Top natural cancer killers I didn’t use (but might consider if cancer came back)
Mistletoe (Iscador).
I didn’t take Iscador, although it is a popular cancer killer in naturopathic circles and in Europe as an anti-cancer agent. You can take it orally or by intravenous infusion. Unfortunately, my friends who tried it ended up dying anyway so it clearly was not enough. It has been found to mitigate the adverse side effects of chemotherapy. I might consider this cancer killer if cancer came back.
– www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/mistletoe-pdq
Black Cumin Seed.
There are many studies on Thymoquinone, found in Nigella Sativa, or black cumin seed, and its effects on cancer. It has a wide array of healing properties (anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, insulin regulation, lowers blood pressure, etc.) but it’s apparent success as a cancer killer as told in anecdotal stories in the naturopathic literature as well as in vitro and in vivo studies for pancreatic, colon, breast, and brain cancer is impressive. Thymoquinone promotes apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis… the trifecta.
It also enhances the effects of chemotherapy (particularly aromatase inhibitors) and protects against damage from radiation. I will add this to my daily routine. Recommended dosage is 1 tsp 3x/day of ground seed mixed with honey. Oil made from the seeds is also available. As always, consult your doctor. I haven’t found drug interaction warnings but have found warnings against use during pregnancy and if you have extreme low blood pressure.
– Thymoquinone: A novel strategy to combat cancer: A review.
IV Vitamin C.
I know many who had IV Vitamin C. Several died anyway, so it is not a cure by itself. Doctors warn against taking antioxidants while undergoing chemotherapy because it can dangerously increase the effects of chemo but that may mean you can lower your chemo dosage. A 100:1 ratio of Vitamin C to vitamin K3 is called Apatone and is administered to kill cancer.
– www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/vitamin-c-pdq
– High-dose vitamin C makes cancer treatment more effective
– How Apatone Is Changing The Way We Fight Cancer
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment enhances the amount of dissolved oxygen in the plasma and thereby increasing O2 delivery to tissue. Many worried it might promote cancer but studies have found that it can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit angiogenesis.
– Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer—a review
Photothermal Therapy.
In a recent human trial, this nanoparticle-based, focal therapy completely eradicated tumors with no significant side effects.
–www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190826150702.htm
Dandelion Root.
The root, leaves, and flower of the common dandelion have been touted for years for powerful healing properties, including fighting cancer. Anecdotal stories abound but I have not found compelling research.
Graviola (aka soursop, guanabana, cherimoya, and brazilian pawpaw).
This fruit has a strong reputation as a cancer killer. I first took it as an ingredient in an anti-cancer supplement, Ellagic Acid (natural phenol antioxidant found in raspberries and other fruits) with Graviola. I kept hearing about this miracle fruit but didn’t find it readily available. However, it grows all over the place in Hawaii and while there, I pick it, make juice, and tea from the leaves. I can’t attribute my recovery to it but perhaps it plays a role in my maintaining NEAD. It has vitamins, antioxidants, and acetogenins and boasts anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-viral, and antibacterial properties.
– Anti cancer activity of Graviola
– Graviola: Inhibits Tumorigenicity and Metastasis
Modified Citrus Pectin.
Dr.Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc is aproponent of MCP and Honokiol to fight cancer, having conducted most of the published research. Full disclosure, he manufactures and sells supplements so there is potential for a conflict of interest. Or, he believes in it so much, he wants to make it available. He focuses on the role of elevated levels of Galectin-3 in cancer and of Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) in binding to and inhibiting Gal-3, thus lowering levels and fighting cancer. Galectin-3 is a protein whose elevated levels are associated with a three-fold increase in mortality, according to a study of 8000 people. It is a new biomarker for cancer and heart disease. It promotes angiogenesis, the formation of a network of blood vessels which supply tumors.
Several labs test Gal-3 levels, but insurance will require pre-authorization. After hearing Dr. Eliaz present at a medical conference, I asked my oncologist to check mine. The test is used to assess heart disease and since I must monitor heart health while taking Herceptin, insurance paid for it. In previous research, healthy individuals had a median level of 62, and metastatic breast cancer patients had a median level of 170.
