As modern-day drugs are derived from plants and chemicals, it actually makes sense that when herbs are correctly administrated by a competent herbalist, there seems to be no unjust reason as to why they should not work to help cure illnesses.
The main benefit which traditional medicines hold over modern-day medicines, is that they usually offer far less harmful side-effects to the user, if any at all.
The following herbs are considered to help either cure, or prevent cancer from developing - (1. Turmeric, 2. Garlic, and 3. European Mistletoe have previously been discussed in part-1 of this series).
4. Cat's Claw - is a woody vine that can be found growing throughout Central and South America. It's bark and root have been used by Native American tribes for many hundreds of years to cure an array of illnesses from rheumatoid arthritis, dysentery, fevers, stomach ulcers, to inflammation, etc.
Studies have shown that cat's claw may actually help stimulate the immune system (whether too high or too low), lower the blood pressure (by dilating blood vessels), promote the production of urine (diuretic), relax the muscles of the intestine, and kill both tumor and cancer cells.
It's anti-oxidant properties also help to neutralize and rid the body of the free radicals (particles that damage cells) that may contribute to the development of cancer and heart disease when taken in the form of tea, capsules, or tincture (an alcohol-based derivative product of fresh herb) form.
Studies continue into its use for other illnesses, such as: Crohn's disease, endometriosis (abnormal pains during menstruation), systemic lupus erythematosus ([SLE/ lupus] inflammatory auto-immune disorder), kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV.
5. Black Cohosh - a flowering plant also known as: Actaea racemosa, black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys is mainly found growing in the woods of Eastern North America.
It has been used for many years to alleviate menopausal irregularities, headaches, infertility, rheumatism, and stomach problems; although, there is still a lack of understanding to how its curative properties actually work.
Once thought that black cohosh was a phytoestrogenic plant that could help fight breast cancer, by possessing its own estrogen-like chemicals that acted as a substitute for the body's estrogen level, has now been dismissed.
But, because research has shown to be less than 100% conclusive with this dismissal, black cohosh is still used to treat breast cancer today.
It can be administered over a period of time (not exceeding 6-months) in the form of capsules, at 40 mg per day, tea, or tincture. However, black cohosh can also be over-dosed, should not be mixed with Aspirin, and can offer side-effects such as: dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
6. Green Tea - is the most consumed beverage in China and Japan, due in main to its many anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties, including the chemical polyphenol, which is known to inhibit both the promotion and migration of tumor cell growth, helping to reduce the risk of cancer developing in human beings.
It is also believed that women who drink green tea on a regular basis are up to 10-times less likely to develop certain forms of breast cancer than those who do not. However, bearing this in mind, green tea's intake should not exceed more than 800 mg, two times a day.
Note: Doses are given only as examples previously used in cancer cases, and are not recommended to be taken as such without prior medical advise being given first.
Other herbs such as: Flax Seed, Maitake, and Kelp are discussed in "Avoiding Drugs - Curing Cancer With Herbs - Part 3" which also concludes this 3-part series.
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