Herbs for Skin Cancer
Naturopathic doctors and botanists recommend a number of herbs and herbal combinations to prevent and treat cancer in general.
To identify appropriate herbs to use in your treatment for skin cancer, see a trained herbalist, who will consider your condition and may prescribe herbs to support your care.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains polyphenols, compounds that are potent antioxidants.
Antioxidants eliminate free radicals,
harmful by-products of cells' metabolism that are
thought to play a role in cancer.
The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and green tea
polyphenols may prevent the onset and growth of skin tumors.
For Kaposi's sarcoma, some naturopaths recommend a paste made from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cream, several drops
of Hoxsey-like formula (a mixture of herbs and potassium iodide thought to be effective against cancer), and powdered turmeric applied to lesions twice a day.
An animal study conducted in China investigated the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on natural killer cells (NK). NK are white
blood cells that attack cancer and other harmful substances in the body. This study found that Cordyceps sinensis was effective
against malignant melanoma by promoting NK activity and inhibiting tumor formation.
http://www.metagenics.com/resources/imc/OneMedicineCons/ConsConditions/CancerSkincc.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Skin Fact:
Did you know you can help protect your skin by
taking vitamins C and E to help offset the free radicals, created by the sun.
These free radicals damage cells and make you
more supsetible to diseases like skin cancer.
=====================================
Skin Cancer
There is two major forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is among the most common forms of cancer, with more than a half million new cases reported each year. Fortunately, it is a relatively benign disease with a very high cure rate. It develops on skin that is exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) light of the sun over a period of years. It can also develop after exposure to arsenic. Basal cell carcinoma is most common on the scalp, face, neck, hands, and forearms. It is most prevalent in fair-skinned people.
Basal cell carcinoma appears as small patches of white, hard skin, usually smaller in diameter than a pencil eraser. These growths almost never break out of the protein capsules that contain them, but may bleed and form scars. Left unattended over a period of years, however, they can eventually invade adjacent soft tissues or spread elsewhere.
Besides basal cell carcinoma, the other most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Both are highly curable if treated early. However, recurrences are common, and if they are not treated properly, they can spread and damage the deeper layers of the skin and even the bone.
Unless the cancer has spread, conventional treatment consists of surgery, usually done in a dermatologist's office. If the cancer has spread, radiation therapy may be recommended. Melanoma occurs less frequently than basal cell carcinoma but is much more aggressive. Therefore, all suspicious growths should be brought to a doctor's attention.
Supplements and herbs
Aloe and vitamin E Gel. Apply as directed on the label.
Cream. Apply as directed on the label.
Prevents production of chemicals needed for cancer growth.
Has produced remissions in some people.
Astragalus capsules. Take as directed on the label.
Generates anticancer cells in the body and boosts the immune system.
Bloodroot salve. Apply as directed on the label.
Irritates skin, causing scar tissue to surround basal cell carcinoma.
What else you can do
Use topical herbal treatments only while waiting for your scheduled medical removal of the basal cell carcinoma. Natural healing processes set in motion by herbs may remove the cancer, but should not be relied on as the sole treatment.
Take 150 to 200 micrograms of selenium daily. Selenium greatly lowers the risk that existing basal cell carcinomas will spread to the colon, prostate, or lungs. Or eat one or two Brazil nuts a day. Each nut contains approximately 120 micrograms of selenium.
Use sunscreen, but take 200 to 400 IU of vitamin D to compensate for the use of sunscreen. Vitamin D helps the body contain basal cell carcinoma, but sunscreens to protect the skin also deprive the skin of the ultraviolet (UV) rays needed to make this vitamin.
Avoid tanning salons. The ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays they utilize are as dangerous as the sun's rays. Do not be misled by claims to the contrary.
Examine your skin regularly. The Skin Care Foundation
recommends performing a full-body self-examination every three months. To do this, you need a full-length mirror, a handheld mirror, and ample lighting. Using the mirrors, look for any changes in any moles or marks on your body. If you find any irregularities, have them evaluated by a dermatologist.
Schisandra contains compounds that prevent skin cancer development after chemical injury, and is especially recommended for people exposed to arsenic compounds. Take 100 milligrams three times daily of the freeze-dried herb. Do not use this herb if you have gallstones or bile-duct blockages.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which prevents development of skin cancer caused by UV light and also prevents chemically induced skin cancers. Apply a turmeric poultice three times daily to the affected area. This poultice can also be used as a natural sunscreen to prevent UV damage.
Actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, may be treated with a skin ointment that contains 5-fluorouracil (Fluoroplex). A coptis compress, applied and removed before applying Fluoroplex, increases the skin's ability to absorb this medication.
Non-melanoma skin cancer increases the risk of bladder cancer. If you have had basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and you are exposed to cigarette smoke and other bladder-cancer risk factors, speak with your physician about testing for bladder cancer.
To prevent skin cancer, avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M., when the sun's rays are the most intense. Wear long sleeves and pants, a hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. Use sunscreen on exposed skin, choosing a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply sunscreen thirty minutes before heading outside. Be sure to protect children's skin with sunscreen, shade, or protective clothing.
With early detection and treatment, most people recover from skin cancer, but regular checkups are advised for the next five years.
Melanoma
Melanoma is an increasingly common form of skin cancer, particularly in the United States, Israel, and Australia. Most people with melanoma are between the ages of forty and sixty-five, and are fair-skinned. Men and women are affected in equal numbers.
This form of cancer can lie latent for as long as fifty years after the sunburn that usually triggers it. Scientists believe that repeated exposure to sunlight itself weakens the immune system's ability to search for and destroy melanoma cells. Any other drain on the immune system, such as a long-term infection or extensive burn, also can contribute to the development of melanoma. Some forms of melanoma are stimulated by the hormone insulin. Insulin production is increased by stress and the consumption of sugar or saccharin. Other forms of melanoma are stimulated by the hormone estrogen. In some cases, hereditary factors may be involved.
Melanoma can begin as a new growth. Often, though, it appears as a change to an existing mole. Melanomas are asymmetric, and have irregular borders, multiple colors, and a diameter greater than that of a pencil eraser (6 mm). A smaller, more circular skin lesion may be basal cell carcinoma, a much more common and less aggressive form of cance. All suspicious growths should be brought to a doctor's attention.
There are four basic types of melanoma: superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), acral lentiginous melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, and nodular melanoma. Melanoma is diagnosed by removing and examining the growth. This disease is classified in stages, from I to IV, depending on how thick the growth is and whether it has spread. Melanoma can spread to almost anywhere in the body, but usually spreads to the liver, lungs, bones, or brain.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are all used in melanoma treatment. Herbal therapy always should be used as part of a medically directed overall treatment plan for melanoma.
Supplements and herbs
Aloe gel. Apply liberally on skin.
Contains antihistamines that stop production of a growth factor needed by melanoma.
Astragalus capsules. Take 500-1,000 mg 3 times daily.
Increases effectiveness of IL -2, stimulates production of NK (natural killers) cells.
Do not use astragalus if you have a fever or a skin infection.
Cat's claw tincture. Take as directed on the label in 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp lemon juice.
Stimulates NK cell production. Prevents estrogen from binding to cancer cells.
Do not use cat's claw if you are taking insulin for diabetes or if you are pregnant or nursing.
Kudzu tablets. Take 10 mg 3 times daily.
Contains daidzein, which stops growth of certain kinds of melanoma.
Lentinan powder. Dosage to be determined by health-care provider.
Reduces rate at which melanoma can invade cells outside the skin.
Polysaccharide kureha (PSK) tablets. Take 6,000 mg daily.
Reduces rate at which melanoma spreads to the lungs.
Reishi tablets. Take 3,000 mg daily.
Stimulates body's production of IL-2.
Siberian ginseng pure eleuthero extract. Take as directed on the label in 1/4 cup water.
Useful in forms of cancer that respond to immunotherapy.
Soy isoflavone concentrate tablets. Take 3,000 mg daily.
Contains daidzein, which stops growth of certain kinds of melanoma.
If you develop an upset stomach from taking soy isoflavone concentrate, discontinue use and use kudzu instead.
HERBS TO AVOID -
People who have melanoma should avoid the following herbs:
cordyceps, dan shen, fennel, licorice, and peony (estrogen stimulators), and also garlic (insulin stimulator).
What else you can do
Avoid sunburn, not all sunlight. Regular exposure to sunlight is essential for the skin to manufacture vitamin 0, which activates genes in melanoma cells that signal them to return to a normal cycle of growth and reproduction. Moderate exposure to sunlight does not increase risk for the disease, and melanoma frequently occurs on skin that is never exposed to sunlight. In fact, staying out of the sun to avoid melanoma, and thereby not getting enough sunlight, may be responsible for recent increases in the death rate for this disease.
To ensure the body's production of vitamin D, get at least some sun exposure without using sunscreen, at least twenty minutes a day in the early morning or late afternoon.
