Cancer is the second leading cause of death in civilized nations and the number one cause of death between the ages of 45 and 75. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) nearly 40% of those living in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer at some point. Cancer rates are also increasing world-wide.

A diagnosis of cancer is a huge cause for feelings of fear, anxiety, worry and hopelessness, which can make it difficult for people to make decisions about cancer treatment. Whether out of fear or the lack of information on alternative treatments, most people end up taking the modern medical route. However, there are natural options you should consider.

This includes many herbs that have been used historically to aid recovery from cancer, which is the topic of this month’s Sunshine Sharing. So, if you have cancer or are supporting a loved one who has this disease, we encourage you to do some research on these herbs and other natural approaches to this disease. We also encourage you and professional help to make decisions about the best approach for you.

While, some people will choose a completely natural approach, others may choose a hybrid approach, a combination of medical treatments and natural therapies. And some will choose the medical approach. But, whatever the choice, they need to have hope that there is potential for recovery, because without that hope recovery will be much more difficult. Your mental and emotional attitude is an important component in cancer recovery.

A Holistic Approach

It is important to take to take a holistic approach to cancer. Modern medicine is focused on tools for killing or removing cancer cells, specifically surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, cancer cells form because the cellular environment becomes disturbed to the point that cells have to mutate in order to survive. If you kill the cancer cells, but do not alter the environment of the body, the cancer is likely to return.

So, whether you try to destroy the cancer cells via medical treatments or cytotoxic herbs, it is vital to clean up the environment of the body. A diet consisting primarily of fresh, chemical-free fruits and vegetables is a good place to start. It’s also good to minimize your exposure to toxins in general.

A healthy immune system can recognize and destroy cancer cells, so it’s important to fortify your immune system with herbs and nutrients. There is also evidence that stress and unresolved trauma contribute to the development of cancer, so techniques that reduce stress will be helpful, along with doing some type of mental and emotional healing work or therapy.

Potential Herbal Remedies for Cancer

There are three main categories of herbal remedies that have been used for cancer recovery: alterative, immune stimulating, and cytotoxic herbs. First, alterative herbs help clean up and support the underlying environment of the body so it becomes a poor environment for cancer. Second, immune stimulating herbs boost immune activity to help the immune system fight cancer. And finally, cytotoxic herbs help to induce apoptosis or pre-programmed cell death. These are remedies that can help destroy cancer cells with less toxicity than medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.

Herbal Medicine, Healing, and Cancer by Donald Yance

Treating Cancer with Herbs by Michael Tierra

How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine by Michael Murray

Holistic Cancer Care by Chanchal Cabrera

Strategies for Health by Steven Horne