| |  | | Colon Cancer
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question Wrom: TWFAO
I want to know what is out there for colon cancer? My best friend has colon cancer and she is tired of having chemo and wants to know if there are herbs that she can take.
Your friend should work with a well-trained, experienced natural health care provider. There are legal and ethical implications for natural practitioners in treating cancer patients who choose not to go the orthodox route. Because of this, and because there are no known cures for cancer, most qualified natural practitioners work with patients who are on orthodox medicine, supporting the person as needed to promote health and well-being.
It is important that your friend gather as much information as possible regarding both conventional and natural treatments, Find cancer help groups in your area. Find out all that is offered in orthodox medicine. There is more offered in orthodox medicine than chemotherapy. There are many approaches and many cancer clinics. Most people using natural therapies use a multifactorial approach, choosing the methods that suit them best. Some of the options are included below.
All parts of the body, the mind and the spirit are involved in health and disease. Natural therapy cancer treatments are holistic in nature, including diet, exercise, support for the body’s systems (digestive system, immune system, nervous system etc.) according to the individual’s needs, and other therapies like support groups, Reiki, Chi Gung, and meditation.
The mind is an important factor. Positive feelings towards cancer treatments promote well-being. Counselling and guided imagery can help to develop a positive attitude.
The diet should include only fresh, whole, organic foods and juices to avoid putting toxins into the body through the diet. Research shows that natural yogurt, with active bacteria, and oily fish (mackerel, wild salmon, sardines) promote bowel health.
Some of the herbs used in support of a person with colon cancer are: red clover flowers to support the lymphatic system to clear toxins, burdock (Artium lappa) a powerful blood tonic that supports the liver and digestive systems, and Echinacea to support the immune system.
Anthroposophical doctors have a unique approach to cancer, including injections of the herb mistletoe. You may find such a doctor in larger centres. If you have trouble finding one, contact a Waldorf school for information.
A raw food diet is often recommended in colon cancer, to minimize toxins.
Donald Yance’s book "Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer" (available at Richters) provides a comprehensive guide to natural treatments for cancer.
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