pain naturally. As mentioned before, herbal remedies do not have side effects like prescription drugs and are very safe to consume on a regular basis. Whatever medium of relief you decide to take; it will always be a prudent move to follow the recommended dosage for each established remedy. This is to prevent over dosage and misuse that will cause you further harm. Never get into unfamiliar grounds and be certain at all times when your health is the main concern. In your quest for good herbal remedies for muscle pain, you dont need to go farto look and scout. Because you may find the ancient answer to your predicament just around the corner.

Herbal cancer treatment : Sabah Snake Grass 93

rate or flag

By Good Guy

Sabah Snake Plant

Herbal cancer treatment : Introduction

This article is more for local readers in Malaysia. However the information is useful wherever you are located. It is about a herb for cancer, therefore aptly titled herbal cancer treatment. I got this from a viral email and I traced the source as well as other sites that featured this similar subject on this herb. It is about this local herb that has cured many cancer patients. As I cautioned in my other articles on alternative cancer cure, this particular herbal treatment is no exception. It is not likely that one method or a single herb can cure everyone of cancer. Each individual is different and the condition of the disease is also different. In this article, I merely like to share the information that some cancer patients have been successful in curing their sicknesses by using this herb. Who knows, someone reading this article may also benefit from this piece of information. The name of this herb is locally called Sabah Snake Grass. Sabah is a state in Malaysia. Apparently the scientific" name is Clinacanthus, or Clinathanus. But I dont think it is, as I cant find such terms in the internet. The Chinese name is Yu Xun Cao. There are also "local names" like Belalai Gajah and Gendis. But never mind; you can take a look at the photos on the right.

Herbal cancer treatment : Traditional uses of SSG

Sabah Snake Grass has traditionally been used for the following health problems:

Sore throat Uric acid

Gout Uterine fibroid Kidney problems Prostate inflammation Skin problems like eczema, shingles, and psoriasis

Herbal cancer treatment : SSG cures cancer

This is the piece of information that might save lives. Who knows. So no harm sharing here. I shall give the links to the relevant sites at the end of this article. It was reported in another site that Sabah Snake Grass has cured so many types of cancer:

Lung cancer Uterus cancer Prostate cancer Breast cancer Leukemia Dialysis patients

Others with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high uric acid and diabetes have also benefitted from Sabah Snake Grass.

Herbal cancer treatment : As reported in a local newspaper

A local newspaper reported that a 56-year old Mr Liu Lian Hui was confirmed having stage 4 lymphatic cancer in 2008, and was given only 3 months to live. Today (19 April 2011) he is still alive! He cured himself by drinking Sabah Snake Grass juice. He blended the Sabah Snake Grass leaves with green apples and drank the juice every morning after breakfast. Within 3 days 6 tumors disappeared, and after 13 days, he was cleared by the oncologist that he was 96% cured!

Herbal cancer treatment : The recipe

For cancer treatment: Stage 1 cancer : 30 leaves daily Stage 2 cancer : 50 leaves daily Stage 3 cancer : 100 leaves daily Stage 4 cancer : 150-200 leaves daily Reduce dosage when condition improves. Direction for juicing SSG Pour half cup of clean water in a blender

Add 1 or 2 ice cubes to prevent heating during blending Add 1 quarter lemon or half a lime (provide Vitamin C and prevent oxidization )

Wash the required fresh SSG leaves and put into the blender Peel a green apple and remove the core/seeds, cut into small pieces and put into blender Blend and drink immediately or within 5 minutes

This is an update by cancer survivor CT Chang on intake of SSG leaves : "The recommended dosage for SSG should not be more than 30 leaves, added with a slice of apple before blending. After blending, it is advisable to warm the SSG blend before drinking. "

http://goodguy.hubpages.com/hub/Herbal-cure-for-cancer
http://herbalpainremedies.net/herbal-pain-remedies/herbal-remedies-for-muscle-pain/ http://www.jcm.co.uk/drum-tower-archive/article/researchers-find-chinese-herbal-medicine-moreeffective-than-modern-medicine-for-female-infertility-1875/ http://www.sacredlotus.com/articles/pt_herbs.cfm http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20071111-35689.html