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treating cancer with herbal medicine

 

cancer treatment with herbs

Herbs described below are as follows: Cat's Claw, Astragalus, Curcuma, Chaparral, Bee Propolis, Mistletoe, Neem, Noni, Echinacea, Flax Seed Oil, Essiac (Caisse), HerbShield

 

CAT’s CLAW (Uno de Gato)

 

Boosting the Attack

Alkaloids are very powerful natural plant compounds and there are six oxindole alkaloids in Uno de Gato bark. This natural compound is found in the Peruvian rain forest and China. It is known to be anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and an immune stimulator.

An excellent Immune System booster

A common misconception is that merely stimulating the immune system will be enough to kick out a cancer. Maybe, in a few cases it will. But, by and large, the problem with cancer is two-fold – true, the immune system is weak, BUT .......the cancer evades the immune system because of the low immune system response capacity. (In English – the bad guys can’t be ‘seen’, no matter how many good guys you produce. The issue is to make lots of good guys AND stimulate the bad guys in such a way that they appear on the radar screens).
So, in Herbal Medicine two therapeutic requirements are essential when treating cancer – Immuno-modulating herbs, and Adaptogenic herbs, and BOTH are required to work synergistically.
Cat‘s Claw is an immuno-modulating herb - it is known to increase various white cell levels stimulating the production of Natural Killer Cells. Four alkaloids in particular boost phagocytosis where the white cells attack, wrap up and carry off the rogue cells in the body – be they microbes, viruses, antigens and even cancer cells.
Research studies have shown the herb to be very powerful in its use with AIDS and cancer therapies. Research shows an action in decreasing the size of some tumours.

Protects healthy cells during radio-and chemotherapy

Can reduce the damaging side effects from radiotherapy and chemotherapy as it seems to offer protection to healthy cells and enhances the attacking and removal of cancer cells.
As an anti-cancer aid it can also be combined with wild yam and aloe vera forming a very strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial immune boosting force.
It has also been shown to boost the body’s natural energy levels.

To order Cat's Claw Bark as a strong organic tincture:

60ml (2 fl.oz) £9.95 (will last approx weeks on half doses)
115ml (3.9 fl.oz) £12.95 (will last approx 2 weeks on a low dose)
300ml (10.1 fl.oz) £24.95 (will last approx 2-4 weeks, depending on dose)
555ml (18.8 fl.oz) £39.95 (will last approx 4-8 weeks, depending on dose)

Now click here to email your order and we will send you a PayPal request including your shipping
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Flax Seed oil

Flax seed - also known as Linseed – is an annual plant found originally in India but now grown worldwide. It grows to just over a metre tall and produces true blue flowers and dry fruit capsules that each contain several glossy, brown, apple-pip-shaped seeds 4-7mm long. Flax is grown for its seeds and fibre and has been used over the centuries in the manufacture of a myriad of products including fabric, dye, varnish, paper, medicines, soap and fishing nets!
There are two varieties of flax seed – brown and yellow (otherwise known as ‘golden’) – both of which can be eaten. Cold pressed flaxseed oil is also suitable for human consumption and is often taken as a supplement in capsule form.

Nutritional Properties of Flax

Brown and yellow flax seeds have similar nutritional values and are a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Oily fish are also a source of omega-3’s, but there is a difference. Those from fish are ‘long-chain’ omega-3’s, whilst those from plants are ‘short-chain’. The numerous expert research studies of Vane and others on the benefits of omega-3’s with inflammation, Cox-2 and eicosanoids have all shown that long chain is the active form and short chain is inert. That is not to say that plant omega-3’s do you no good; far from it. In the body there is about 12 per cent conversion from short to long and flax is especially important in populations with low fish diets. The only exception is a variety of yellow flax called solin, which provides relatively little omega-3. Omega-3 acids are also very important in maintaining a healthy diet as they reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and plaque formation in arteries.
Besides providing omega-3s, flax seeds are an excellent source of cancer-fighting phytonutrients called lignans. Lignans also act as Prebiotics, feeding the populations of certain beneficial bacteria in the colon and stimulating the immune system. Populations with a high intake of phytonutrients have been found to have a lower incidence and mortality rate of breast, colon and prostate cancers. One such population is the Japanese, who typically consume a low-fat, high-fibre diet rich in isoflavonoids from soya beans and lignans from vegetables and grains. Studies linking flax consumption with a reduction in breast, colon and prostate cancers have been carried out and are summarised as follows:

 

 

Breast Cancer

Studies have shown that women with a history of breast cancer have significantly lower levels of the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone, which are made from the plant lignans secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) and matairesinol diglycoside (MDG) when flax seeds are consumed. In addition, lignans have been found to reduce levels of oestrogen, the lifetime exposure to which has strongly been linked with breast cancer. 

Colon Cancer

Since the colon is the region where mammalian lignans are produced from plant lignans, a number of studies have been carried out to find out whether flax plays a role in the prevention of colon cancer. The tests have revealed that cell proliferation – a precursor to tumour growth – was significantly less likely when flax seeds were part of the diet.

Prostate Cancer

In a preliminary clinical study, 25 men with prostate cancer were each given 30g of flax a day for a month as part of a low-fat diet. At the end of the month it was found that prostate cancer cell proliferation had decreased, while cancer cell death had increased among these men as compared with a control group.

Cooking with Flax

Flax is very versatile when it comes to cooking. You can do all of the following…!
· Caramelise ground flax, mixed nuts and malt barley extract for a great muesli topping
· Dip chunks of fruit in a mixture of ground flax and desiccated coconut, then stick them on wooden skewer to make fruit kebabs
· Mash an avocado and one tablespoon of ground flax to make a healthy sandwich spread
· Add one tablespoon of ground flax to a hummus mixture for extra goodness
· Sprinkle ground flax on a fruit salad or over fruit purées for a quick dessert
And why not try my recipes for Flaxseed Cookies and Flaxseed and Green Tea Muffins…?
Flaxseed Cookies
Ingredients
250g oats
110g wholemeal flour
50g ground flax seeds
50g raisins
50g cashew nuts
100g brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon baking powder
200ml sunflower oil
200ml water or Oat Milk (other non-dairy milks are good, too)
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add oil and mix. Stir in water or milk to make a firm mixture. Place heaped spoonfuls on a baking tray and then flatten. Dust with extra ground flax. Bake for 12-15 mins, then cool and serve.

Flaxseed and Green Tea Muffins
Ingredients
125g ground flaxseed
125g self-raising wholewheat flour
1 egg
50g brown sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons of soya yogurt
100g sunflower oil
1 tablespoon loose green tea (ground to powder in a coffee grinder)
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 190°C. Mix the yogurt and egg, then add the flour, flaxseed, sugar, green tea and lemon. Spoon the mixture into muffin cups. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Note that ground flaxseed naturally flavoured with blueberries or apple and cinnamon can be ordered from Nutrichef at www.nutrichef.co.uk

To order FlaxSeed as an organic oil:

115ml (3.9 fl.oz) £6.50 (will last approx 3 weeks on a low dose)
300ml (10.1 fl.oz) £12.95 (will last approx 2-4 weeks, depending on dose)
555ml (18.8 fl.oz) £21.95 (will last approx 4-8 weeks, depending on dose)

Now click here to email your order and we will send you a PayPal request including your shipping

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Astragalus - An all rounder

Astragalus has been around in Chinese medicine for two thousand years. It is known as ‘haung qi‘, or chi, because it boosts natural body energy levels. Astragalus is taken from the root of a perennial plant (Astragalus membranaceous) needing four to seven years to mature before the root is harvested in early spring. The root is not unlike a garlic bulb. Traditionally, this herb is known to boost the immune system and has benefits in cases of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and respiratory infections. It is also used as a general tonic and to treat burns, abscesses and for hepatitis.

