BACK TO ASK THE HERBALIST INDEX

ANSWERS FROM LORYHL
QUESTION: My mother is fighting what once started as adrenal cancer and is now in her liver, (one kidney and adrenal gland removed through surgery, March 2007). She has since tried to different chemos, the last one was sutan,
last summer not sure what it was and has had radiation seeds inserted in the liver tumors which I believed were successful. Each of the chemos were not successful.
            Currently she suffers from such edema for a variety of reasons. I believe the edema condition has added about 20 extra pounds of weight on her. She says it is so uncomfortable, it hurts and she can no longer fit in her old clothes.
   With little background on my mother, is there any possibility you could recommend some type of natural herb that would relieve her edema. Also I if you have ever had any success with treating cancers with herbs we would be interested in these too.
            My mom and dad live in Florida and I am doing research for them. My mom was just 70 on 4/7. She and Dad have been married for 52 years. My mother normally a very young vibrant 70 is fighting a good fight. Thank you for your time and any help you could recommend.

PANCREATIC CANCER
QUESTION: My cousin has pancreatic cancer.  We still do not know the stage of his cancer, however, I would like to know which herbs could be useful to help him.

ANSWERS FROM KAREN
SHEEP SORREL
QUESTION: I recently heard of "sheeps sorrow" as a treatment used to fight cancer. Can you give me any info on this herb, where it grows, what it looks like, any suppliers, or documentation of it's benefits?

ANSWER: I think what you mean is Sheep's Sorrel and it is an ingredient in Essiac often used as nutritional support for cancer. Are you looking for something specific? Have you been diagnosed, or do you have symptoms that concern you?

QUESTION: I have cancer in the family. I was told it is a good idea to top up on antioxidants. What are the best antioxidants to take?

ANSWER: Lots of herbs have antioxidant properties.  But first you need to ensure you are eating a healthy diet. It won't do much good to put quality herbs in a system that is subject to junk food all day.  Stay away from all processed foods, white flour, white sugar, artificial sweeteners and impure water. Include lots of green leafy vegetables in your diet every day.  Bilberry, Gingko Biloba, green tea and rooibos are all excellent antioxidants. Also Blueberries are full of them, but make sure they are organic.  Take a good supplement every day. I like ACES from Carlton labs. It is vitamins A, C, E and selenium.  Also Zinc is very good for you.

ANSWERS FROM DAVID
CERVICAL CANCER WHILE PREGNANT
QUESTION:  My sister is three months pregnant and just found out she has cervical cancer. Her doctor told her that she's in the second stage of the cancer, but can't do anything until the baby is born. I did a research project on burdock root a couple of years ago, so I was planning on making her a tincture, maybe with red clover blossoms and reishi. My boss recently told me about mgn-3, but didn't know about taking it while
pregnant. Do you know anything about this? Any suggestions of herbs and supplements that she can take would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER:  If she were not pregnant I would try a poultice of Yarrow, Echinacea, Wild Indigo, Goldenseal, Chickweed, Plantain and Calendula.  The herbs would be made into a paste  then applied to a old diaphragm and inserted against the cervix each night for 5-7 days (remove in the morning) clean and then apply fresh herb paste the next night for the week or so; then off for several nights, then again for a week then off then on and so on for a month of time total.  This has proven very effective in the past for this condition, I would be concerned at this junction in her pregnancy to try this method.  Consult with her Doctor after her first trimester and see if he/she would consider this method.  Burdock and Red Clover blossoms help increase the body's ability to eliminate things, my concern would be the body trying to flush the good (the baby) and the bad (the cancer).  The medicinal mushroom reishi is a immune balancer bringing the body's natural defenses back to normal.  It might be a good choice for her it is considered a food based medicine.  But, the body sees the developing baby as a foreign object to the mother's body, the mother's immune system is kept in check so the baby is not attacked during pregnancy turning her immune system up could also effect the baby.  Blood test would need to be done to check her immune system levels and response to the therapy.  There is not an easy answer, I am sorry.  I will think of her in my prayers.  I would be glad to help anyway I can.

