Essential Oils & Herbs That May Help With Cancer

As cancer rates continue to increase and confidence in the adequacy and overall safety of traditional medical treatments is eroding in some quarters, many people are choosing to prevent or treat various types of cancer with natural herbs and essential oils. There have been several studies on the cancer-fighting effects of herbs and essential oils that show some promise, which is good news to those who are looking for an alternative means to treating cancer.

Green Tea

Green Tea is a popular herbal remedy that millions use daily for a variety of ailments. History suggests that green tea dates back 500,000 years ago and was cultivated by China and India for medicinal purposes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea may help to prevent cancer. Polyphenol, an active ingredient in green tea, is thought to be responsible for the prevention of cancer. Several studies have shown that green tea inhibits and prevents the growth of cancerous cells in several forms of cancer such as bladder, breast, prostate, stomach, pancreatic, lung, esophageal, colorectal and ovarian cancer.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is well known for its antioxidant and immunity boosting properties, but studies also suggest that it is also beneficial to cancer patients. According to the MetroWest Medical Center, a medical study of cancer patients has shown that the individuals taking vitamin C had a nearly double survival rate as opposed the to the patients who did not take vitamin C.

Vitamin C has also been shown to have beneficial effects such as an improved sense of well-being, pain reduction, a strengthened immune system and more powerful collagen. In order to be effective, high quantities of vitamin C must be consumed daily. For more information and proper dosage, consult your health care professional.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is an herbal oil derived from the seeds of a flax plant. Although flax is cultivated to make linen, several studies suggest that flaxseed oil contains anti-cancer ingredients. According to the American Cancer Society, research has shown that flaxseed oil has the ability to prevent cancer growth. Most studies have been done on laboratory animals and have shown significant reduction in the movement and stickiness of cancerous cells. Also, studies have shown that a proper diet supplemented with flaxseed oil may reduce the growth and formation of certain types of cancer such as prostate and breast cancer.

Although more studies are needed in humans in regards to flaxseed oil’s cancer fighting abilities, the results of extensive animal tests and clinical trials show a lot of promise. Consult with your health care professional as to the proper dosage of flaxseed oil that will be the most beneficial to you.