CANCER AND ITS HOME REMEDIES

What is Cancer?

Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often has the ability to spread throughout your body.

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer screening, treatment and prevention.

Signs and symptoms caused by cancer will vary depending on what part of the body is affected.

Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer, include:

• Fatigue
• Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
• Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
• Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Persistent cough or trouble breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
• Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
• Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising

Cancer and its treatment can cause several complications, including:

• Pain. Pain can be caused by cancer or by cancer treatment, though not all cancer is painful. Medications and other approaches can effectively treat cancer-related pain.
• Fatigue. Fatigue in people with cancer has many causes, but it can often be managed. Fatigue associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments is common, but it's usually temporary.
• Difficulty breathing. Cancer or cancer treatment may cause a feeling of being short of breath. Treatments may bring relief.
• Nausea. Certain cancers and cancer treatments can cause nausea. Your doctor can sometimes predict if your treatment is likely to cause nausea. Medications and other treatments may help you prevent or decrease nausea.
• Diarrhea or constipation. Cancer and cancer treatment can affect your bowels and cause diarrhea or constipation.
• Weight loss. Cancer and cancer treatment may cause weight loss. Cancer steals food from normal cells and deprives them of nutrients. This is often not affected by how many calories or what kind of food is eaten; it's difficult to treat. In most cases, using artificial nutrition through tubes into the stomach or vein does not help change the weight loss.
• Chemical changes in your body. Cancer can upset the normal chemical balance in your body and increase your risk of serious complications. Signs and symptoms of chemical imbalances might include excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation and confusion.
• Brain and nervous system problems. Cancer can press on nearby nerves and cause pain and loss of function of one part of your body. Cancer that involves the brain can cause headaches and stroke-like signs and symptoms, such as weakness on one side of your body.
• Unusual immune system reactions to cancer. In some cases the body's immune system may react to the presence of cancer by attacking healthy cells. Called paraneoplastic syndromes, these very rare reactions can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, such as difficulty walking and seizures.
• Cancer that spreads. As cancer advances, it may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Where cancer spreads depends on the type of cancer.
• Cancer that returns. Cancer survivors have a risk of cancer recurrence. Some cancers are more likely to recur than others. Ask your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk of cancer recurrence. Your doctor may devise a follow-up care plan for you after treatment. This plan may include periodic scans and exams in the months and years after your treatment, to look for cancer recurrence.

 Doctors have identified several ways to reduce your risk of cancer, such as:

• Stop smoking. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking is linked to several types of cancer — not just lung cancer. Stopping now will reduce your risk of cancer in the future.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer. Limit your sun exposure by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing or applying sunscreen.
• Eat a healthy diet. Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Select whole grains and lean proteins. Limit your intake of processed meats.
• Exercise most days of the week. Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you haven't been exercising regularly, start out slowly and work your way up to 30 minutes or longer.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of cancer. Work to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if you choose to drink. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
• Schedule cancer screening exams. Talk to your doctor about what types of cancer screening exams are best for you based on your risk factors.

Here is a list of some of the most popular herbs used in natural cancer treatments:

Tumeric:-One of the most studied herbs for cancer is turmeric, which contains the active ingredient curcumin. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of tumors. Tip: Mix with black pepper (piperine) and olive oil to activate and help with absorption. It can be used as a dry rub or added to soups, sauces and stews. 

Ginger:-Another popular herb for treating cancer is ginger, which may effectively reduce nausea, vomiting, and pain associated with cancer treatments.

Cayenne pepper:-Cayenne pepper contains several compounds that have been studied for their potential role in treating cancer. These compounds include capsaicin, which may have anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.

Garlic:-Garlic has long been a natural remedy for many health conditions, including cancer. Studies have shown that garlic can reduce tumor growth and may help protect healthy cells from the damage caused by chemotherapy drugs. Take one daily dose - 1 clove and remember to “chop and stop” – chop and then let it sit for 10 minutes before using to allow for the formation of allicin (enzyme). 

Echinacea:-Echinacea has been used as an herbal remedy to fight infection for centuries. Recent studies have shown that it may also boost the immune system.

Gingko:-Gingko contains compounds called ginkgolides, which have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.

Ginseng:-Ginseng is an herb that has long been used as a natural remedy to boost energy. Studies suggest it may reduce inflammation and tumor growth and protect healthy cells from damage. Tip: Steep a few thin slices in hot water for 10 minutes to create a soothing tea.  

Oregano: The richest source of antioxidants among herbs slows cancer growth and promotes apoptosis (cell death). It carries antibacterial properties and is a natural disinfectant.  Tip: Marinating with oregano can help reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) created when meat is cooked at high temperatures. 

Saffron: This spice may be the most expensive, but it packs a good punch. It contains crocins (water-soluble carotenoids) that may inhibit tumor growth and progression of cancer.  

Burdock root: A 2011 review published in Inflammopharmacology discusses laboratory studies of burdock root that indicate the herb has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer and liver-protecting properties. It hasn’t been proven to treat cancer in humans, but it may reduce inflammation and help patients recover from liver damage after cancer treatment. 

Aloe Vera: A 2011 review published in Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews reported that taking aloe vera during chemotherapy helped prevent mouth sores in some patients. 

In addition to herbs, many other natural supplements may be effective in treating cancer, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in reducing inflammation and may help support cardiovascular health.
• Vitamin D is linked to several health benefits, including reducing inflammation.
• Probiotics may improve digestion and support the immune system.
• Antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and protect healthy cells from free radical damage.
• Selenium is a mineral linked to several health benefits, including reducing the free radicals within the body that can damage cells.
• Zinc is an essential mineral that helps to support the immune system, zinc may also have anticancer properties.
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Vitamin D, some research suggests that some forms of cancer are linked to those with low levels of vitamin D, while other evidence suggests vitamin D may reduce the occurrence of advanced cancer.

Certain herbal medicines may help mesothelioma cancer symptoms such as pain and difficulty breathing. Some of these herbs have been studied in cancer patients, and some of them haven’t.