Battling cancer irrespective of its site of occurrence and severity, is an emotional, physical as well as financial stigma for any person suffering from the disease or who has a near and dear one as its victim. Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells and is amongst the deadliest diseases that result in death if not treated in time.
Given the huge expenses of the cancer treatment and the humungous list of side effects, getting proper treatment is not within the reach of common man. Here we bring to you the list of top 10 easily available and cost effective ayurvedic herbs that can deal with cancer stages at all levels in a very effective manner.
1. TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA)
Turmeric is a popular medicinal herb known worldwide for its most amazing results in battling cancer progression. It has a number of actions as a natural herb for cancer treatment and has been found to be very beneficial in all kinds of cancers to a varying degree. Curcumin is the main active compound which is a yellow colored pigment present in Turmeric which is responsible for the activity of Turmeric in cancer prevention and treatment.
From reactivating the tumor suppressor gene to the regrowth of the cancer stem cells and the inhibition of metastasis, curcumin compound has been unmatched in its ferocious quest against cancerous cells. Planet Ayurveda's Curcumin 95 % capsules contain 95 % pure extracts of curcumin enclosed in purely vegetarian capsules.
2. ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA)
Ashwagandha is one of the best rejuvenating herbs discussed for its amazing anti - ageing and anti -oxidant properties in the texts of Ayurveda. It has shown cancer protective activity against normal body cells by its anti-oxidant action. It helps to improve the condition of the patient already undergoing chemo therapy or radiotherapy. It also minimizes the damage of the healthy cells from these harmful therapies. It provides a similar boost to the rapid recovery and regeneration of the body tissues and proteins that stabilize the body in general.
According to Ayurveda, Ashwagandha has a balancing impact on the three body energies which are severely in imbalance in cancer cells.
3. GUGGUL (COMMIPHORA WIGHTII)
The site of cancer growth has an immense inflammatory action in progress due to the rapid breakdown of the body tissues and a haywire metabolism that is fueling the irregular growth of the cancer cells. Guggul is the resinous plant extract of Commiphora mukul that has great anti - inflammatory and anti - oxidant properties. It has marked anti - ageing properties and has a free radical scavenging activity that reduces the chances of developing cancer to a large extent. Guggulosterones are the active extracts that impart it its immense medicinal properties.
4. KANCHNAAR (BAUHINIA VARIEGATA)
Kanchanaar is a very useful medicinal plant with the latin name Bauhenia variegata. Bauhenia variegate is a very effective herbal formulation that is in use since ancient times for it's amazing benefits in managing soft tissue malformations and glandular overgrowths. Kanchnaar Guggul is a popular classical ayurvedic preparation that is used to treat all kinds of cancers and tumors. Cancers and Tumors usually have an imbalance of the kapha body energy which is balanced by the piercing action of Kanchanaar extracts.
5. TULSI (OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM)
Tulsi is one of the best immunomodulators and is a preferable herb in the Ayurvedic treatment of cancer. It is a COX - 2 inhibitor that suppresses inflammation and relieves severe pain that is a common feature in cancer patients. Holy basil cells have the potential to repair damaged cells and also destroy and fight against pre - cancerous changes in the cells.
6. ECHINACEA (ANDROGRAPHIS PANNICULATA)
Echinacea is an herbal medicinal plant which is also known as Andrographis panniculata. It is also a great natural anti - oxidant and works towards the prevention of premature - ageing. It boosts the body's natural ability to fight infections of all kinds. Its fibrinolytic and analgesic properties make it very useful in managing cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiotherapy. It is not a sure shot cure for treating cancer. But, with regular use of this herbal supplement, precancerous changes can be avoided and cancer patients can easily survive with effective management of the adverse side effects that these patients suffer from due to radiations and chemotherapeutic drugs.
7. WHEATGRASS
Wheatgrass is obtained from our very own source of staple food knownas wheat or Triticum aestivum. It is a new rage in dietics and nutrition based studies for its immense reserves of vitamins and minerals and its great medicinal benefits that can prevent diseases like leukemia, cancer, Paralysis, insomnia etc. The chlorophyll content of wheatgrass is effective in the treatment of Hb deficiency, a common feature found in cancer patients. It is the source of an enzyme superoxide - dismutase that is the best scavenger for free radicals. It is also said that wheatgrass juice charged with ultraviolet rays becomes all the more effective in the treatment of cancer.
8. BLACK CARAWAY (NIGELLA SATIVA)
Next in the list of Ayurvedic herbs for cancer is an herb known as Nigella sativa. Its anti - cancer activity is attributed to its unique anti - oxidant action that is specifically effective against breast cancer cells. Caraway slows down the growth of the breast cancer cells and also prevents apoptosis. Thymoquinone an active compound present in this plant is the reason for such activities exhibited by this plant. It is also great for preventing metastasis of the breast cancer cells to the nearby organs. Black caraway's activity against breast cancer cells is fairly specific to the cancer cells and it does not harm the other healthy tissues surrounding the cancer cells.
9. GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM)
Amongst the numerous health benefits of consuming garlic every day is its effective as an Ayurvedic herb for cancer management. Garlic has been recognized by the biggest of health authorities world over for its immense activity against cancer cells in general. Be it delaying the growth of cancer cells, to the prevention of side effects of chemo and radiotherapy, 2 - 5 g of Garlic consumed everyday can do it all. Of course, there are certain limitations to its use like a strong breath and body odor and gastric upset, if consumed in large amounts. Despite this, WHO recommends a standard dosage regimen for the consumption of Garlic as a potent herb for cancer treatment.
10. CARDAMOM (ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM)
Cardamom, also known as Elettaria cardamomum is a potent anti - cancer herb that is used for the treatment of cancers specially colon cancers. The cardamom oil is used in studies that demonstrate its effectiveness in their quest against cancer management. The immuno modulatory action of cardamom oil couple with its immense anti - inflammatory and anti - microbial properties makes it an effective herb for cancer treatment.
DR. Vikram Chauhan, MD - AYURVEDA is an expert ayurvedic doctor based in Chandigarh, India and doing his practice in Mohali, India. He is spreading the knowledge of Ayurveda - Ancient healing treatment, not only in India but also abroad. He is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Products, Planet Ayurveda Clinic and Krishna Herbal Company. Write at - [email protected], Contact at - +91-172-521-4030 Websites - www.planetayurveda.com, www.alwaysayurveda.com
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