About Cancer

We all wish to avoid contracting cancer, a condition of chaotic rather than normal patterns and growth of our body cells. We know that there are many factors found to contribute to this condition and are fully recognized. Many of these are to be found in our modern lifestyle in the abundant use of synthetic chemicals we employ but which provide irritants if not direct carcinogenic causes of the disease.

In spite of the billions of dollar spent in researching the disease that is so often to prove a fatal one, there is no known drug that is guaranteed to cure, particularly if nothing is done to address the well known underlying causes. At the present time it is obvious that medical research has chosen the long route with no improvement as the cancer statistics of populations in western countries continues to rise.

We as individuals must do everything possible to avoid the negatives and to increase our own personal, positive habits that will build natural good health and vitality that provides our real defence against cancer, and all other diseases. So what can we do through our nutrition, the major single cause of cancer? Our diet remains a controllable factor, dependent upon the policy we choose to effect in our own home. We must also resist the negative commercial food advertising that tries to convince us that they are offering us the cheapest, the tastiest, and the best!

The following information may prove helpful for you in motivating your own health programme, and possibly introducing you to some foods that will be therapeutic if you are already suffering cancer and wish to find a more natural alternative to the one that is failing us in the general medical treatment system.

Acerola (Malpighia glabra) is proving invaluable in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. The berries are extremely high in vitamin C, with each fruit providing about 80 times more than fresh orange juice and therefore considered the most superior known source of this essential vitamin.

Alfalfa, Lucerne (Medicago sativa) a fodder plant with high nutrient content with all known vitamins, 8 digestive enzymes and calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It can be taken as a tea made from leaves or the sprouted seeds can be enjoyed fresh in savouries. It is considered to have great nutritional as well as healing properties and to give new vigour to body cells. Cancer patients benefit by including this plant in their regular diet.

Aloe vera (Aloe vera) juice is used both internally for cancer of the gastro-intestinal tract and is a proven application when externally used for healing skin cancer. The gel is a liquid tonic in treating problems of the gastro intestinal system such as irritable bowel syndrome. It is also particularly soothing for those suffering from bowel cancer.

Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca)The kernels of the apricot fruit contain oil, albumen, sugar, mucus and cyanogenetic heteroside. A cottage cure for cancer consists of eating 2-3 kernels per day. It is possible that seeds of other plants of the Prunus genus and also apple and pear seeds have the same curative properties. The problem lies in getting a minimum dose that will not prove toxic. Its use is therefore restricted in most countries without a long traditional use.

Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) helps strengthen the immune system and generates anti-cancer cells in the body. It is known as an adaptogen. It enhances cell metabolism, delaying cell ageing, boosts protein synthesis in the liver, stimulates immune system, restores adrenal cortex function and improves metabolism. It is regularly prescribed to correct the complex condition of many cancers.

Beetroot Juice (Beta vulgaris) proven in Germany to cure 'incurable' cancer patients is used by Dr. Siegmund Schmidt, to reduce effects of radiation therapy. The effective remedy employs the beet after its preparation that excludes the section immediately below the juncture of the leaves.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica) Eating fresh organically grown broccoli you will find that it is so tender that it melts in the mouth and makes you look forward to the next mouthful with no need for encouragement - even children love it. It is one of the main vegetables recommended fro those who wish to avoid bowel cancer.

Cabbage, raw (Brassica oleracea capitata) the juice provides a strong tonic for those suffering any serious condition of the digestive system including stomach cancer. In the latter case, the freshly juiced cabbage must be first diluted with water so not to irritate the stomach lining. Best to take a teaspoon of Slippery Elm powder 5 minutes beforehand as described under "S".

Carrots (Daucus carota) raw carrots and carrot juice some claim this alone as a cure for cancer.It is only by juicing the carrots that we can expect results as it is not possible to eat the number of root required to provide what is needed. It is a delicious drink and should be taken once a day.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) external and internal for cancer relieves pain of stomach and intestinal cancer - soothes and heals tissues. Home grown comfrey leaves are tender enough to cut up in salads or to juice through with carrots or other material. The thicker outer leaves are tasty when dipped in light batter and shallow fried. Comfrey extract is available from herbalists either from the root source, or the leaves.

Couchgrass (Agropyron repens) for prostatic hypertrophy Agropyron together with Hydrangea is given for prostate enlargement. The medicinal extract is available through herbalists and after proper identification in your home garden, a tea may be made at home. This is sometimes as effective as other well known specific herbs for the complaint. Prostate conditions can remain benign if we maintain our good general state of health and refrain from hasty decisions to undergo surgery.

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) To protect cells from any abnormal or cancerous changes, be sure to eat cranberries regularly. Not only are they rich, as are all the berry fruits, in antioxidants, but have a unique property that helps to prevent mutations in DNA and therefore inhibiting growth of tumors. This property is called ellagic acid, that to quote Gary D Stoner, Ph.D, director of the cancer chemo-prevention program at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus, "....Ellagic acid has what we call anti-initiating activity. It inhibits the genetic damage that starts the cancer process."