Consume orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, and green leafy vegetables. These foods provide a source of vitamin A, which complements vitamin D. On the other hand, over consumption of vitamin A, such as regular doses of cod liver oil, increases the risk of melanoma development.
Avoid animal fat, especially from beef and eggs. The arachidonic acid in these foods encourages aggressive growth of melanoma tumors and their spread throughout the body. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids from safflower oil (in cooking) and perilla oil (in capsules) may make melanoma tumors less aggressive and reduce the risk of their spread.
Take 150 micrograms of selenium daily, preferably in the form of selenomethionine. Laboratory studies show that selenium reduces the spread of melanoma cells.
Take 30 to 780 milligrams of glycine daily. In laboratory studies, dietary glycine inhibits the growth of melanoma tumors in mice. People with kidney or liver disease should not consume high levels of amino acids without consulting a health-care professional.
Avoid diet soft drinks. These beverages contain phenylalanine, which in laboratory tests increases the ability of melanoma cells to spread to other parts of the body.
Never take tyrosine supplements. Like phenylalanine, tyrosine increases the ability of melanoma cells to spread.
Examine your skin regularly. The Skin Care Foundation recommends performing a full-body self-examination every three months. To do this, you need a full-length mirror, a handheld mirror, and ample lighting. Using the mirrors, look for any changes in any moles or marks on your body. Be sure to keep a close watch on any moles or other skin lesions and have them checked regularly by a physician.
Surgery is the primary conventional treatment for melanoma, especially for small, early tumors. Chemotherapy is used, although it is not as helpful in this disease as it is in some other cancers. Immunotherapy, in which concentrated amounts of the body's own immune-system chemicals are given, is also used. The agents most often employed are interleukin-2 (IL-2) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Sometimes the hormone melatonin is added to the treatment program.
Lymphedema is a swelling of the tissues that may follow cancer surgery.
With early detection and treatment, most people recover from skin cancer, but regular checkups are advised for at least the next five years.
Certain medications may make the skin more susceptible to sun damage. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics, antihistamines, sedatives, estrogen, and acne medications such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and isotretinoin (Accutane). Ask your health-care provider or pharmacist if any medication that you take might have such an effect.
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/cancer_skin.htm
Naturopathic doctors and botanists recommend a number of herbs and herbal combinations to prevent and treat cancer in general.
To identify appropriate herbs to use in your treatment for skin cancer, see a trained herbalist, who will consider your condition and may prescribe herbs to support your care.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains polyphenols, compounds that are potent antioxidants.
Antioxidants eliminate free radicals,
harmful by-products of cells' metabolism that are
thought to play a role in cancer.
The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and green tea
polyphenols may prevent the onset and growth of skin tumors.
For Kaposi's sarcoma, some naturopaths recommend a paste made from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cream, several drops
of Hoxsey-like formula (a mixture of herbs and potassium iodide thought to be effective against cancer), and powdered turmeric applied to lesions twice a day.
An animal study conducted in China investigated the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on natural killer cells (NK). NK are white
blood cells that attack cancer and other harmful substances in the body. This study found that Cordyceps sinensis was effective
against malignant melanoma by promoting NK activity and inhibiting tumor formation.
http://www.metagenics.com/resources/imc/OneMedicineCons/ConsConditions/CancerSkincc.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Skin Fact:
Did you know you can help protect your skin by
taking vitamins C and E to help offset the free radicals, created by the sun.
These free radicals damage cells and make you
more supsetible to diseases like skin cancer.
=====================================
Skin Cancer
There is two major forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is among the most common forms of cancer, with more than a half million new cases reported each year. Fortunately, it is a relatively benign disease with a very high cure rate. It develops on skin that is exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) light of the sun over a period of years. It can also develop after exposure to arsenic. Basal cell carcinoma is most common on the scalp, face, neck, hands, and forearms. It is most prevalent in fair-skinned people.
Basal cell carcinoma appears as small patches of white, hard skin, usually smaller in diameter than a pencil eraser. These growths almost never break out of the protein capsules that contain them, but may bleed and form scars. Left unattended over a period of years, however, they can eventually invade adjacent soft tissues or spread elsewhere.
Besides basal cell carcinoma, the other most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Both are highly curable if treated early. However, recurrences are common, and if they are not treated properly, they can spread and damage the deeper layers of the skin and even the bone.