An excellent Immune system booster

Its wide usage in China as an immune system booster brought interest from Europe, Japan and America. Original Chinese studies dated back to 1981, when a study by Hou et al showed that Astragalus taken orally induced greater quantities of interferon and leukocytes in the blood stream.
A common misconception is that merely stimulating the immune system will be enough to kick out a cancer. Maybe, in a few cases it will. But, by and large, the problem with cancer is two-fold – true, the immune system is weak, BUT .......the cancer evades the immune system because of the low immune system response capacity. (In English – the bad guys can’t be ‘seen’, no matter how many good guys you produce. The issue is to make lots of good guys AND stimulate the bad guys in such a way that they appear on the radar screens).
So, Medical Herbalists rightly point out that two therapeutic requirements are essential when treating cancer – Immuno-modulating action, and Adaptogenic action, and BOTH are required to work synergistically.
Astragalus seems to be able to do both jobs. Firstly, it has phenomenal immune system modulating effects. In tests at the Hiroshima School of Medicine in Japan, it was shown to directly increase B-lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte levels, interleukin and antibody production.
But, not only does it increase the number of various white cells and in particular the ‘hunter’ T-cells it also helps identify the viruses, bacteria and other rogue cells. The University of Texas has shown that Astragalus seems to be an adaptogenic herb ’offering up’ viruses, bacteria and even cancer cells to be seen by the immune system.
Astragalus contains bioflavonoids, choline and a polysaccharide, asragalan B, amongst other active ingredients. Astragalan B controls bacterial infection, viruses and other such ‘rogue’ bodies by binding to their outer membranes. This has two effects – it weakens their internal systems, and by sitting on the membrane it thus helps the T-cells identify rogue cells.
All this also makes its use as an adjunct to fight AIDS increasingly important.

FDA to approve role in cancer

A considerable amount of detailed German and American research has confirmed the herb’s powers, and identified an important potential role in cancer therapy. For example:

• Researchers from the University of Texas, Houston, have reported that cancer patients receiving Astragalus have twice the survival rate of those only receiving placebos.
•  It is often used in conjunction with other herbs. In a 1994 Italian study (Morazzoni, Bombardelli) breast cancer patients were given a combination of Iigustrum and Astragalus. Patients given this mix showed a decline in mortality from 50% to 10%.
• In another study of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer all undergoing chemotherapy, the group taking the dual herb mix showed an average life span increase of 130%.
• Astragalus doesn't merely enhance interferon levels; there is strong scientific evidence that it benefits liver function (often impaired in the cancer sufferer). In China, Astragalus is widely used in the treatment of hepatitis. It seems to reduce toxin levels significantly, boost interferon levels and inhibit viral protein expression whilst having little or no effect on normal DNA. (Zhang 1995, Fan 1996)

The FDA is currently granting it approval as an anti-cancer agent.

Improves the effectiveness of Radio- and Chemotherapy

One extremely important conclusion from several US studies is that Astragalus seems to help the immune system differentiate between healthy cells and rogue cells, thereby boosting the body’s total ‘cancer fighting system’. One effect of this is the added benefit of improving the effectiveness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments.

•  In Chinese hospitals Astragalus is now routinely used to help people recover from the negative effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center (Texas) researchers reported that cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy had twice the survival rates if they took astragalus during the treatment.
• In the West some herbalists routinely provide chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients with Astragalus, and apart from boosting the immune system (which of course both orthodox treatments damage) it also seems to stop the spread of malignant cancer cells to secondary healthy tissues.

There are no known conflicting effects with drugs. Astragalus should be taken with meals at a total intake of 2,000 to 3,000 mgs per day.

Astragalus beats the flu
Clinical Applications: Astragalus is antiviral, carminative, antispasmodic, and hepatic. It improves glucose tolerance and acts as a vasodilator. In China, astragalus has been used as an energy tonic for deficient spleen qi and yang conditions. It has been used to treat wasting and thirsting conditions, as well as diarrhea, fatigue, and prolapse of the uterus. Astragalus is used to control fluids in cases of excess sweating and to reduce fluid retention.
- Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology by Michael Friedman, ND

Other Chinese doctors have found that astragalus offers more effective relief than the drug nifedipine (Procardia) for angina pain. More than 80 percent of angina patients improved on astragalus treatment without the dizziness, giddiness, heartburn, or headache that nifedipine can cause. Animal studies suggest that astragalus can help prevent the development of cholesterol plaques after an arterial wall has been damaged, which can keep the coronary arteries from becoming too narrow. Astragalus also is useful in the treatment of viral myocarditis, a flulike infection that affects the heart.
- Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Also, since flu vaccines are formulated based on viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past, they may or may not be effective in preventing flu caused by this year's virus. Astragalus helps to build the immune system, and thus make you less vulnerable to the flu. Take 250 to 500 milligrams in the morning three times a week during the flu season. Note: Do not take this herb if you have a fever. American ginseng helps to boost the immune system and strengthen the body. Take 200 milligrams one-half hour before breakfast once or twice a week during the winter months.
- Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults by Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND

Consider taking ginseng or astragalus to promote health, stamina, and viral immunity. Take colostrum, beta-glucan, and other immune-boosting supplements. Take extra vitamin C and zinc. Follow the recommendations in this book on how to take natural medicines for beating the flu. For frail, older people, reduce the dosage by half.

To order Astragalus Root as a strong organic tincture:

60ml (2 fl.oz) £6.50 (will last approx 2 weeks on half doses)
115ml (3.9 fl.oz) £10.95 (will last approx 2 weeks on a low dose)
300ml (10.1 fl.oz) £24.95 (will last approx 2-4 weeks, depending on dose)
555ml (18.8 fl.oz) £36.95 (will last approx 4-8 weeks, depending on dose)

Now click here to email your order and we will send you a PayPal request including your shipping

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Chaparral

is an evergreen desert shrub, long used by native Americans to treat everything from colds to cancer has now been shown by the Medical University of South Carolina to, indeed, have the ability to shrink some tumours. In the 50's to 70's, Chaparral tea was used as an anti-cancer drink but the FDA warned people off it, claiming possible liver and kidney damage.
Chaparral has now been shown to have the ability to shrink some tumours
This latest research used injectable refined extracts of Chaparral injected into patients with head and neck cancers that had not responded to previous treatments. No negative effect with either liver or kidneys was seen.

 

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Bee propolis

Propolis has always had a pretty healthy image. After all, honey was one of the staple foods in the Middle Ages and is known to have significant anti-viral and anti-fungal benefits. Only recently, we covered a story in icon that Christie Hospital, Manchester was to use Manuka honey for patients who had had chemotherapy or radiotherapy and were suffering from infections of the throat and mouth. It is also applied to leg ulcers, although I prefer to combine it with antibacterial and wound healing herbs for extra strength.

What is Bee Propolis?