Since I was diagnosed Stage 4, with metastases to the lungs, liver, lymph, spine, pelvis, and brain, I thought my levels would be up around there. But I am NEAD, no evidence of disease, so hopefully, they would be much lower. Dare I hope my levels might approach the levels of a healthy person? Dr. Eliaz indicated to fend off the ravages of cancer and heart disease, one should aim for less than 18. I introduced myself, told him my story and asked him what he thought my Gal-3 levels would be. He said I looked so incredibly healthy that perhaps they might be as low as 12. I beamed and told him they were 9!!!! He hugged me!
MCP comes from peels, seeds and pulp of citrus fruits using a chemical extraction process. It is an antagonist to Galectin-3 that decreases expression and blocks the damage caused by excess Gal-3. MCP inhibits cancer growth and metastasis, enhances chemotherapy, modulates immune function, chelates heavy metals, and crosses the BBB. I have researched but haven’t found the cause of elevated levels of Galectin-3. Preventing the rise of those levels would be easier than treating them but all I’ve found shows a correlation, not a cause. Increased Gal-3 is associated with inflammation, which we all know is associated with cancer, so I suppose it could be that avoiding all those lifestyle and diet choices that cause inflammation could play a role in keeping your Gal-3 levels down but, again, it could be correlational and not causal.
– www.dreliaz.org/wellness-guide/mcp/?affiliateID=10096?
Honokiol.
A powerful anti-cancer compound derived from the bark of the Magnolia tree, Honokiol is an ancient staple of traditional Asian medicine. It is hundreds of times stronger than curcumin, protects the brain, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and kills cancer. It inhibits angiogenesis, fighting cancer growth and reducing proliferation. Honokiol stimulates apoptosis by itself as well as enhancing the apoptic effects of certain chemotherapies. It suppresses certain cancer proteins and it redifferentiates the cell and opens the mitochondria only in cancer cells, bringing about their death.
– Honokiol: for cancer prevention and therapy
– www.dreliaz.org/wellness-guide/honokiol-wellness-guide
GcMAF.
GcMAF is a protein we make ourselves normally. It modulates the immune system by increasing macrophages and T-cells. Nagalese is an enzyme that works against GcMAF and is a tumor marker because high levels mean that your immune system is not equipped to fight cancer. If you get tested and your Nagalese levels are high, you may wish to look into GcMAF as a potential complementary therapy as you may not be making your own to fight cancer effectively. Since GcMAF requires Vitamin D3 to work effectively, this link may be related to the close link between Vitamin D3 deficiency and cancer. It may enhance the effects of immunotherapy. Supplements are available in injectable or oral forms. If cancer came back, I would probably get my nagalese levels tested and think about trying supplemental GcMAF.
– Gc-MAF in cancer immunotherapy
Gumby Gumby and Blushwood berry.
Several readers from down under have told me about two different aboriginal natural healing substances with potent cancer-killing properties but I’ve had a heck of a time finding anything out about them. There are clinical trials in Australia underway for Gumby Gumby (aka pittosprum angustifolium) and Blushwood berry (aka hylandia dockrillii the extract is known as EBC-46), both native to Australia.
– www.gumbygumby.info/research.html
– www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/2014/10/cancer-drug-destroys-tumours-in-pre-clinical-trials
Nrf1 and Nrf2.
One theory states cancer is due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are intracellular organelles, also known as the powerhouses of our cells, giving us energy on the cellular level. Unlike nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA do not contain histones. The theory is that without the protective power of histones, they are reliant on certain proteins to protect them from mutations arising from oxidative stress and toxins in our environment. There are products that are promoted as providing these proteins and activating the Nrf1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways, providing protection from cancer. Nrf1 helps maintain mitochondrial function and Nrf2 turns on your anti-oxidant-making mechanisms. I have no experience with or opinion on the products.
– nrf1, nrf2, oxidative stress regulation, androgen signaling, cancer, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24281119
– Nrf-2 pathway in cancer progression and therapy
Tian Xian.
Tian Xian is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used as an anti-cancer remedy that includes the extracts of fourteen medicinal plants. In vitro studies show it to boost immune cells and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Its is very expensive and available as a capsule, liquid, or suppository.
