Understanding Holistic Approaches to Cancer Prevention & Support

As people live longer, and live in areas with more environmental carcinogens, the number of cases of cancer increases. Although there has been much research and much success in traditional cancer treatment, there are a number of alternative treatments that can help both prevent cancer and aid in killing the tumor if one is found.

Cancer Prevention Vs. Cancer Treatment

• The old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" holds especially true with cancer. Aside from avoiding known carcinogens, there are a number of herbs and holistic practices that can strengthen the body against cancers.

Holistic Cancer Prevention

• Some studies indicate that shiitake and maitake mushrooms, mistletoe and a number of traditional Chinese herbs, including astragalus, dong quai, echinacea and Asian ginseng, can help prevent cancer by boosting the immune system.

Holistic Cancer Treatment

• There are two ways of looking at holistic cancer treatments: one is to use holistic herbs as a treatment of the side effects of traditional chemo and radiation therapy; the second is using herbs and holistic treatments on existing cancers. Mistletoe extracts have been used in holistic medicine since ancient times. Extracts of European mistletoe have been shown in the laboratory to kill cancer cells. Mistletoe is also known to stimulate the immune system.

  Essiac is a combination of a number of herbs, often burdock root, the inner bark of slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Turkish rhubarb. It may also contain watercress, blessed thistle, red clover and kelp. Used primarily in terminal cancer patients, these herbs are combined into a tea. The tea reduces the size of the tumors, improves appetite, relieves pain and strengthens the immune system.

  Hoxsey is a holistic herbal formula developed by Henry Hoxsey in the early 20th century. Hoxsey, which is at present available in Tijunana, Mexico, consists of an external treatment and an internal treatment. The external paste deconstructs cancerous tissue, while the internal treatment boosts the immune system. Due to the toxic nature of some components of the external treatment, it is very important to only take this treatment from a qualified physician.

  Extracts of the birch tree have been shown in a 1995 study at the University of Chicago to kill malignant melanoma cells. According to the study's author, John Pezzuto, the extract worked better in treating malignant melanoma than any current medication and had no side effects. The cost of the extract was also a fraction of the cost of commercial pharmaceuticals that appeared not to be as effective.