Doing Eastern and Traditioal Medicine Together for Cancer

Hi ladies,

Have heard from so many since I got diagnosed that chemo was stressing their liver. So I  did some research to see if there was help, other than getting pummeled with more drugs and this is something I learned you might find interesting ...

My father, like many of you, is not only fighting cancer, but so many other ailments, so there's a mini pharmacy going in my parents' house. It's Pill City! As a result, his liver was becoming stressed; and because I am hearing the same issue from so many people I meet through my and my dad's cancer journey, I decided to share what I've found on herbs safe for most people with liver stress. Even natural medicine is complicated, so there are many you can consider, based on other meds you're on and other conditions you may have. But one herb I discovered from a nurse and herbologist that seems safe for a lot of people with liver problems is milk thistle. The herb actually has an abundance of benefits.

Here's the lowdown:

The Benefits

Milk thistle treats liver stress from alcohol or drugs by helping to keep toxins out of liver cells, while promoting growth of healthy new cells to repair damage. But the herb is also good for heartburn, diabetes, and gallbladder problems.  And a big one is its ability to lower cholesterol (Institute of Medicinal Plants in Tehran). This supplement can also prevent certain cancers, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

How safe is milk thistle?

Overall, it's safe for most people, according to MedLinePlus. But know it can work as a laxative. Some people may experience nausea, indigestion or diarrhea. Milk thistle affects estrogen levels so if you have or have had cancer, only take it if the cancer is not sensitive to estrogen. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you talk with your medical provider before taking milk thistle if you're currently taking Phenytoin, halothane, or an antipsychotic. Also check before starting the supplement if you are on meds for high cholesterol, or allergies.

How much do you need?

Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center recommend that adults with liver disease take 280 to 150 mg of milk thistle daily.

Now for the fun part:

 When you buy it as a food instead of pill or powder, you can kick up meals with it. You can mix milk thistle in salads, nut milks, and shakes. It can be sprouted. Or it can be tossed in with flax, sesame or hemp.

 More information:

 http://www.livestrong.com/article/118377-definition-milk-thistle/ http://heartspring.net/detoxification_liver_health.html

If you check out my site, there's more on complimentary meds for cancer as well as traditonal www.1UpOnCancer.com

Have a great weekend and week.

Rachel