Unless the cancer has spread, conventional treatment consists of surgery, usually done in a dermatologist's office. If the cancer has spread, radiation therapy may be recommended. Melanoma occurs less frequently than basal cell carcinoma but is much more aggressive. Therefore, all suspicious growths should be brought to a doctor's attention.
Supplements and herbs
Aloe and vitamin E Gel. Apply as directed on the label.
Cream. Apply as directed on the label.
Prevents production of chemicals needed for cancer growth.
Has produced remissions in some people.
Astragalus capsules. Take as directed on the label.
Generates anticancer cells in the body and boosts the immune system.
Bloodroot salve. Apply as directed on the label.
Irritates skin, causing scar tissue to surround basal cell carcinoma.
What else you can do
Use topical herbal treatments only while waiting for your scheduled medical removal of the basal cell carcinoma. Natural healing processes set in motion by herbs may remove the cancer, but should not be relied on as the sole treatment.
Take 150 to 200 micrograms of selenium daily. Selenium greatly lowers the risk that existing basal cell carcinomas will spread to the colon, prostate, or lungs. Or eat one or two Brazil nuts a day. Each nut contains approximately 120 micrograms of selenium.
Use sunscreen, but take 200 to 400 IU of vitamin D to compensate for the use of sunscreen. Vitamin D helps the body contain basal cell carcinoma, but sunscreens to protect the skin also deprive the skin of the ultraviolet (UV) rays needed to make this vitamin.
Avoid tanning salons. The ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays they utilize are as dangerous as the sun's rays. Do not be misled by claims to the contrary.
Examine your skin regularly. The Skin Care Foundation
recommends performing a full-body self-examination every three months. To do this, you need a full-length mirror, a handheld mirror, and ample lighting. Using the mirrors, look for any changes in any moles or marks on your body. If you find any irregularities, have them evaluated by a dermatologist.
Schisandra contains compounds that prevent skin cancer development after chemical injury, and is especially recommended for people exposed to arsenic compounds. Take 100 milligrams three times daily of the freeze-dried herb. Do not use this herb if you have gallstones or bile-duct blockages.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which prevents development of skin cancer caused by UV light and also prevents chemically induced skin cancers. Apply a turmeric poultice three times daily to the affected area. This poultice can also be used as a natural sunscreen to prevent UV damage.
Actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, may be treated with a skin ointment that contains 5-fluorouracil (Fluoroplex). A coptis compress, applied and removed before applying Fluoroplex, increases the skin's ability to absorb this medication.
Non-melanoma skin cancer increases the risk of bladder cancer. If you have had basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and you are exposed to cigarette smoke and other bladder-cancer risk factors, speak with your physician about testing for bladder cancer.
To prevent skin cancer, avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M., when the sun's rays are the most intense. Wear long sleeves and pants, a hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. Use sunscreen on exposed skin, choosing a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply sunscreen thirty minutes before heading outside. Be sure to protect children's skin with sunscreen, shade, or protective clothing.
With early detection and treatment, most people recover from skin cancer, but regular checkups are advised for the next five years.
Melanoma
Melanoma is an increasingly common form of skin cancer, particularly in the United States, Israel, and Australia. Most people with melanoma are between the ages of forty and sixty-five, and are fair-skinned. Men and women are affected in equal numbers.
This form of cancer can lie latent for as long as fifty years after the sunburn that usually triggers it. Scientists believe that repeated exposure to sunlight itself weakens the immune system's ability to search for and destroy melanoma cells. Any other drain on the immune system, such as a long-term infection or extensive burn, also can contribute to the development of melanoma. Some forms of melanoma are stimulated by the hormone insulin. Insulin production is increased by stress and the consumption of sugar or saccharin. Other forms of melanoma are stimulated by the hormone estrogen. In some cases, hereditary factors may be involved.
Melanoma can begin as a new growth. Often, though, it appears as a change to an existing mole. Melanomas are asymmetric, and have irregular borders, multiple colors, and a diameter greater than that of a pencil eraser (6 mm). A smaller, more circular skin lesion may be basal cell carcinoma, a much more common and less aggressive form of cance. All suspicious growths should be brought to a doctor's attention.
There are four basic types of melanoma: superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), acral lentiginous melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, and nodular melanoma. Melanoma is diagnosed by removing and examining the growth. This disease is classified in stages, from I to IV, depending on how thick the growth is and whether it has spread. Melanoma can spread to almost anywhere in the body, but usually spreads to the liver, lungs, bones, or brain.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are all used in melanoma treatment. Herbal therapy always should be used as part of a medically directed overall treatment plan for melanoma.