– www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2574877
Bloodroot Salve (aka Black salve).
Bloodroot is an herb and the primary ingredient in Black salve, a topical application that draws a cancerous tumor out from the body. I have seen early-stage, localized cancerous tumors treated with bloodroot disappear. It is not a pretty sight. But I still lost my friends because errant cells metastasized before the tumors went away. The only mention in scientific literature I found that supported this notion that it can excise tumors close to the surface but is ineffective against metastasis. It is available for oral use to address those circulating cancer cells, but I have no experience.
Melatonin.
I have occasionally used Melatonin as a sleep aid and have heard of anti-cancer properties but never really incorporated it into daily use. After researching it for the Substance table (in Part 3), I discovered it gets a check mark in every category and stumbled upon some amazing research. It enhances the effects of and protects against adverse side effects of CCT.
– Melatonin in cancer treatment
The four As – Andrographis, Ashwagandha, Astaxanthin, Astragalus.
I have mentioned Astragalus under immune support. Astaxanthin exists in salmon, shrimp, and marine algae and the other three are herbs used in TCM and/or Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. They all have weird names beginning with A and they all have potent anti-cancer properties, so I always get them confused. I swear by Astragalus and Andrographis (they are in my magic powder) and I am thinking about adding the other two.
Essiac Tea.
Based on a traditional cure from the Ojibway Indians, it contains burdock root, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Indian rhubarb. It is said to be effective on newly diagnosed cancer patients without fast-growing cancer. I took it when first diagnosed and felt my body liked it. I drank it irregularly after I was diagnosed with extensive metastases. Scientific analysis has found potent anti-oxidant and DNA-protective qualities but the only documented success I have found has been anecdotal.
Collagen.
Collagen has been widely touted as an anti-cancer substance, but is a double-edged sword. While studies have found that it promotes apoptosis and boosts the immune system, studies have also found it to promote angiogenesis and metastasis. I used it in my magic powder before discovering that. I continue to use it but have removed it from my list of ingredients for you.
– Cancer reactivated by collagen
– Collagen promotes breast cancer cell invasiveness
The Paradox of Soy.
Soy products, which contain the isoflavone Genistein, present a paradox… to eat or not to eat? While there is a significant body of research showing the anti-cancer properties of this substance, there have also been studies, which show that it can fuel cancer growth in estrogen-positive breast cancer. But women in Japan, who eat much more soy than American women, have one-fifth the rate of breast cancer. What’s up? Naturopaths recommend ingesting only fermented soy products and not processed soy. Maybe that’s the difference?
A prevailing scientific theory on the differential effects of soy on estrogen-related cancers is that if you grow up eating genistein, it is a cancer preventative and continuing to eat it can stimulate your immune system and increase survival if you do get cancer. But if you haven’t spent your life eating soy and you get estrogen+ cancer, starting to eat it can cause it to act like estrogen and fuel growth. This is extrapolated from an animal study. It makes a certain amount of sense to me, anyway. My cancer is not estrogen+ so I’m not sure any of this applies to me. I’m not a big soy user anyway.
– Scientists Untangle Soy-Breast Cancer Paradox
Cat’s Claw.
I did not use this herb (although it is reputed to have anti-cancer properties) because a South American shaman told me they don’t use it for women because it is a ‘male’ herb. Perhaps that explains why it is highly effective for prostate cancer but not breast cancer. In fact, pregnant and nursing women should not use it.
This post, Top Cancer Killer s I Didn’t Use ( but might consider if cancer came back) is from Book 2 of my Thrive Tribe Series, What I Did and Do and Why, a naturopathic protocol that helps me to survive and thrive, available from the bookstore, starting at $7. I have posted the entire book sequentially, in its entirety, on this blog. Subscriptions are free.
Nothing contained on this website nor in my blogs or books should be construed as medical advice. I am not a doctor. I am a Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver who is currently NEAD and simply sharing my journey in the hopes it helps you to find your power and path. Please research anything I share to determine if it is a good choice for you. I believe in you! Bless you all on the path you choose.
All original content contained on this blog, What I did and do and why, is copyrighted 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 Kaiulani Facciani, Snarling Wolf, Inc.