Propolis is a natural compound produced by bees from the buds of plants and mixed with wax and resin. It is used to repair the hive, and to protect it from predators like viruses, bacteria, fungi and various microbes and diseases. It maintains the temperature and health of the hive (Park et al 2002).
Not surprisingly it can be extremely useful in fighting various infectious diseases. A range of safe and positive effects has been identified - for example, it is highly effective with:

• wound healing
• skin infections
• tissue repair
• gastro-intestinal problems

 

The actual content of bee propolis depends on the geographic location of the bees and the time of year (Banskota et al 2000). Propolis often comprises more than 180 natural compounds, many of which are concentrates of powerful antioxidant plant flavenoids and phenols. This finding, through chromatographic analysis for example, has led to many new and research-proven benefits over the last 8 years. (Castaldo and Capasso, 2002)
Bee propolis is now also known to have:

• anaesthetic benefits
• immuno-modulating benefits
• anti-inflammatory benefits
• antioxidant benefits
• cardiovascular benefits
• cancer prevention and treatment benefits

 

Brazilian bee propolis (Green propolis from Baccharis Dracunculifolia) has been the subject of a number of many serious clinical studies, and according to PubMed, accounts for over 26 per cent of all new research. The next group of major researchers is in Japan.
Because the ‘ingredients’ of bee propolis can vary greatly, I will confine the rest of this article to Brazilian green propolis. Much of the research detail comes from an article published in the International Journal of Cancer Research 3 (1); 43-53 2007.

Anti-Cancer Benefits

Brazilian bee propolis has significant and varied anti-cancer benefits, some of which will surprise many orthodox experts. Overall, research has indicated benefits in each of the following areas of the cancer process:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-viral; anti-yeast (candida albicans)
• Wound Healing
• Immune stimulant
• Free radical scavenging
• DNA protection
• Anti-tumour effect
• Cancer cell death
• Anti-metastatic activity.

 

Furthermore, it has been shown to enhance the benefits of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, having a protective effect on healthy cells and an enhancing effect on chemotherapy action.
 
    (i) Anti-inflammatory action
Inflammation is a usual precursor to cancer and may be caused by a number of factors such as eicosanoids (e.g. Prostaglandins), cytokines (e.g. leukotrines), quinines, free radicals histamines and serotonin. Propolis has been shown to inhibit prostaglandin, leucotrine and histamine release. (Khayyal et al 1993; Mirzoeva and Calder 1996; Hepsen et al 1999. Indeed all these inflammatory conditions have been suppressed in clinical studies - and in each case the response was as good as the recommended prescription drug (Menezes et al 1999). Propolis was even found to overcome formaldehyde induced arthritis. Typical active ingredients were the flavenoid hesperidins (Hata and Beyer 2004).
(ii) Anti-viral; anti-yeast
Various research studies have confirmed bee propolis effectiveness against all the principle strains of Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, salmonella, E coli, candida albicans and even HIV. A number of flavenoids seem particularly important, especially kaempferol, pinocembrin and galangine. Again controls were taken using prescription drugs such as AZT the anti-AIDS drug. Moronic acid in propolis had significant anti-HIV effect, out-scoring the AZT drug.
(iii) Wound Healing
Propolis has been found to have antiseptic, anaesthetic and healing powers. It has been shown to have a healing effect in the tissue repair of oral mucosa (Bretz et al 1998) - hence the use of Menuka by Christie Hospital. It is also effective as a 5 per cent mouthwash after dental surgery (Carvahlo 1994). Post operative wounds - for example after cancer surgery - in subcutaneous tissues were more quickly healed with a compress of propolis, honey and comfrey ointment (Magro-Filho 1987).
(iv) Immune Stimulant
The ester of caffeic acid (CAPE) is one of the main active compounds of propolis, along with the flavenoid ingredients Quercitin and Hesperidine. They seem to have two actions. Firstly, they seem to inhibit cellular growth and secondly, they can increase the presence of certain white immune cells like T-lymphocytes, increasing hydrogen peroxide production without any simultaneous and damaging nitrite production, which usually occurs with macrophage activity. (Than et al 2003; Ansorge et al 2003)
(v) Free Radical Scavenging
Flavenoids are known to have powerful antioxidant benefits. Matsushige et al 1996 isolated a compound from propolis to show that it had a stronger antioxidant benefit that vitamins C and E. The Brazilian propolis seems to have stronger antioxidant powers than those of China, Peru and Holland. The antioxidant capacity can prevent the free radicals acting on the cell lipids, proteins and even the DNA.
(vi) DNA Protection
CAPE - even when used in low doses - can prevent cellular mistakes in healthy cells and induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. Thus it seems to have a double benefit of protecting healthy cells whilst killing cancer cells. (Chen et al 2003)
Fitzpatrick et al (2001) also showed that propolis could protect healthy DNA and restrict macrophage activity. This selective effect was also shown by Su et al 1995.
(vii) Anti-tumour effect
The ability to protect healthy DNA was confirmed by Banskota et al 2001, and by Suzuki et al, in 2002. They both also noted that propolis had anti-tumour activity. The ability to kill cancer cells has been shown both in vitro and in animal in vivo studies. The particular ingredient responsible is Artepillin C, which leads to cancer cells’ DNA fragmentation (Kimoto et al 1998). Kimoto has also shown that intra-tumoural injections of 500 mgs of Artepillin C produced apoptosis and an increase in immune defenses.
CAPE and another 20 ingredients of propolis were tested by Nagaoka et al 2002. 4 were found to cause cancer cell death. Where CAPE was taken orally by mice with lung tumours, a reduction of tumour size of 50 per cent was noted. Researchers similarly tested another group of mice using the drug cisplatine. No difference in effectiveness was noted, but the mice taking the drug had significant weight loss, a side-effect not noted with propolis (Nagaoka et al 2003). It was concluded that CAPE had a cytoxic effect, and could also block the invasive, metastasis noted with these tumours.   
(viii) Enhancement of orthodox chemotherapy approaches
Propolis has biological effects that act in synergy with chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (Suzuki et al 2002).Importantly Santos and Cruz 2001 showed that the antioxidant properties of propolis could reduce the side effects caused by chemotherapy drugs without any detriment to the therapeutic effects.
Suzuki researched two drugs in experiments with mice and cancer (mitomicine C and 5- fluoresce) and showed that the combination of drug plus propolis had by far the greatest regression effects especially in advanced stages, over the drugs used on their own. The propolis usage resulted in higher levels of white and red cells and less side effects. The conclusion of the research was that propolis increased the bio-availability of the drugs. The desired effect could therefore logically be achieved on smaller doses and with even less side effects.
Orsolic and Basic (2005) used mice with breast tumours to show antioxidants can enhance the performance of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy, by using water soluble bee propolis. This supports the work of Chan noted above, that CAPE has a cytoxic effect and can cause cell death, whilst protecting the DNA of healthy cells. ‘Chemotherapy agents used in anti-metastatic activity have their benefits enhanced’. was again the conclusion. The authors recommended clinical trials should take place as all the indications were for greater effect in radio and chemotherapy, whilst minimising blood cell declines and other side effects.
Padmavathi et al (2005) studied the drug paclitaxel with propolis, in DMBA-induced mice breast cancer and concluded that the two combined suppressed breast cancer, decreased lipid peroxidation, and increased the activities of antioxidant enhanced super oxide dismutase and vitamin C. They concluded that the combination of paclitaxel and propolis offers maximum effect in DMBA-induced breast cancer.

