While many herbs have proven to make traditional cancer treatments more
effective, there are some alternative methods for which effectiveness has not
been medically proven. There have been testimonials about these products, and
some cancer patients have tried these methods, but some of these supplements
are still being tested, and may not result in the overall improvement of the
condition of a cancer patient. These products include: shark cartilage, which
has a compound that slows blood vessel growth in tumors; Laetrile, which is derived
from apricot seeds and is believed to remove impurities from the body and
increase blood flow; and Essaic, a Ojibwa Indian formula consisting of four
herbs—burdock root, Indian rhubarb, slippery elm bark, and sheep sorrel used to
eliminate cancer cells and improve survival after cancer.
It is always recommended to consult a physician before including herbs,
minerals, or any alternative methods in traditional cancer treatments. Make
sure that the herbs you’ve been researching or think may be best for your
cancer treatments will work well with your body and not cause any further
complications. Actual herbal dosages should be determined by a doctor, and the
decision should be made before conventional treatment begins—most herbs need to
be taken at least a week or two before treatment begins, so that the body will
become accustomed to them and, in most cases, respond favorably. If possible,
start herbal treatments at least a month in advance, to be sure that your body
will not react negatively, or become shocked once conventional treatments are
added to your recovery process.