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What Are the Different Types of Herbal Treatment for Liver Cancer?

Nick Mann
Nick Mann

When faced with liver cancer, some people are more inclined to try alternative medicine rather than, or in addition to, more conventional methods like chemotherapy. As science and medicine progress, holistic healing is becoming more and more popular. Alternative therapies can be a viable option for healing, but cancer patients should consult with a conventional oncologist before trying them. Some commonly used substances in herbal treatment for liver cancer are cinnamon, astragalus, milk thistle and goldenseal, all of which can be found in at most health food stores for a fairly low price.

Cinnamon has been used for its medicinal qualities by many cultures, and is also known as an herbal treatment for liver cancer. It is thought to relieve some of the stomach pain that stems from the cancer. Additionally, it is supposed to prevent cancerous cells from spreading to other parts of the body. Typically, the optimum results are achieved by brewing up some cinnamon tea. This is done by adding cinnamon bark to boiling water and consuming the mixture two to three times per day.

Herbal treatments might help detoxify the liver.
Herbal treatments might help detoxify the liver.

Astralagus is another herbal treatment for liver cancer that was first discovered by the ancient Chinese. It has been used for centuries and primarily works by improving the immune system's functioning. In turn, this helps the liver cells to fight off cancer and improve the likelihood of a recovery occurring. An experiment at the University of Texas showed that consuming astralagus doubled a person's odds of surviving liver cancer as opposed to consuming a placebo. It can be taken in capsule form, liquid form or by adding astralagus in its raw form to boiling water.

Patients diagnosed with liver cancer should consult their oncologist before using any herbal supplements.
Patients diagnosed with liver cancer should consult their oncologist before using any herbal supplements.

Another beneficial herbal treatment for liver cancer is milk thistle. Like the previously mentioned herbs, it has been used for centuries for its numerous healing capabilities. Milk thistle contains an ingredient called silymarin that has several medicinal qualities, some of which include the ability to fight off cancer, repair liver tissue and protect against cell damage. This herb can be eaten in its raw form, or taken in liquid/capsule form.

Goldenseal is additional herb used to treat liver cancer that grows in North America. It was first used by Native American tribes for treating a plethora of health problems. One of the main benefits of goldenseal is its ability to reduce jaundice, which is a common side effect of liver cancer. Along with this, it helps to detoxify the liver and prevent the cancer from worsening. Goldenseal is usually consumed in capsule form or as a liquid extract.

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    • Herbal treatments might help detoxify the liver.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Herbal treatments might help detoxify the liver.
    • Patients diagnosed with liver cancer should consult their oncologist before using any herbal supplements.
      By: Elenathewise
      Patients diagnosed with liver cancer should consult their oncologist before using any herbal supplements.