 

 

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Mistletoe

is a semi-parasitic plant that has been used for centuries in Europe to treat many human illnesses. Although the berries and the plant itself are poisonous, a whole variety of extracts has been prepared and these seem to avoid the toxicity and side effects.
The extracts are manufactured and marketed as injectable prescription drugs under a variety of names including Iscador, Isorel, Isucucin, Helixor, Plenosol and Eurixor. Some extracts are, in fact marketed under more than one name. Iscador, Isorel and Plenosol are sold as Iscar, Vysorel and Lektinol respectively. The chemical composition of the extract also depends on the host tree, and extract variants are prepared by tree type.
The extracts can be in aqueous solution or in solutions of water and alcohol. They may also be fermented.
The FDA has not yet approved mistletoe extracts and regards them as homeopathic drugs.

Why The Interest?

Two components of mistletoe, lectins and viscotoxins, provide the probable active ingredients for the extracts, which have been shown to kill cancer cells in vitro, and to boost the immune system in vitro and in vivo.
Some extracts are, in fact marketed under more than one name
Viscotoxins are small proteins that appear to kill certain cells by combining with their nucleic acids whilst also stimulating the immune system. Lectins are larger and more complex molecules made of carbohydrate and protein (galactosides). They appear to be able to bind to the surface of immune cells and stimulate activity, in common with all glycoproteins. Glycoproteins improve intercellular recognition systems, activating natural killer cells/T cells and other white cells to produce interleukin 1 and 6, and also tumour killing factors. One study reviewed lectins' ability to release superoxide from certain white cells.

Does It Work?

There have been over 30 European trials on mistletoe, none without a little bit of controversy. In 1994 a review of the trials found that there was insufficient evidence to recommend the use of mistletoe extracts in the treatment of cancer.
However a recent study (Maticek; Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine May/June 2004) involving both randomised and non-randomised samples and 10,266 cancer patients changed all that.
A continuous recruitment of patients between 1973 and 1988 in Germany for the study based at the Institute for Preventative Medicine, United Nations, Heidelberg matched people treated with Iscador and those without with strict control of age, sex, tumour type, year of diagnosis, chemotherapy etc. A further follow up in 1998 reviewed survival times.
Those who continued on a long term basis saw a doubling of survival
time
Both test groups showed an increased survival time of 39 per cent for those taking Iscador. Those who continued to use Iscador on a long term basis saw a doubling of survival time. By contrast, short usage times seem to provide little effect, possibly since stimulation of the immune system requires time.
Another study with patients having malignant melanoma is ongoing.

Treatment

Iscador is given as subcutaneous injection 2-3 times per week. Side effect are relatively mild and include a slight irritation or reddening around the injection site. There may be a rise in patient temperature.

 

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 Curcuma

is the ‘active’ ingredient of the Indian/Asian curry spice Turmeric.  To put this technically, curcumin is the principal curcuminoid in turmeric.  Curcuminoids are polyphenols.  Turmeric powder is ground from the root of a plant called Curcuma Longa, which is a member of the ginger family and is found throughout Southern Asia, even growing wild in the Himalayas.
This vivid yellow to brown spice was used, like many Asian spices and chillies, to hide the taste of stronger tasting meats and fish – even those that might have gone a little ‘off’ in such hot climates.  Like many such spices, it also performed a necessary and functional role – it was a cleanser, a ‘bacteria-killer’ in the stomach, protecting against ‘tainted’ foods!

Wide activity

Curcumin first caught my attention when I read a research report on its ability to prevent the ‘crossed wires’ of Alzheimers, through blocking a certain peptide forming.  Therapeutic doses seem able to prevent, and also reverse, early stages of the disease.  (My father had the disease, in case you wondered!).  As I started to do my homework, I found clinical trials for all manner of ‘illnesses’ from cystic fibrosis to reduction of risk in stomach and colorectal cancers.
Curcumin/turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as a ‘cleanser of the body’.  It appears to work at a number of levels:
1. It can inhibit unwanted bacterial action in the stomach and intestine:
For example (i) , University of Chicago researchers have shown it inhibits Heliobacter Pylori, a bacterium known to be responsible for stomach ulcers and some stomach cancers.  In Ayurvedic medicine, curcumin was used in poultices for this same reason – to kill unwanted bacteria.
2. It is a significant anti-inflammatory:
Arachidonic acid is a precursor/stimulator of the production of bad eicosancids (see our reviews of omega 3 and vitamin D) and thus to inflammation, which is itself a precursor to certain cancers.  Curcumin has been found to inhibit several of the pre-inflammatory enzymes (e.g. COX–2 and iNOS) in vitro and in vivo with animals.  Japanese research suggests it works in much the same way as salicylin. (ii)
3. It boosts crucial cellular glutathione levels:
Glutathione is a crucial intracellular antioxidant, helping the cell maintain its correct oxygen levels and ‘fight off’ the effects of stress hormones.  Research has shown that curcumin can prevent the action of an enzyme that limits glutathione production.
4. It is a powerful antioxidant:
“Turmeric extract tested more potent than garlic, omega 3 and cat’s claw (devil’s claw)” said German research. (iii)
5. It can prevent and treat cancer:
“Curcumin can suppress tumour initiation, promotion and metastasis.  Extensive research over the last 50 years has indicated it can prevent and treat cancer”.  So says the mighty MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas.  ‘The anti-cancer potential stems from its ability to suppress a wide variety of tumour cells, down-regulate transcription factors, down-regulate enzymes such as COX-2 and other inflammatories, chemokines, cell-surface adhesion molecules, down-regulate growth factors”, etc., etc. (iv)
It’s not just MD Anderson that are fans:
Tufts have conducted research with breast cancer patients concluding that curcumin and isoflavanoids seem to inhibit the action of environmental oestrogens. (v)
UCLA have researched its potential with colorectal cancer (San Diego – Chauhen).
Kentucky University researchers report on its inhibition of B lymphoma cells. (vi)
Sloan-Kettering (New York) even offered that green tea spiced with curcumin was a double anti-cancer beater!
There are a dozen or more studies where curcumin has caused cell death in cancer cells; and even more where it prevents tumours forming a blood supply.
However as always, some things seem too good to be true; and despite the euphoria of major hospitals in the USA, a few words of realism have to be added.
Firstly, much of the work uses cell cultures.  Most other studies use a variety of animals.  There have been human trials, even clinical trials, primarily with cervical cancer lesions and with gastrointestinal cancers; however, these are limited.  So, although the biochemical knowledge is vast, the use of oral curcumin to prevent and treat cancer is still in its infancy.
Next, there is a problem maintaining ‘effectiveness’ inside the cells; there are several studies that show oral consumption needs to be maintained in order to maintain blood and cellular levels.  So it’s curry every day, then!

Supplementation

Actually, a single curry meal delivers very small amounts of active curcumin, so you would have to maintain daily consumption.  Or you can supplement. (Research from Taiwan shows that even 8 gms per day for three months is ‘safe’.  In one UK clinical trial a variety of doses from 0.45 to 3.6 gms per day was used with colorectal cancer patients, all having no adverse effects.
Curcumin supplements may be heavily contaminated – with everything from pesticides to other spices – so you must choose a reliable supplier, ideally of curcuma longa. If you are thinking of buying Curcuma Longa you might like to look at the Natural Selection Product of Choice. You can do this by clicking here. 

