Prof.(Dr.) Ashutosh Gupta, Dr. Twinkle Gupta
In the present day, cancer is a burning issue and is caused due to the mutation in the cells, which divide uncontrollably, so as to form abnormal mass of cells inside the body. It can also be caused by various reasons such as heredity, loss of exercise, alcohol, smoking, physical trauma, radiations, etc. Every year about 6 million cases of cancer are reported worldwide. Cancer cells possess immense potential to divide and ton invade other parts of the body at a tremendous speed. Cancer treatment includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, etc. which have their own side effects. Ayurveda is a science of life with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. Ayurvedic treatments have also been practiced in Western countries as well. Ayurveda defines cancer as a chronic imbalance of Tridosha (pathophysiological entities), dhatus (tissue), and Triguna (mental qualities) and can be treated without any side effect. Popular herbs like Ashwagandha,Amla,Giloyetc help to retard the process of cancer by targeting the specific tissue to improve the quality of patient’s life.
Ashwagandha –
As Anti Inflammatory
In fact, cancer patients have a great deal of stress due to complex forms of the disease symptoms, diagnosis, and its treatment. In addition, fear of a disease recurrence could be a major factor that can lead to unwanted stress. This is the reason many patients are exploring alternatives to medicines for stress treatment. In that path, ashwagandha has grown in popularity in recent years.
After the experiments, both human and animal research witnessed the anti-inflammatory effects of ashwagandha. In fact, there is no documented proof, but nevertheless, one can use it to cure and stave off cancer.
A bioactive component of Ashwagandha – Withaferin A (WA) when used along with Oxaliplatin could offer an effective strategy against Pancreatic Cancer.
Hence, considering the effects of ashwagandha on people with stress, anxiety, weakness and even cancer have been the subject of multiple studies. However, ashwagandha is not formally acknowledged. But according to the research conducted, it is safe for healthy adults. Those who already have any medical condition should consult their respective physician before taking it.
You can take it in the form of capsules, tablets, chewy candies, and liquid decoctions of ashwagandha. You can consume it orally. To reduce pain, you can also use it typically as a cream.
Amalaki/Amla/Gooseberry:
According to many of today’s researchers, there are certain theories where consuming amla extracts can help you by stopping the development of cancer. It limits and prevents the damage to the level of cellular DNA structure forming a shield. Amla can lessen the free radical oxidation hazards particularly in sensitive tissues, including the liver, brain, breast, colon related, and lung tissues.
It can firmly hold the enzymatic activity, particularly in the case of liver enzymes. Because they are crucial to numerous bodily metabolic pathways. A lifestyle that comprises fruits including amla in their diet can significantly lower the risk of tumor/cancer.
Amalaki can reduce the activation of proinflammatory cells. These are a number of malignancies caused by cellular changes brought on by prevailing inflammation.
With respect to cancer, Indian gooseberries have a strong anticancer effect. Many researchers have approved this particularly with some cancers including colon and lung cancer. It is said that this fruit’s extract can cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis without causing any kind of harm to the healthy body cells.
Turmeric/Haridra/Curcumin:
In India, turmeric (the golden spice) is treated as a sacred element and it has the true potential to prevent cancer in the first place. It is also used in cancer treatment. Everyone knows that inflammation is the basis of many illnesses, including cancer. In ayurveda, it is decreased by turmeric. Turmeric has been shown in animal and laboratory tests to both slow the growth of cancer cells as well as destroy cancer cells.
Additionally, turmeric is known to aid enhance the quality of life in cancer patients. In one study, researchers observed that patients who applied a lotion with turmeric as its main ingredient experienced less skin sensitivity (which was the side effect of chemotherapy). Also, curcumin-containing mouthwash decreased mouth edema. Turmeric helped some Breast Cancer patients to get rid of joint issues.
Giloy/Guduchi:
Giloy(Tinospora Cordifolia) is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. While attempting to cure cancer in Ayurvedic medicine, giloy is sometimes used as an adjunct therapy to support conventional cancer treatment.
Also, research suggests that giloy has some anticancer properties, such as the ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. In addition, it can inhibit tumor growth, and reduce the risk of metastasis. However, more researchers started studying about these findings on a mission to determine the exact/ optimal dose and duration of treatment.
In Ayurvedic cancer treatment, giloy is often used in combination with certain other herbs, such as ashwagandha, turmeric, and guggulu. Sometimes, it is taken in various forms, such as capsules, powders, or decoctions. However, it is important to understand that Ayurvedic treatments should always be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner and it is not suggested to use as a substitute for conventional cancer treatment.
Kalmegh/Racha Vemu:
Kalmegh (King of Bitter) is well known in ayurveda because it has a cancerolytic effect. This implies that it targets and can effectively destroy cancer cells. Extract from Kalmegh strengthens the human immune system. Also, it works well against a variety of cancer-causing and pathogenic agents.
In Ayurveda shastra, cancer is believed as a result of an imbalance in the body’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). It occurs along with the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body. Hence, consuming Kalmegh extracts could help balance the doshas and eliminate toxins, which can support the body’s natural healing processes.
In Ayurvedic Cancer Treatment, kalmegh is often used in combination with other herbs, such as ashwagandha, turmeric, and guggulu for various applications as well as with personalized formulae. One can consume it in various forms, such as capsules, powders, or decoctions.
We all know that cancer is an incurable illness. And, formulating the correct treatment is really difficult in some of the cases as it is completely related to the life of a person.
Allopathy treats cancer with the processes of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery in the first place. But unfortunately, all these treatments include a long list of unpleasant side effects. And the bitter truth is that these side effects are worse than the sickness itself.
On the contrary, ayurvedic science attempts to strengthen your immune system where chemotherapy and radiation both reduce immunity. Because immunity boosting is one of the practices in ayurvedic cancer treatment.
With a unique method of treatment, cancer patients may benefit from ayurvedic treatment by getting rid of the poisons and free radicals in their bodies. Thus, this way of treatment can improve and restore the functionality of several organs in your body. Also, it can alter the conditions in which cancer cells can grow. Ayurvedic drugs boost immunity, eventually killing cancer cells.The basic principle of Ayurveda states that cancer patients can receive an effective treatment only by understanding the changes occurring in Dosh, Dhatu, Mal, Updhatu, and Oaj in the patient’s body.
(The authors are Principal, GAMC Jammu& Associate Professor, GAMC & Physician Consultant GMC Jammu)
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