Natural Herbs That Fight Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer can occur in individuals who have been exposed to cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals or have taken too many acetaminophen-based pain killers. While you should see an oncologist, ask her advice about supplementing your treatment regimen with natural methods to help fight the cancer. Here are a few herbs and natural remedies that may help in your battle.
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Astragalus
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Astragalus capsules may be able to improve your chances against bladder cancer. This herb has been connected to activating the p53 gene in cells, which can stop the hormonal signals that cause cancer cells in the bladder to grow out of control. Astragalus capsules contain the root of this cancer-fighting plant and should be taken in a 500mg dose three times per day.
Maitake
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Maitake is a large mushroom that grows in the mountains of Japan that has been used to help the body cope with stress and infection by improving the immune system. In Japan the mushroom has been connected with increasing the activity of killer T-cells that can fight cancer in the breasts, rectum and bladder. Consider taking a supplement called "Maitake-D" at a dose of 2,000mg three times a day before meals.
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Siberian Ginseng
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Siberian ginseng has been used to increase energy and improve the immune system for thousands of years in Eastern cultures. The herb---which is also called Panax ginseng---may slow the growth rate of bladder-cancer cells when taken in doses of 300mg per day. However, do not take this herb if you have high blood pressure.
Red Grapes
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Red grapes are used in herbal remedies to fight against artherosclerotic plaques and various cancers. The compound resveratrol is extracted from the skin of red grapes and sold as an anti-aging, anti-cancer supplement. While the supplement has not been proved effective, it may be able to affect the p53 gene in a way similar to astragalus. You can take tablets of resveratrol extract or drink red wine or purple grape juice daily.
Garlic
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This pungent herb has been used in cooking and herbal remedies for thousands of years. The herb is purported to help wounds heal, benefit cholesterol levels and reduce the size of tumors. You can take an enteric-coated tablet of garlic in the dose of 900mg per day. Note that this will help to supplement the immunotherapy treatment of bladder cancer but will counteract the effects of bifidus and lactobacillus cultures taken for digestive problems.
Warning
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Some herbal remedies can cause allergic reactions or may interact negatively with medications that you are currently taking. For instance, do not take garlic supplements if you are taking an anticoagulant medication such as warfarin (Coumadin). In general, consult your oncologist, doctor or integrated medical practitioner before taking herbal remedies.
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- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