Counter indications

Some supplements contain piperine, supposedly to increase bio-availability.  This can interfere with certain drugs.
Curcumin can inhibit coagulation in vitro and so may be inadvisable if you are taking anti-coagulants.  It might increase the risk of bleeding.
It might also be advisable not to take it if you are pregnant or lactating.

In summary

Clearly there is a huge enthusiasm, even expectation, overseas for curcumin, if not in British hospitals and oncology departments.  But the real issue is can you take enough of it orally to deliver it in adequate doses to your breast or prostate cells?  Certainly curcumin (curcuma longa) was seen to be an important herb in the natural and successful treatment of prostate cancer. We will just have to wait and see whether this longstanding Ayurvedic medicine will curry favour with the UK medical fraternity.
  (i)Magad et al, Anticancer Res 2002.  22(6C) 4179-81
  (ii)Vane: Nobel Prize 1982
  (iii) J Pharmacology 2003 55; 981-6
  (iv) Aggarwal et al Anticancer Res. 2003. 23; 363-98
  (v) Environ Health Perspective 1998; 106. 807-12

 

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Neem – A Powerful Tree for All of Us

By Linda Yates, Herbalist, Kissimmee, Florida, USA
I've worked with many wonderful botanicals over the past 40 years, but seldom have I seen one with as many amazing qualities as Neem. Unfortunately, though, it's relatively unknown to the western world! I'd like to change that fact.
The more I learn about Neem, the more I am amazed. It's a tree, native to Burma, and grows widely in northern India, where its curative powers are recognized by almost everyone. In fact, some folks refer to it as "The Village Pharmacy", so wide is its sphere of action. Many parts of the tree are used - leaves, bark, roots - all with somewhat different propensities and areas of healing.
Neem is used over much of the world as an insect repellant and anti-fungal in agriculture, where its safety far surpasses any chemical products and is thus a great boon to our planet!
But its human applications are striking. Most of us have a strong disinclination to consider the idea that we harbour parasites, fungi, and all sorts of other nasty things, but that doesn't change the fact that we do. And they are causing major illness, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, strokes, immune dysfunction, and many other serious or life threatening maladies.

Neem Can and Does Help!

Therefore, it behoves all of us to explore what the Neem tree, an inexpensive, safe, beneficial, plant, can do for us! Neem trees grow along roadsides all over India and are common in many households.
Neem is a tree, native to Burma
Amazingly, the pollution of traffic doesn't seem to matter - the leaves have their own protection seemingly built in by Nature. Also, as the leaves are basically medicinal, they can be stored for a long time under low temperature conditions. Many Indian families will take five clean, washed leaves, grind them into a paste, and take them upon rising, as a preventive medicine. Amazingly, they are used very potently in the care of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other ailments.
WHY? Because they are anti-fungal, and a growing consensus of reports worldwide has concluded that fungi and their resulting mycotoxins are the cause of most of modern society's scourges. And why do we all have so many fungi? One major reason is our diet, which is way too high in grains, sugars, and other carbohydrates. Fungi love sugars and this fact links to many findings concerning their involvement in diabetes. Many cancers too are linked with the draining presence of fungi, whose presence can be also encouraged by a variety of chemicals from antibiotics in our diets to chemotherapy treatments.
To quote the National Research Council in Washington, DC, which has released a report titled Neem: Tree for Solving Global Problems, the NRC Panel feels Neem is "one of the most promising of all plants, and the fact that it is may eventually benefit every person on this planet. Probably no other plant yields as many strange and varied products or has as many exploitable by-products."
This is exciting information, and I am happy to say that the results I've personally experienced with it are dramatic! Those who have sought it from me are also very excited with the changes they are seeing personally from its use, which include major improvement in blood sugar levels for diabetics (this is my speciality, actually), sense of wellbeing, getting rid of chronic fungal infections and major clearing up of long standing skin problems.
Probably no other plant yields as many strange and varied products
Modern science has now identified Azadirachtin as the key ingredient in Neem. I can't pronounce it, but I know it's good for me! I only market an extract of the leaves which is 100% Azadirachtin, as this is the most potent form I've found for human consumption. Neem also comes in other forms, but this is the best, easiest, and most economical for our healing purposes.
I hope I have sparked some interest in everyone about what Neem can do for all of us. It's safe, effective, easy to take, and produces wonderful changes in our bodies as we rid them of the fungi, parasites, and mycotoxins which are slowly reducing our ability to function optimally.

Essiac - The Medicine Man's Cure for Cancer

Essiac, which we call Cassie after Mrs Caisse (because the word Essiac is now trade marked), quite simply is a natural, herbal tea. Currently, it is unapproved for marketing in the United States and However the Resperin Corporation, now owners of the formula, has a special agreement with the Canadian Health and Welfare department, which permits "emergency releases of Essiac on compassionate grounds to cancer sufferers".
Well does it work, or doesn't it?!
The original formula was given to Nurse Rene Caisse by a hospital patient who claimed her cancer had been healed some 20 years before by an Ontario Indian medicine man.
Essiac quite simply is a natural, herbal tea
Caisse used the blend of herbs to treat patients for a number of years, setting up her own clinic in 1935 in Braceridge. Caisse's view was that it alleviated pain, and at the same time broke down nodular masses to form a more normal tissue. (Eventually the tumour would start to soften after an earlier hardening. Patients frequently reported a discharge of large amounts of pus and fleshy material as the tumour broke down.)
Her clinic was free, and by 1938 supporters tried to win Government approval for her work, failing in parliament by three votes. Nine doctors had petitioned the Canadian federal health department as early as 1926 asking that Caisse be allowed to test her cancer remedy on a broad scale. In their signed petition they testified that the herbal treatment reduced tumour size and increased life expectancy.

Caisse's own view was that, if it doesn't actually cure cancer, it does afford significant relief. Whilst in Canada Caisse treated her own 72 year old mother with the tea under the supervision of Dr Roscoe Graham, consultant and specialist. The tea was administered 12 times a day for 10 days, and her mother lived to 90 years of age.
By 1942, without official approval and fearing arrest, Caisse shut her clinic, although she continued to treat patients at home. In 1959 at the age of seventy she went to the Brusch Medical Centre in Massachusetts, where she treated cancer patients under the watchful eye of 18 doctors. Dr Charles Brush, who treated President Kennedy amongst other members of New England's elite, reported in 1991 that he had been taking Caisse's formula since 1984 when he himself had cancer operations.
If it doesn't actually cure cancer, it does afford significant relief

The original herbal ingredients were:
Burdock root - A well-known blood purifier which has been reported by Hungarian and Japanese scientists to decrease cell mutation and inhibit tumours. It has a reasonably high Selenium content.

Sheep Sorrel - A traditional Indian remedy for everything from eczema to ringworm; it does have an effect in herpes, ulcers & cancer seemingly by stimulating the endocrine system.
Slippery Elm - Calcium, magnesium and vitamin rich, it has a healing effect on the lungs and internal organs. It also helps reduce acid ash in the body.

Indian Rhubarb - Very cleansing to the liver and intestinal system. It also helps transport oxygen throughout the body and has an antibiotic and anti-yeast action and reduces inflammation. In 1980 studies showed that it also had a clear anti-tumour effect.
The ingredients of Essiac, if nothing else, make it an excellent all round immune system booster

Without proper clinical trials it is impossible to come to any definitive conclusion about Essiac and a degree of mythology has clouded some of the story.
What is apparent though is that the ingredients of Essiac, if nothing else, make it an excellent all round immune system booster and, whilst the specific anti-cancer claims may still need some hard supporting evidence, few people could argue with the proven track records of the ingredients. I can understand the banning of a cancer clinic without clinical trials, but hardly the banning of such a good all round cleanser and immune booster.