Supplements and herbs
Aloe gel. Apply liberally on skin.
Contains antihistamines that stop production of a growth factor needed by melanoma.
Astragalus capsules. Take 500-1,000 mg 3 times daily.
Increases effectiveness of IL -2, stimulates production of NK (natural killers) cells.
Do not use astragalus if you have a fever or a skin infection.
Cat's claw tincture. Take as directed on the label in 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp lemon juice.
Stimulates NK cell production. Prevents estrogen from binding to cancer cells.
Do not use cat's claw if you are taking insulin for diabetes or if you are pregnant or nursing.
Kudzu tablets. Take 10 mg 3 times daily.
Contains daidzein, which stops growth of certain kinds of melanoma.
Lentinan powder. Dosage to be determined by health-care provider.
Reduces rate at which melanoma can invade cells outside the skin.
Polysaccharide kureha (PSK) tablets. Take 6,000 mg daily.
Reduces rate at which melanoma spreads to the lungs.
Reishi tablets. Take 3,000 mg daily.
Stimulates body's production of IL-2.
Siberian ginseng pure eleuthero extract. Take as directed on the label in 1/4 cup water.
Useful in forms of cancer that respond to immunotherapy.
Soy isoflavone concentrate tablets. Take 3,000 mg daily.
Contains daidzein, which stops growth of certain kinds of melanoma.
If you develop an upset stomach from taking soy isoflavone concentrate, discontinue use and use kudzu instead.
HERBS TO AVOID -
People who have melanoma should avoid the following herbs:
cordyceps, dan shen, fennel, licorice, and peony (estrogen stimulators), and also garlic (insulin stimulator).
What else you can do
Avoid sunburn, not all sunlight. Regular exposure to sunlight is essential for the skin to manufacture vitamin 0, which activates genes in melanoma cells that signal them to return to a normal cycle of growth and reproduction. Moderate exposure to sunlight does not increase risk for the disease, and melanoma frequently occurs on skin that is never exposed to sunlight. In fact, staying out of the sun to avoid melanoma, and thereby not getting enough sunlight, may be responsible for recent increases in the death rate for this disease.
To ensure the body's production of vitamin D, get at least some sun exposure without using sunscreen, at least twenty minutes a day in the early morning or late afternoon.
Consume orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, and green leafy vegetables. These foods provide a source of vitamin A, which complements vitamin D. On the other hand, over consumption of vitamin A, such as regular doses of cod liver oil, increases the risk of melanoma development.
Avoid animal fat, especially from beef and eggs. The arachidonic acid in these foods encourages aggressive growth of melanoma tumors and their spread throughout the body. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids from safflower oil (in cooking) and perilla oil (in capsules) may make melanoma tumors less aggressive and reduce the risk of their spread.
Take 150 micrograms of selenium daily, preferably in the form of selenomethionine. Laboratory studies show that selenium reduces the spread of melanoma cells.
Take 30 to 780 milligrams of glycine daily. In laboratory studies, dietary glycine inhibits the growth of melanoma tumors in mice. People with kidney or liver disease should not consume high levels of amino acids without consulting a health-care professional.
Avoid diet soft drinks. These beverages contain phenylalanine, which in laboratory tests increases the ability of melanoma cells to spread to other parts of the body.
Never take tyrosine supplements. Like phenylalanine, tyrosine increases the ability of melanoma cells to spread.
Examine your skin regularly. The Skin Care Foundation recommends performing a full-body self-examination every three months. To do this, you need a full-length mirror, a handheld mirror, and ample lighting. Using the mirrors, look for any changes in any moles or marks on your body. Be sure to keep a close watch on any moles or other skin lesions and have them checked regularly by a physician.
Surgery is the primary conventional treatment for melanoma, especially for small, early tumors. Chemotherapy is used, although it is not as helpful in this disease as it is in some other cancers. Immunotherapy, in which concentrated amounts of the body's own immune-system chemicals are given, is also used. The agents most often employed are interleukin-2 (IL-2) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Sometimes the hormone melatonin is added to the treatment program.
Lymphedema is a swelling of the tissues that may follow cancer surgery.
With early detection and treatment, most people recover from skin cancer, but regular checkups are advised for at least the next five years.
Certain medications may make the skin more susceptible to sun damage. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics, antihistamines, sedatives, estrogen, and acne medications such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and isotretinoin (Accutane). Ask your health-care provider or pharmacist if any medication that you take might have such an effect.
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/cancer_skin.htm