Echinacea, Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) contains inulin and is diaphoretic, alterative in action, an antitoxin medicine. The herbal extract is readily available in the popular treatment for flu and septic infections and blood poisoning but is prescribed also in the treatment of cancer. Homoeopaths treat many diseases with homoeopathic doses of echinacea. Internally it reduces pain and improves ability to resist infection or disease.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and raw onions one of the best preventative medicines. Garlic for carcinoma and a strong preventive against cancer. In Japan fresh garlic has shown a successful degree of immunity. Garlic is an old traditional remedy for the lungs, now shown to be invaluable in the treatment of lung conditions such as cancer.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is believed to be a powerful preventive and also to cure cancer. If any acute condition of the digestive system precludes eating the fresh root as a regular part of the diet, a delightful tea can be made from sliced pieces of the root and with honey added.

Grape (Vitis vinifera) Fresh juice is a fine tonic to treat or to avoid cancer. A grape cure - eating only grapes for some days - is claimed by some to be effective but the juice and fasting is best. The seeds should also be chewed on occasion and the cold pressed grape seed oil used unheated in the diet.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) is high in antioxidants and inhibits some cancers due to the presence of polyphenols. It is becoming very popular as an alternative to ordinary tea.

Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most important herbs for prevention of cancer and for its treatment also . It is considered by the Chinese of value along with ginseng and other herbs. It offers a defence and strengthens one's immunity. A simple way to take it is to select and enjoy a good quality confection, if your local herbalist cannot supply the pure extract.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is known to have high vitamin B and potassium content and an inhibiting substance in which tumour cells cannot survive and proliferate . It helps in reducing free radicals and histamine.

Pawpaw (Carica papaya)The latex of the green fruit is used for treatment of skin cancers in Ghana. Trials involving the leaves for internal use in cancer as well as for external application to tumours are promising and have been employed for several decades in North Queensland for this purpose.

Petty Spurge,Cancer Weed (Euphorbia peplus) is used commonly in Australia as an external treatment for skin cancer.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)This common pasture plant is a valuable blood tonic for stamina, tone and prescribed in arthritis, coronary thrombosis and now laboratory tests show its affect in inhibiting tumours. This confirms its traditional use in Chinese medicine. The tea made from the flowers is recommended as a daily drink for those with breast cancer. It is being researched by western medicine for its potential in the treatment of cancers in general.

Shepherd's Purse, Shovelweed (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a common garden weed. A safe tonic for breast cancer, or as a preventative, is to include a few leaves in salads regularly. Be sure to identify the plant before use.

Slippery Elm Powder (Ulmus fulva, U. rubra) This is an anti inflammatory, soothing remedy used for cancer of the digestive tract. It is marketed as a fine powder a teaspoonful of which is to be mixed with warm to hot water into a thin soup-like paste and swallowed shortly before mealtimes. Its common name tends to put people off the remedy but the taste is acceptable and should be persevered with. It takes its place not only as a traditional invalid food, but has saved many people from the pain of stomach ulceration and gastro-intestinal inflammations and disorders. Many can testify to its marvellous, almost magical soothing properties.

Tomato, Love Apple (Lycopersicon esculentum) has earned its place as a valued tonic food to help prevent cancer. Tomatoes contain nitrosamine blockers . Nitrosamine is capable of inducing cancer. It is therefore becoming better known that tomatoes in abundance are advisable in our diet.

Tumeric (Curcuma longa syn C. domestica) The root is a valued food medicine and considered a powerful in the prevention of cancer. Its value as a high antioxidant is considered by some to be equal or greater than vitamin E for this purpose. Tumeric is considered invaluable in all Asian food and medicine.

Violet leaves (Viola odorata) are traditionally included in cancer cures. Leaves and sometimes flowers are made into a tisane and used for external bathing of skin cancers and other conditions and also taken as internal tonic. It is an ancient remedy for pain as well as to cure tumours. A few leaves in salads taken regularly in the diet provides a deterrent to cancer. It is an ingredient in the famous Hoxey tonic that claimed great success in the U.S

Vitamin C is of vital importance. It is essential to increase it in the diet in order to prevent cancer. It is not the synthetic vitamin pill that is referred to but the natural vitamin found in hundreds of fresh, cultivated fruits and foods and of course organically grown produce in mind as the finest quality. Some of the highest content are found in acerola berries.

Wheatgrass Juice (Triticum sp.) a little each day is claimed as a home cure for cancer and in some countries the juice is commercially available. Otherwise the seed has to be cultivated at home and harvested for juicing when the plants are about six inches (15cm) high.

It is imperative when seeking to employ self help methods, to properly ascertain the correctness of species of a plant not in your common use.. Seek the advice of a herbalist or professional botanist before using plants that are not familiar.

Enjoy eating the fresh foods that are loaded with vitamins and health promoting elements. Be encouraged on your way as you will be following a natural and simple path towards better health through common sense, self discipline and a future free of the fear of disease and invasive treatment methods.