Breast Cancer

Lesson 6: Alternative & Complementary Medicine

Herbs & Supplements

I am definitely not an expert in this area, so I will just give a brief summary of several of the more widely used herbs. Thanks to the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, for their comprehensive review of CAM. You can access their website at

http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/CI...

PLEASE NOTE: Just because an herb or combination plant product is listed, does not mean it is OK to take. The FDA does not regulate herbs and supplements. Some manufacturers give it to you in the pure form, others in combination with other unknown substances. Be very careful in the herb and supplement market, it is fairly unregulated. Please take the time to check out some of the websites referenced.

HERB - USAGE - DOSE - HOW TAKEN - ADVERSE EFFECTS

b>ALOE

Cuts, burns, dry skin

Applied 3x a day

Gel, cream, oral liquid

Generally safe.

Can be carcinogenic combined with alcohol and sun

exposure. http://www.aloe-vera.org

ESSIAC

Promotes well-being

One oz. 3x daily

Tea, on an empty stomach

May act as laxative.

Can lead to nausea, headache, vomiting,

increased urination http://essiac-info.org/

GARLIC

Aids digestion, stimulates immune system,

antioxidant

5mg 1x daily

Any form, capsule or extract

Heartburn, gas.

Patients on anticoagulants should be aware of

anti-clotting effect. May reduce blood sugar,

so glucose levels for diabetics may be affected. http://www.mistral.co.uk/garlic/

GREEN TEA

Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, enhances immune system

3 cups daily

Hot tea, may be used as cold tea

Insomnia, nervousness. Those with irregular

heartbeat should be especially careful. http://www.thorne.com/greentea.html

LAETRILE

Potential for Cyanide poisoning. Illegal in USA. http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRela...

MISTLETOE

Improves immune system

3-7x week

Subcutaneous (under the skin) injection

Allergic reaction, flu-like symptoms.

Not approved by FDA for use in USA. http://www.rms.nau.edu/mistletoe/

MUSHROOMS

Antimicrobial, antiviral properties

Varies by patient condition

Tea, capsule

Rarely nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin

pigmentation, anorexia, anemia, liver

dysfunction, leukopenia http://gmushrooms.com/healthref.html

PECTIN, CITRUS

Studies for anti-cancer benefit

15 grams a day

Injection or oral

Mild diarrhea possible http://www.cancer.org/docroot/eto/conten...

SAW PALMETTO

Anti-inflammatory

320mg per day

Capsule, liquid

Possible headache, vomiting, dizziness,

tiredness, diarrhea or constipation http://www.kcweb.com/herb/sawpalm.htm

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