BLACK COHOSH
QUESTION:  I have recently completed 3 months of chemotherapy after a malignancy and  subsequent modified radical mastectomy.  The pathology showed the tumor to  be estrogene receptive and I am beginning a five year therapy with tomoxifen.   The chemo has triggered hot flashes and night sweats.  I need to know if  Black Cohosh is a form of natural estrogen or phytoestrogen (I can not take  either), or if it is a safe way for me to deal with there very uncomfortable  side effects.  

ANSWER: 
This is a download from the Natural Pharmacist Website www.tnp.com

Safety Issues    

    Black cohosh seldom produces any side effects other than occasional mild gastrointestinal distress. Studies in rats have found no significant toxicity when black cohosh was given at 90 times the therapeutic dosage for a period of 6 months.10 Since 6 months in a rat corresponds to decades in a human, this study appears to make a strong statement about the long-term safety of black cohosh.  Unlike estrogen, black cohosh does not stimulate breast-cancer cells growing in a test tube.11,12,13 However, black cohosh has not yet been subjected to large-scale studies similar to those conducted for estrogen. For this reason, safety for those with previous breast cancer is not known. Also, because of potential hormonal activity, black cohosh is not recommended for adolescents or pregnant or nursing women.  Black cohosh has been found to slightly lower blood pressure and blood sugar in certain animals.14,15 For this reason, it's possible that the herb could interact with drugs for high blood pressure or diabetes, but
there are no reports of any such problems.  Safety in young children or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known.    

I have found there site to err on the side of caution, sometimes with general cautions... what I like about there site is their material is cited.

My concern for you would be the drug of choice, Tamoxifen use has been linked to uterine cancer saving you from possible recurrence of breast cancer (not totally guaranteed) and threatening you with another cancer.  Tamoxifen has also been linked to high trigyceride levels.  But only you and your doctor can chose the correct course of action against your disease.

I would sugget immune modulating, potentiating, building herbs such as astragalus, medicinal mushrooms, echinacea, etc. and adatptogens to deal with stress such as ginseng, licorice etc.  Another great formula for cancer is called Fu Zheng, it boosts the immune system, has adaptogens and combats the side effects of cancer and its treatments, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
End of Answer

This is a download from the National Cancer Institute...

Their Date reviewed: 03/05/2001

Questions and Answers About Tamoxifen

What is tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) is a medication in pill form that interferes with the activity of estrogen (a hormone). Tamoxifen has been used for more than 20 years to treat patients with advanced breast cancer. It is used as adjuvant, or additional, therapy following primary treatment for early stage breast cancer. In women at high risk of developing breast cancer, tamoxifen reduces the chance of developing the disease. Tamoxifen continues to be studied for the prevention of breast cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of several other types of cancer. It is important to note that tamoxifen is also used to treat men with breast cancer.


How does tamoxifen work on breast cancer?
Estrogen promotes the growth of breast cancer cells. Tamoxifen works against the effects of estrogen on these cells. It is often called an "anti-estrogen." As a treatment for breast cancer, the drug slows or stops the growth of cancer cells that are present in the body. As adjuvant therapy, tamoxifen helps prevent the original breast cancer from returning and also helps prevent the development of new cancers in the other breast.


Are there other beneficial effects of tamoxifen?
While tamoxifen acts against the effects of estrogen in breast tissue, it acts like estrogen in other tissue. This means that women who take tamoxifen may derive many of the beneficial effects of menopausal estrogen replacement therapy, such as lower blood cholesterol and slower bone loss (osteoporosis).


