5 Ayurvedic Herbs for Cancer Treatment

According to the World Health Organization, Cancer is one of the most deadly challenges spreading drastically in the 21st century. A chronic disease like cancer disturbs the body and affects the mind, resulting in lethargy, indifference, or even depression. Scientists do their best to treat this disease, but the sure-shot cure remains uncertain. In Ayurveda, various herbs help to fight cancer. In this blog, we will explore the beneficial Ayurvedic Herbs for Cancer.

Classical Ayurveda and Cancer

'Arbuda' is the Sanskrit word for tumour. According to Sushruta (The Sushruta Samhita is the primary surgical text of Ayurveda, by the surgeon Sushruta and Ashtanga), there are 6 types of tumours, and the first four are benign. Therefore, they can be successfully treated early with proper therapies. 

As per Sushruta, the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), when aggravated, may develop a malignant tumour, significantly worsening Kapha and Vata Doshas, which affects the skin tissue, which might result in creating a malignant tumour.

This tumour will have the following features:

1. Round
2. Firm
3. Causing mild pain
4. Large
5. Deeply rooted in the body
6. Slow growth
7. Showing no discharge
8. A swollen, fleshy growth

A malignant tumour does not suppurate because it contains an excess of Kapha and adipose tissue, forming firm little balls.

Major Causes of Cancer

Cancer occurs due to various issues that include an imbalance of doshas. Also, the severity of imbalance helps to estimate the level of cancer.

Here are the 6 types (the first 4 being benign) and their causes as per Ayurveda:

Symptoms of Benign Tumours

Issues differ from person to person who has cancer. In addition, these symptoms may vary from level to level of cancer and different types of cancer.

In the table given below, we explain the symptoms of cancer as per different levels according to Ayurveda:

Ayurvedic Treatment of Cancer

Ayurveda advises living according to our constitution with daily and seasonal rhythm. Every once in a while, a Panchakarma treatment helps prevent or restore the imbalance of Doshas and Dhatus. Several conditions can be relieved at an early stage of the tumours. 

• Use herbs prescribed by your Ayurvedic doctor
• Do regular exercise or walks in nature
• Practice meditation and Yoga for mental and physical relaxation
• Listen to harmonious music which can heal and calm the mind
• Have Sattvic foods that will help balance both body, mind, Doshas, and Gunas. Sattvic foods consist of fresh, energizing fruits, leafy vegetables, milk, cereals, pure fruit juices, butter and fresh cheese, fresh nuts, seeds, sprouts, honey, and herbal teas.
• Avoid microwave-cooked food, and limit meat consumption.
• Include vitamin D in your diet like fatty fish, eggs, and vegetable oils that have a protective effect on tumours development.

Ayurveda has always turned to nature for inspiration to practice medicine. So, one can start adopting the Ayurvedic lifestyle to prevent diseases.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Cancer

Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years in Asian and African populations, and many plants are consumed for their health benefits in developed nations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some countries still rely on plant-based treatment as their primary source of medicine. 

Developing nations are utilizing the benefits of naturally sourced compounds for therapeutic purposes. These compounds include herbs and herbal formulations that may prevent cancer. Here are the Ayurvedic Herbs for cancer prevention and treatment: 

• Punarnava

Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) is an annual herb that has been used to treat a comprehensive range of diseases, including cancer. This herb has also been studied for various pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic, etc. The multiple parts of the plant are used to treat cancer, jaundice, dyspepsia, inflammation, eye complaints, enlargement of the spleen, abdominal pain, and as an anti-stress remedy. In addition, it is beneficial in treating breast cancer effectively.

• Guduchi (Giloy)

Balanced Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) helps increase the effectiveness of protective white blood cells and builds up the body's defence mechanism (immune system). Guduchi is very effective in preventing liver infections and is beneficial for digestive disorders. Before and after chemotherapy, it is recommended to recover and build up strength. 

Guduchi is bitter, pungent, and astringent in taste (rasa), sweet in the post-digestive effect (Vipaka), and hot in potency (virya). In addition, it possesses light (Laghu) and oily (Snigdha) attributes. Internally, Guduchi is one of the most effective Rasayanas. It works well on the seven Dhatus and keeps the systems in balance. It is beneficial in digestive ailments like hyperacidity, colitis, worm infestations, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, vomiting, and liver disorders like hepatitis.

• Triphala

Triphala helps increase red blood cells, haemoglobin removes excess Kapha and aids in eliminating undesirable fat. In addition, it promotes natural internal cleaning, nourishes and rejuvenates the tissues, and is a natural antioxidant. 

Triphala is known for its anti-cancer properties. A toxicity study showed that Triphala was non-toxic up to a dose of 240 mg/kg. In addition, one of the studies stated that it is an excellent radioprotective agent. 

It helps reduce the growth of cancerous tumour cells in the body. It is helpful in the prevention of cancer and also possesses antineoplastic, radioprotective, and chemoprotective effects. Triphala also helps to slow down the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. 

• Tulsi

Tulsi pacifies Vata and Kapha, and along with that, it increases Pitta. It ignites the digestive fire, which is a cardiac tonic. With the help of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant capabilities, it reduces the effect of chronic stress, promotes wound healing, lowers blood sugar levels, improves memory, and lowers cholesterol. It benefits the immune system and is especially beneficial in the first stage of many tumours. 

Tulsi is pungent and bitter (Rasa), strong in the post-digestive effect (Vipaka), and has hot potency (Virya). It possesses light (Laghu) and dry (Ruksa) attributes.

• Turmeric

Turmeric has been extensively researched for decades and has demonstrated apparent anti-cancer power in clinical trials. However, it is still not widely prescribed in cancer therapy because of financial incentives and patent issues. But the good news is that you can still receive many benefits of Curcumin by using the spice turmeric liberally in your cooking and through supplements.

Conclusion

The resulting vision of Ayurvedic pathology offers the possibility to develop personalized treatment modules as per the causes of cancer in an individual. Identifying factors that inhibit immune response treatments that re-establish homeostasis would also allow immunity's innate power (Bala) to manifest on a general level. Furthermore, advanced cellular nutrient extract (Ojas) will permit proper cellular functional communication if the natural strength is sufficient. This combined activity would increase cancer cell suppression mechanisms, resulting in reduced cancer cells and proliferation. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on the website are genuine, and one can also consult with the best Ayurvedic and Unani doctors.