 

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Noni - The Fruit of Life?

 

Morinda citrifolia, or Noni, is a knobbly fruit widespread in tropical countries from Tahiti through Asia and back to Hawaii. In the Caribbean it is called 'dog dumpling', but this sounds a lot less appetising! It can be eaten as the natural fruit but is more widely consumed in liquid form.
Noni contains a number of enzymes and alkaloids in quite large quantities. It would appear from several research studies to have four main benefits:
Firstly, it directly stimulates the immune system increasing the production of both B - and T-lymphocytes. Furthermore, Noni contains pro-Xeronine, which can be converted to Xeronine by natural enzymatic action in the body's tissues. Xeronine, produces a strong immune response to cancer cells in laboratory experiments.
Secondly, it appears to inhibit tumour development. Research conducted by Drs. Hirazumi and Furasawa at the Department of Pharmacology in the University of Hawaii, showed conclusively that the high polysaccharide content of Noni inhibits tumours in mice. Bromelain, an alkaloid and enzyme also found in pineapples and used in some dietary cancer therapies, is found in high levels in Noni and it is known to weaken the walls of cancer cells. The undoubted strength of Noni lies in this multi-polysaccharide, alkaloid and high phytochemical content. Dr DL. Davis, the senior science advisor to the US Public Health Service is very clear that, "phytochemicals can take tumours and diffuse them". Thirdly, Noni helps regulate cell function and cell regeneration. Dr Neil Solomon MD, PhD. conducted research with mice and showed that those fed Noni live live 123% longer than normal.
Noni is a knobbly fruit widespread in tropical countries

He believes this is due to Noni enhancing the body's natural healing processes and balancing the body's pH. Noni, in its concentrated form, provides a strong residue of alkaline ash in the body when consumed. This would serve most people well as their normal Western lifestyle and diet produces an acid body. A slightly alkaline pH is essential for the peak efficiency of the cellular biochemistry, and for the effective functioning of the immune system.
In a paper 'The Pharmacologically Active Ingredient of Noni', R.M. Heinicke of the University of Hawaii concludes that Xeronine protects and keeps the shape of protein molecules, which after passage into the cell, can be better used to make healthy tissue. Xeronine may also help protein molecules pass into cells by enlarging the membrane pores and, so the theory runs, the bigger the pores, the larger the protein molecules 'feeding' the cells and so the healthier they become. The juice must be drunk on an empty stomach as the pepsin and acid of the stomach will destroy Xeronine and pro-Xeronine. In fact, you should not eat anything for about two hours before and about half an hour after taking Noni.
Finally, Noni acts as an analgesic for headaches and as a healing agent for open wounds. Researchers in France have found that it is 75% as effective as morphine sulphate without the addictive side effects. In South East Asia, Noni is drunk to aid digestion and neutralise foreign bacteria in the stomach. And it is also used to put on cuts and wounds to speed up the healing process.
As an aside, there is a marketing war going on between Tahitian and Hawaiian Noni products! For example, "Hawaiian Noni is 100% pure Noni while Tahitian is a juice, not 100% pure, and made from concentrate" (Hawaiian Noni web-site). To give the reader some feeling for the marketing fervour surrounding this product, there are almost 43,000 web sites for Noni!
One suspects the decision may have already been taken to 'disapprove' Noni

There is one cloud on the horizon. The European Union, who only recently decided to halt the sale of vitamins and minerals beyond those on a prescribed, agreed list of just 20 or so (and even those in small doses), is also looking to cut a plethora of 'health products', one of which is Noni. The EEC wants to categorise these products as speciality foods' and these can only be sold if the producers give evidence on their benefits by submitting copious documentation. Even then, one suspects the decision may have already been taken to 'disapprove' Noni.
It seems odd to me that the EEC allow the sale of cigarettes but might not allow the sale of a concentrated natural fruit. But what do I know; I'm only a biochemist and nutritionist!! But then I admit I'm biased. I am also a Noni convert and drink it every day.

To order noni fruit as a strong organic tincture:

60ml (2 fl.oz) £6.50 (will last approx weeks on half doses)
115ml (3.9 fl.oz) £10.95 (will last approx 2 weeks on a low dose)
300ml (10.1 fl.oz) £24.95 (will last approx 2-4 weeks, depending on dose)
555ml (18.8 fl.oz) £36.95 (will last approx 4-8 weeks, depending on dose)

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Echinacea - The Immune Boosting Herb

Although Echinacea was a favourite of Native American Indians for centuries, it lost its position as an immune system booster when antibiotics came along. Originally claims were made for its excellence in aiding relief from anything from colds to cancer.
Over the last twenty years it has been the Germans who have pioneered all the new research work with literally hundreds of studies. This is a very well researched herb!
The German Federal Health Agency has approved echinacea as a supportive treatment for colds and influenza, hard-to-heal skin wounds and urinary tract infections. Almost all the research uses liquid preparations or tinctures. Other research studies have noted an effect in eczema, candidiasis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
However in 1999 a paper by M J Verhoef in Neurology volume 52, reported the successful study of echinacea in neurological disease and in brain tumours, and this led scientists to refocus their attentions to cancer.

An excellent Immune system booster

A common misconception is that merely stimulating the immune system will be enough to kick out a cancer. Maybe, in a few cases it will. But, by and large, the problem with cancer is two-fold – true, the immune system is weak, BUT .......the cancer evades the immune system because of the low immune system response capacity. (In English – the bad guys can’t be ‘seen’, no matter how many good guys you produce. The issue is to make lots of good guys AND stimulate the bad guys in such a way that they appear on the radar screens).
So, Medical Herbalists recognize the need for two therapeutic requirements as essential when treating cancer – an Immuno-modulating effect, and an Adaptogenic effect, and BOTH are required to work synergistically.
Echinacea is a member of the Compositae family. Although there are nine members, only three have been widely studied and used. Most common, the purple cornflower, is a native plant to America and was first officially used there in medical practice in 1887. Both the roots and the leaves have medicinal properties.
It boosts the immune system directly due to a number of active chemicals like polysaccharides, alkylamides, flavenoids, caffeic acid derivatives, polyacetylenes and essential oils. For example, arabinogalactan, is a very powerful immuno-modulating polysaccharide and is effective in activating macrophages, interleukin and interferon with an increase in T-cell activity. It can boost the immune system to attack and kill microbes, cause cancer cell death and more and more studies are showing positive effects with brain tumours.
Several studies have indicated this increase in levels of interferons, whilst highlighting increases in the ingestion of foreign particles by the white cells (phagocytosis).
The University of Munich has shown that it stimulates interleukin and increases levels of white B and lymphocytes, the latter (the cells that can hunt down cancer cells) by 30 per cent.
It can also be used to reduce secondary infection during and after radio and chemotherapy.