Can tamoxifen prevent breast cancer?
Research has shown that when tamoxifen is used as adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer, it reduces the risk of recurrence of the original cancer and also reduces the risk of developing new cancers in the other breast. Based on these findings, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded a large research study to determine the usefulness of tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer in women who have an increased risk of developing the disease. This study, known as the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT), was conducted by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), a component of the NCI’s Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program. This study found a 49 percent reduction in diagnoses of invasive breast cancer among women who took tamoxifen. Women who took tamoxifen also had 50 percent fewer diagnoses of noninvasive breast tumors, such as ductal or lobular carcinoma in situ. However, there are risks associated with tamoxifen. Some are even life threatening. The decision to take
tamoxifen is an individual one: The woman and her doctor must carefully consider the benefits and risks of therapy.

Women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer have the option to consider taking tamoxifen to reduce their chance of developing this disease. They may also consider participating in the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (see question 5).

At this time, there is no evidence that tamoxifen is beneficial for women who do not have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.


What is the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR), and how can a woman learn more about it?
The Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) is a clinical trial (a research study conducted with people) designed to see whether the osteoporosis drug raloxifene (Evista®) is more or less effective than tamoxifen in reducing the chance of developing breast cancer in women who are at an increased risk of developing the disease Raloxifene may have breast cancer risk reduction properties similar to those found in tamoxifen. This study will also examine whether raloxifene has benefits over tamoxifen, such as fewer side effects.

The STAR trial, which began in June 1999, is being conducted by the NSABP. It will involve about 22,000 postmenopausal women who are at least 35 years old and are at increased risk for developing breast cancer.

Women can learn more about the STAR trial in several ways. They can call NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). The number for deaf and hard of hearing callers with TTY equipment is 1–800–332–8615. Information is also available on NSABP’s Web site at http://www.nsabp.pitt.edu or NCI’s cancerTrials™ Web site at http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov on the Internet.


What are some of the more common side effects of taking tamoxifen?
In general, the side effects of tamoxifen are similar to some of the symptoms of menopause. The most common side effects are hot flashes and vaginal discharge. Some women experience irregular menstrual periods, headaches, fatigue, nausea and/or vomiting, vaginal dryness or itching, irritation of the skin around the vagina, and skin rash. As is the case with menopause, not all women who take tamoxifen have these symptoms. Men who take tamoxifen may experience headaches, nausea and/or vomiting, skin rash, impotence, or a decrease in sexual interest.


Does tamoxifen cause uterine cancer?
The BCPT found that women taking tamoxifen had more than twice the chance of developing uterine cancer compared with women who took a placebo (an inactive substance that looks the same as, and is administered in the same way as, tamoxifen). The risk of uterine cancer in women taking tamoxifen was in the same range as (or less than) the risk in postmenopausal women taking single-agent estrogen replacement therapy. Additional studies are under way to define more clearly the role of other risk factors for uterine cancer, such as prior hormone use, in women receiving tamoxifen.

Most of the uterine cancers that have occurred during studies of women taking tamoxifen have been found in the early stages, and treatment was usually effective. However, tamoxifen was life threatening for some breast cancer patients who developed uterine cancer while taking tamoxifen.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal (pelvic) pain are two symptoms of uterine cancer. Women who are taking tamoxifen should talk with their doctor about having regular pelvic examinations, and should also be checked promptly if they have any abnormal vaginal bleeding between scheduled exams.


Does tamoxifen cause blood clots or stroke?
Data from large treatment studies suggest that there is a small increase in the number of blood clots in women taking tamoxifen, particularly in women who are receiving anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) along with tamoxifen. The total number of women who have experienced this side effect is small. The risk of having a blood clot due to tamoxifen is similar to the risk of a blood clot when taking estrogen replacement therapy.

Women in the BCPT who took tamoxifen also had an increased chance of developing blood clots and an increased chance of stroke.


Does tamoxifen cause eye problems?
As women age, they are more likely to develop cataracts (a clouding of the lens inside the eye). Women taking tamoxifen appear to be at increased risk for developing cataracts. Other eye problems, such as corneal scarring or retinal changes, have been reported in a few patients.


