Herbs for Cancer

In many types of cancers, herbs are used as a curative or a supplementary medicine along with the normal therapeutic cancer treatments. Following are a few herbs that prove vital in the treatment of this multifaceted disease.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
This yellow colored herbal element is popularly known as a cooking spice, but turmeric is also universally recognized for its anti-cancer properties. Some recent results show that a daily intake of turmeric of about half a teaspoon, reduces the possible growth of the false DNA patterns and the carcinogens that cause the development of cancer-causing cells. It is not scientifically approved yet but some studies also show that, the rate of breast cancer is lower in Asia, where turmeric is used in cooking, on a regular basis.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is recognized as an essential part of Italian cuisine. There are various types of basil. The leaves, fresh or preserved in pesto or sauce, are really helpful to act as a natural protector against the formation of cancer-causing cells. Basil contains 'estragole', a well-known carcinogenic substance in rats. The intake of basil limits the growth of these cancer cells.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Made up of camellia sinensis leaves, green tea is a an essential herbal concoction for the prevention of cancer. It is well observed that the leaves are oxidized to the least possible level. Originating in China, green tea helps to prevent almost all sorts of cancers, including - breast, intestinal, lung, skin, liver, stomach and colon cancers. This is possible because of the antioxidant named, polyphenol, a type of a bioflavonoid. The most active polyphenol, named 'epigallocatechin gallate' is present in it. It also contains carotenoids, theanine, chlorophyll and proanthocyanidins.

Red Clover Flower (Trifolium pratense)
The NCI, National Cancer Institute has just approved this popularly used anti-cancer herb. The red clover flower contains anti-tumor compounds like genistein and daidzein, along with its antioxidant properties in vitamin E and tocopherol, both present in the red clover flower. Despite its usefulness, pregnant women, heart patients, and those having estrogen-dependent cancers are advised not to consume the red clover flowers.

Endorses Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)
Endorses echinacea is a very useful and one of the most recommended anti-cancer herbs. It is an essential herb to help cure cancer. Some people recommend a six months long dose of it and other such tonic herbs.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Mainly known as a 'garnishing herb' in America and Europe, parsley has apigenin, a form of natural oil, that protects the body from forming new blood vessels that supply blood to the cancerous tumors (angiogenesis). This helps in cancer treatment. But it is highly recommended to avoid its intake during pregnancy as it may lead to premature delivery and uterine stimulation.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
One of the most common culinary herb, rosemary got its woody smell because of its terpenes fatty acids, that stop the formation of new cancerous cells. Its intake is highly recommended, especially while patients undergo chemotherapy.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill has an adequate amount of the monoterpenes that stimulate the secretion of the antioxidant named, 'glutathione-S-transferase'. This enzyme neutralizes the carcinogenic free radicals. The oil substances present in dill, help the intestinal peristaltic motions, resultant of the active secretion of the bile pigments and digestive fluids.

Mint (Mentha)
Certain phytochemicals from the mint family, stop blood supply to the cancerous tumors. They cut off the blood supply and eventually kill the carcinogens.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
From over 300 herbs, thymus vulgaris is the most commonly used culinary herb. Thymol is the main product of thyme, which along with terpenes, contains a bunch of anti-cancer properties. It acts as a curative medicine for mouth cancer.

The list decidedly doesn't end here. There are many more herbs having similar properties as that of the above, like - aloe vera, onion, garlic, celery seed extract (very effective in the treatment of liver cancer), astragalus, goji berries, etc. But the fact to remember is that despite the curative properties, some herbs could show harmful side effects if taken without proper consultation with the doctor. Selecting proper herbs will definitely prove beneficial in the treatment of cancer.