Dosage

Recommended dosage appears to vary from 900 mgs to 1200 mgs per day divided into three equal doses. No significant side effects have been reported in the German research, although echinacea should not be used for more than eight weeks at a time as it thins the blood.
It is also available in health shops in capsules and teas.
Known stimulant for immune system, research shows effects post orthodox treatments and with brain tumours. Although Echinacea was a favourite of Native American Indians for centuries, it lost its position as an immune system booster when antibiotics came along. Originally claims were made for its excellence in aiding relief from anything from colds to cancer. Over the last twenty years it has been the Germans who have pioneered all the new research work with literally hundreds of studies. This is a very well researched herb! The German Federal Health Agency has approved echinacea as a supportive treatment for colds and influenza, hard-to-heal skin wounds and urinary tract infections. Almost all the research uses liquid preparations or tinctures. Other research studies have noted an effect in eczema, candidiasis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. However in 1999 a paper by M J Verhoef in Neurology volume 52, reported the successful study of echinacea in neurological disease and in brain tumours, and this led scientists to refocus their attentions to cancer.
Also available in a 100ml 300ml 555ml and Litre sized bottles.
Ingredients: Organic tincture of Echinacea Root 1:5 extraction
Dosage: half to one teaspoon (2.5-5ml) or 10-20 drops, in water once or twice a day on an empty stomach
HEALTH WARNING
Please be clear we do not believe any of these products is a cancer cure. None of the above claims, which are taken from the packaging, have been approved by the FDA or any other equivalent national body. Please consult your Doctor before taking any supplements.

To order echinacea root as a strong organic tincture:

60ml (2 fl.oz) £8.50 (will last approx weeks on half doses)
115ml (3.9 fl.oz) £12.95 (will last approx 2 weeks on a low dose)
300ml (10.1 fl.oz) £26.95 (will last approx 2-4 weeks, depending on dose)
555ml (18.8 fl.oz) £39.95 (will last approx 4-8 weeks, depending on dose)

Now click here to email your order and we will send you a PayPal request including your shipping

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HerbShield

Specific herbs have been chosen to boost the defenses of the body against cancer. There are many types of cancer but the herbs in these tonics traditionlly help eliminate tumor cells by activating each person's unique combination of defenses against cancer cells. Herbal Tonics can help to protect tissue cells against viruses, toxins, radiation and bacterial invasion. The herbs support the cells perform their normal functions. The herbs protect against the triggers (from the intake of toxic chemicals) initiated by injured cells which cause mutation of the cells resulting in cancer. Herbs in HerbShield and our other cancer-resisting tonics have quercetin flavonoids and other powerful nutrients to resist the spread of cancer. There are also herbs in these tonics that resist the carcinogenesis stage of angiogenesis (where the tumor forms its own blood vessels) by the use of anthocyanins. There are certain herbs with specific compounds that activate the "watch-dog" genes that "turn off" cancer cells.In addition, most cells have an "address" specified by adhesion proteins that "glue" cells into their proper position. For a cancer cell to spread, it must have DNA instructions that allow it to break the bonds of that glue and to make new adhesion proteins before entering other tissues. There are some herbs, for example Mistletoe (Viscum album) and foods like citrus pectin, that provide lectins, that compete with cancer's "glue" and prevent cancer cell adhesion. The modern use of herbal medicine in cancer treatment relies on painstaking research. For example, scientists have identified compounds in herbs that protect the watch-dog genes from damage. Thee are also herbal remedies that stimulate the immune system against cancer and keep cancer cells from establishing thesmelves in new tissues. Herbal medicine for cancer is best used as part of a holistic regime of health treatment. Herbal treatment tonics can make the taking of harsh but necessary chemotherapy or radiation therapy easier. These tonics may be used beneficially alongside conventional cancer therapy. These herbal tonics offer a measure of protection against recurrent cancers of most types; they slow the process of angiogenesis in new tumors and ideally should be used before recurrent tumors reach a detectable size. Often combining your specialist oncologist's expertise with these tonics and holistic treatment can provide the greatest opportunity for remission, recovery, and future health.

Would you like to order herbshield tonic?

300ml £26.95
555ml £38.95
1.110L £68.95
2.220L £98.99

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Soapwort - Pure Herbal Soap for Skin and Hair

Avoid all the chemicals, petrochemicals and animal products (tallow) found in commercial soaps and shampoos, even found in so-called 'natural' products.

Soapwort's native range extends throughout Europe to western Siberia. It grows in cool places at low or moderate elevations under hedgerows and along the shoulders of roadways. Soapwort was originally grown near woollen mills so it was handy for washing wool. Plants have also been found near the sites of old Roman baths. Flowers smell somewhat like Cloves.
The root is rich in saponins and produces a natural soapy lather in water. Not just used for making soap, the plant can also be used to make a shampoo for dry, itchy scalp - although try to avoid getting shampoo in the eyes as it can irritate them. It is the preferred washing method of those with cancer. Soapwort contains a fungicide.

Our SkinClear Soap is simply a mixed powder of soapwort root, comfrey, slippery elm powder, marshamallow root, oats and lavender flowers - all perfect for your skin's health and cleanlines. It is gentle on the skin, healing for skin problems and a highly effective natural cleanser - for eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections (ringworm/tinia), and general health. Place some of the powder in your hand, add a little water and wash your whole body; or you can put some of the powder in a flannel or loofah, perfect!

Then you can wash your hair with our soapwort shampoo. Made from soapwort root, yucca and lavender - nothing else - pure and simple. Yucca is known for its help in hair loss, hair thinning and baldness (including tinea or ringworm in the scalp which causes bald patches). Washes and softens your hair and cleanses your scalp; conditions and cleans - couldn't be more natural.

Buy our unique SkinClear Soap Powder:
50g - £5.95
100g - £8.99
250g - £19.99
450g - £32.95

Buy our SkinClear Shampoo Powder
50g - £4.95
100g - £7.99
250g - £17.99
450g - £29.99

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Recommended Supportive Health Tonics for Serious Illness :
HerbShield
Caisse - for life-threatening illness - Organic Alcohol-free Concentrated Tincture
BreastShield
ProstateLess
LymphCleanse
LungShield
ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus
WheatGrass Juice
Total Detox Tonic
LiverDetox
WormLess Anti-parasitic Tonic
Adaptogenic Tonic (herbal blood cleanser)

Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Cancer
The Immune System
Herbal Treatment vs Cancer

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Our herbal tonic medicines are carefully prepared on a personal and individual basis for your healing by medical herbalist Alan Hopking MA MNIMH MRCHM FINEH. Only whole herbs are used in our herbal medicines. Nothing else is added. If you have symptoms which you consider might be helped with herbal medicine please contact herbal practitioner Alan Hopking for a friendly confidential professional consultation. Telphone using our freephone 0500 90 96 97.
Once you have received your herbal prescription you can contact Alan Hopking at any time for more free advice (preferably by email). When you have completed your bottle of herbal medicine and if you want a repeat prescription you are requested to phone or email so that your progress can be assessed and adjustments made if necessary so that there is no break in your treatment. To order or re-order, click here.

General advice to consumers on the use of herbal remedies from the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

From the website of the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (www.mhra.gov.uk) Department of Health, UK

• Remember that herbal remedies are medicines. As with any other medicine they are likely to have an effect on the body and should be used with care.
• Herbal remedies may sometimes interact with other medicines. This makes it particularly important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking a herbal remedy with other medicines such as prescribed medicines (those provided through your doctor or dentist).
• Treat with caution any suggestion that a herbal remedy is '100% safe' or is 'safe because it is natural'. Many plants, trees, fungi and algae can be poisonous to humans. It is worth remembering that many pharmaceuticals have been developed or derived from these sources because of the powerful compounds they contain. Any medicine, including herbal remedies, which have an effect on the body should be used with care.
• Treat with caution any herbalist or other person who supplies herbal remedies if they are unwilling or unable to provide written information, in English, listing the ingredients of the herbal remedy they are providing.
• If you are due to have a surgical operation you should always remember to tell your doctor about any herbal remedy that you are taking.
• Anyone who has previously experienced any liver complaint, or any other serious health complaint is advised not to take any herbal remedy without speaking to their doctor first.

