Alternative Therapy - Herbal Medicine
Guidelines for the safe use of herbs are given below. After that, safe herbal remedies that may help cancer patients are listed, followed by a list of dangerous herbs that should be carefully avoided.
Rule One: Investigate before you buy or use. There are many resources in libraries and on the Internet. However, much of this information is produced by promoters and it contains biased or incorrect information. Rely on materials by trained experts in botanical medicine or the study of herbs (pharmacognosy). Dr. James Duke and Dr. Varro Tyler are leading experts who have published books and given many press interviews.
Rule Two: Check with your doctor before you try an herbal medicine. He or she may or may not be thoroughly versed in all herbal medicines, but hopefully your doctor will prevent you from making a dangerous mistake.
Rule Three: Do not take an herbal remedy instead of the medicine prescribed by your doctor without discussing it first.
Rule Four: Avoid herbal remedies if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Rule Five: Don't depend on any herbal medicine to cure cancer or any other serious disease. It won't, regardless of claims you might hear.
DANGEROUS HERBAL PRODUCTS TO AVOID
Chan su (topical aphrodisiac sold as "Stone," "LoveStone," "RockHard") has caused death when swallowed.
Chaparral tea, from leaves and twigs of the desert creosote bush, is promoted as an antioxidant, a pain reliever, etc. It has caused liver failure requiring liver transplantation.
Coltsfoot (for respiratory problems), comfrey (for arthritis, infections), and sassafras ( a general tonic) has caused liver problems and cancer in laboratory animals.
Herbs that counteract or enhance the activity of prescription medication for cardiac problems or bleeding disorders.
Jin Bu Huan, an ancient Chinese sedative and analgesic containing morphine-like substances. It causes hepatitis.
Kombucha tea, made from mushroom culture (used as cure all) has caused deaths from acidosis.
Lobelia (used for respiratory congestion) has caused respiratory system paralysis and death.
Ma huang, or ephedra, an herbal form of the central nervous system stimulant commonly known as speed, sold with names like Herbal Ecstasy, Cloud 9, and Ultimate XPhoria causes heart attacks, seizures, psychotic episodes and death.
Pennyroyal (tea made from leaves treats coughs and upset stomach), but its oil is highly toxic to the liver and interferes with blood clotting.
Some Indian herbal tonics can cause lead poisoning.
Yohimbe bark (used as
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