Does tamoxifen cause other types of cancer?
Although tamoxifen can cause liver cancer in particular strains of rats, it is not known to cause liver cancer in humans. It is clear, however, that tamoxifen can sometimes cause other liver toxicities in patients, which can be severe or life threatening. Doctors may order blood tests from time to time to check liver function.

One study suggested a possible increase in cancers of the digestive tract among women receiving tamoxifen for breast cancer. Other trials, including the BCPT, have not shown an association between tamoxifen and these cancers.

Studies such as the BCPT show no increase in cancers other than uterine cancer. This potential risk is being evaluated.


Should women taking tamoxifen avoid pregnancy?
Yes. Tamoxifen may make premenopausal women more fertile, but doctors advise women on tamoxifen to avoid pregnancy because animal studies have suggested that the use of tamoxifen in pregnancy can cause fetal harm. Women who have questions about fertility, birth control, or pregnancy should discuss their concerns with their doctor.


Does tamoxifen cause a woman to begin menopause?
Tamoxifen does not cause a woman to begin menopause, although it can cause some symptoms that are similar to those that may occur during menopause. In most premenopausal women taking tamoxifen, the ovaries continue to act normally and produce estrogen in the same or slightly increased amounts.


Do the benefits of tamoxifen in treating breast cancer outweigh its risks?
The benefits of tamoxifen as a treatment for breast cancer are firmly established and far outweigh the potential risks. Patients who are concerned about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen or any other medications are encouraged to discuss these concerns with their doctor.


How long should a patient take tamoxifen for the treatment of breast cancer?
Patients with advanced breast cancer may take tamoxifen for varying lengths of time, depending on their response to this treatment and other factors. When used as adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer, tamoxifen is generally prescribed for 5 years. However, the ideal length of treatment with tamoxifen is not known.

Two studies have confirmed the benefit of taking adjuvant tamoxifen daily for 5 years. These studies compared 5 years of treatment with tamoxifen with 10 years of treatment. When taken for 5 years, the drug reduces the risk of recurrence of the original breast cancer and also reduces the risk of developing a second primary cancer in the other breast. Taking tamoxifen for longer than 5 years is not more effective than 5 years of therapy.

Sources of National Cancer Institute Information


Cancer Information Service
Toll-free: 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237)
TTY (for deaf and hard of hearing callers): 1–800–332–8615

NCI Online
Internet
Use http://cancer.gov to reach NCI's Web site.

CancerMail Service
To obtain a contents list, send e-mail to cancermail@cips.nci.nih.gov with the word "help" in the body of the message.

CancerFax® fax on demand service
Dial 1–800–624–2511 or 301–402–5874 and follow the voice-prompt instructions. 


HELP WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
QUESTION:  Thank you for this resource.  Would you by any chance know of any mouthwash-sort of preparation which could be used by people undergoing chemotherapy, when they ahve mouth ulcers, to relieve the intense discomfort?  My mother had some such preparation when she was on chemo and she felt it really helped her a lot, and now she has several friends who are undergoing chemo, who have the same problem, but she doesn't remember how or where she got what she had.  Thanks for any assistance or guidance you can give.

ANSWER:  From a great book on cancer, Herbal Medicine Healing and Cancer, by Donnie Yance.   He suggests the following mixture.

30 ml Aloe Leaf Concentrate
30 ml Glycerin
15 ml Licorice extract
15 ml Propolis extract
10 ml Collinsonia extract
10 ml Echinacea extract
5  ml Chamomile extract
5  ml Thuja extract
5-10 drops of Clove essential oil.
Suggested dose is 60 drops of above mixture to 1-2 tablespoons of warm saltwater rinse, it can be used every couple of hours.  All the above extracts are alcohol based.

A product we carry in our practice is called Tooth and Gum tonic, it is a great herbal rinse.