PRECAUTIONS:

Pregnant/Breast-feeding mothers
Few conventional medicines have been established as safe to take during pregnancy and it is generally recognised that no medicine should be taken unless the benefit to the mother outweighs any possible risk to the foetus. This rule should also be applied to herbal medicinal products. However, herbal products are often promoted to the public as being “natural” and completely “safe” alternatives to conventional medicines. Some herbal ingredients that specifically should be avoided or used with caution during pregnancy. As with conventional medicines, no herbal products should be taken during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Volatile Oils

Many herbs are traditionally reputed to be abortifacient and for some this reputation can be attributed to their volatile oil component.(6) A number of volatile oils are irritant to the genito-urinary tract if ingested and may induce uterine contractions. Herbs that contain irritant volatile oils include ground ivy, juniper, parsley, pennyroyal, sage, tansy and yarrow. Some of these oils contain the terpenoid constituent, thujone, which is known to be abortifacient. Pennyroyal oil also contains the hepatotoxic terpenoid constituent, pulegone. A case of liver failure in a woman who ingested pennyroyal oil as an abortifacient has been documented.

Uteroactivity

A stimulant or spasmolytic action on uterine muscle has been documented for some herbal ingredients including blue cohosh, burdock, fenugreek, golden seal, hawthorn, jamaica dogwood, motherwort, nettle, raspberry, and vervain. Herbal Teas Increased awareness of the harmful effects associated with excessive tea and coffee consumption has prompted many individuals to switch to herbal teas. Whilst some herbal teas may offer pleasant alternatives to tea and coffee, some contain pharmacologically active herbal ingredients, which may have unpredictable effects depending on the quantity of tea consumed and strength of the brew. Some herbal teas contain laxative herbal ingredients such as senna, frangula, and cascara. In general stimulant laxative preparations are not recommended during pregnancy and the use of unstandardised laxative preparations is particularly unsuitable. A case of hepatotoxicity in a newborn baby has been documented in which the mother consumed a herbal tea during pregnancy as an expectorant. Following analysis the herbal tea was reported to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are known to be hepatotoxic.

Breast-feeding mothers

A drug substance taken by a breast-feeding mother presents a hazard if it is transferred to the breast milk in pharmacologically or toxicologically significant amounts. Limited information is available regarding the safety of conventional medicines taken during breast-feeding. Much less information exists for herbal ingredients, and generally the use of herbal remedies is not recommended during lactation.

Paediatric Use

Herbal remedies have traditionally been used to treat both adults and children. Herbal remedies may offer a milder alternative to some conventional medicines, although the suitability of a herbal remedy needs to be considered with respect to quality, safety and efficacy. Herbal remedies should be used with caution in children and medical advice should be sought if in doubt. Chamomile is a popular remedy used to treat teething pains in babies. However, chamomile is known to contain allergenic sesquiterpene lactones and should therefore be used with caution. The administration of herbal teas to children needs to be considered carefully and professional advice may be needed.

Perioperative use

The need for patients to discontinue herbal medicinal products prior to surgery has recently been proposed. The authors considered eight commonly used herbal medicinal products (echinacea, ephedra, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, kava, St John’s Wort, valerian). On the evidence available they concluded that the potential existed for direct pharmacological effects, pharmacodynamic interactions and pharmacokinetic interactions. The need for physicians to have a clear understanding of the herbal medicinal products being used by patients and to take a detailed history was highlighted. The American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) has advised patients to tell their doctor if they are taking herbal products before surgery and has reported that a number of anaesthesiologists have reported significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure in some patients who have been taking herbal medicinal products including St John’s Wort, ginkgo and ginseng. MCA is currently investigating a serious adverse reaction associated with the use of ginkgo prior to surgery. In this case, the patient who was undergoing hip replacement experienced uncontrolled bleeding thought to be related to the use of ginkgo.

From the website of the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (www.mhra.gov.uk) Department of Health, UK

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  Urticaria
• Varicose Veins
  
• Warts
• Weight
• Willow Herb
• Worms
• Worry
  
• lots more

 

Post

Godshaer Herbalist
Advanced Botanical Centre of Medicine
Ampress Business Park
7 Ampress Lane
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 8LZ
UK

Telephone

+44 (0) 1590 672 500
Freephone UK 0500 90 96 97

Email

alanhopking@godshaer.co.uk

Road and Rail

We are near the Lymington Hospital on Ampress Park
Directions and maps

 

How to Pay

You can pay by card or by PayPal Secure (see below) or by Western Union Money Transfer (see below).
To make your order click here

This service is 100% secure and encrypted and confidential. To use PayPal do the following:
1. Email your order. Please say what country you live in.
2. I will then email you back the exact amount to pay, including p&p (shipping).

We take all card payments.
There is a 3.85% handling charge for credit cards and PayPal. For debit and maestro cards there is no charge.
With PayPal:
Pay for purchases in your selected currency. Payment is automatically converted to your desired currency. No need to hold a balance in another currency to send a payment.
We accept payments in:
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If your country or currency is not listed you can send cash (money transfer service) from any country in the world via Western Union Bank (see http://www.ukmoneytransfer.com), first email us for the total UK pounds you need to send; or simply tell us your credit card details by telephone and we'll do the rest.

Disclaimer and pledge

As a professional herbal practitioner I am in practice in conformity with the laws of England and the 1968 Medicines Act. The UK legislative provisions for herbal medicine are to be found in the Medicines Act 1968, Section 12, paragraphs 1 & 2, and Section 56, paragraphs 1 & 2.

Section 12:1 specifies exemption for herbal medicines from licensing provided that they are supplied subsequent to private personal consultation. Section 12:2 exempts herbal medicines provided that they are produced according to standard traditional, non-industrial methods. It also specifies that no written claims may be made for the use of the remedy.

Therefore at Godshaer Herbalist no claims about any medical condition regarding the herbal medicines prescribed by Alan Hopking are made. Indeed, be it a doctor, surgeon or herbal practitioner, the successful outcome of our treatments cannot with any certainty be predicted, let alone guaranteed. Further, following UK and EU law, the information on this web site attach no medical claims and no claims concerning the medicinal herbs mentioned relating to any medical conditions listed. All the herbal prescriptions are unlicensed and made by Alan N. Hopking at the address of Godshaer Herbalist for patients of Alan N. Hopking.

I pledge that, I shall do all I can, using my knowledge of herbal medicines and natural treatment, to help you regain your deserved health.
Alan Hopking MA MNIMH MRCHM FINEH

All our herbal medicines are made from the raw herb at our dedicated clinic and dispensary at Godshaer Botanicals. We collect the fresh herbs, or import the dry herb. They are organic if at all possible. We only use whole herbs. We are against the use of standardized extracts, or the concentration of herbs by adding more of the active constituent. We recommend you do not use such products in any form (dry, in capsules or as tincture extracts). To use our herbal tonics you should follow the prescribed dose. Any side effects or problems should be reported to us.