A thick tea of plantain, licorice, slippery elm and calendula would be soothing and tasty, make a tea of calendula flowers, licorice root and plantain leaves, strain herbs out, let cool then add 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of powdered Slippery Elm (if you cannot find Slippery Elm use powdered Marsmallow root) to each 8 ounces of liquid.  Then let the mixture sit until slightly thickened.  Slosh around mouth for a couple of minutes then swallow.

STOMACH CANCER
QUESTION: Where can I find information on Drachasha,Chavana or Prash.I am being
treated for stomach cancer,and have been solicited to buy these as a
legal substitute for Cannabis. I cannot find any material on these Herbs.

ANSWER: I am not sure by what you me "legal substitute for Cannabis".  In the
Cannabaceae family there are only two members that I am aware of:

Hops, Latin Named Humulus lupulus
Marijuana, Latin Named Cannabis sativa

"Drachasha" I cannot find any information on this one.  Please provide me
more information to go on.  Do you have the spelling correct?  Can you
provide manufacturer's name or ingredients list, latin names would be best
for plants.

"Chavana or Prash" is probably Chyavan Prash or Chyvanaprash an Ayurveda
formula that is made from mostly Amla fruit, Latin Named: Emblic Myrobalan
(50% or more) plus many other herbs 20 to 30 which is usually made in a base
of Sucanat sugar, Herbal ghee and Honey.   It is traditionally given in India
for chronic conditions not sure how it relates to your question on Cannibus.

The term "Ayurveda" comes from the Sanskrit words "ayur" (life) and "veda"
(knowledge). Ayurveda's 5 to 6,000-year-old healing techniques are based on
the classification of people into one of three predominant body types called
Doshas and is reported to be one of the earliest forms of herbal medicine.

If you are being solicited by someone to buy these product, it is well for
you to question this person, get all the information you can on the products
and manufacturers.   If you can provide more on the Drachasha I would be
interested in knowing what it is and then may be able to voice an opinion.

     

PAU D'ARCO FOR CANCER
QUESTION: I am to begin chemo for colon cancer very soon. I intend to take natural remedies also. I have read about Pau D Arco, and it's wonderful action re cancers.  Is there something else that is as effective, but less costly to use for  fighting cancer? 

ANSWER: We have found great success with a TCM herbal combination called Fu Zheng for fighting the adverse actions and side effects associated with Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy. See the question on Breast Cancer for details behind this formula.

For Cancer use medicinal mushrooms, they help bring a weakened immune system back to normal to fight the cancer.

Medicinal Mushroom are used as an amphoteric to the immune system. Amphoteric herbs normalize function, so if it is overreacting they calm, if it is underreacting they stimulate. This classification is not found in western medicine only in the herbal realm. 
The medicinal mushrooms in use today are Chaga, Maitake, Shitake and Reishi (Gano derma). Additionally a non mushroom the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb Astragalus is also amphoteric to the immune system.

Astragulus, Yellow Leader, TCM named: Huang Qi, Latin Name: Astragulus membrananceus - immune amphoteric 

Chaga, Birch conch, Latin Name: Inonotus obliguus - immune amphoteric

Maitake, Hen of the Wood's, Latin Name: Grifola frondulosa or Lentinula elodes

Reishi mushrooms TCM named: Lang Chih \Ling Ja\, Latin Name: Ganoderma lucidum(Red-best- on oaks), G. sinensis(black), G applinatum(huge artist conch), G. Tsugae(grows on hemlock tree), G. oreganensis

In addition 

Licorice root, TCM named: Gan Cao, Latin Named: Glycorrhiza uralensis has been traditionally used as an immune amphoteric herb.

Finally alterative herbs have been used to treat Cancer, they help the body eliminate wastes via all the pathways available. The Hoxy or Essiac Formulas are some classic anticancer alterative based formulas.

You may want to increase elimination using Alterative herbs: barberry, oregan grape, red clover, cleavers, poke, alder, etc. 

One final idea, an herb which is good for the bowels is Slippery Elm and will coat the lining of the bowels to help sooth the tissue. It is also nutritive. As a second choice Marshmallow will do the same.