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| respond to stress, fatigue, and disease. Siberian ginseng helps to regulate the endocrine system, normalizing the weight of the adrenals, thymus gland, spleen, and liver. It also functions as a plant antioxidant, protecting against harmful radiation while improving oxygen metabolism. In rat studies, Siberian ginseng, as well as panax ginseng, double the life span of rats exposed to prolonged radiation. 107 |
| I often recommend Siberian ginseng to patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The most active compounds in Siberian ginseng are called eleutherosides. |
| Stephania |
| This Chinese herb has potent analgesic properties as well as antiedema, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory activity. It is specifically useful for edema in the lower legs, a common problem with cancer patients because cancerous tumors attract sodium, which can cause swelling in the abdomen and lower extremities. Studies with two active constituents found in stephania, fanchinin and demethyltetrandrine, have shown potent pain-relieving effectssome-times equaling the effects of morphine. Combined with corydalis, stephania has also demonstrated pain relief.108 |
| Venus's-Flytrap (Dioneae muscipula) |
| An extract of the carnivorous plant Venus's-flytrap, better known as carnivora, has gotten much publicity over the past few years as an anticancer agent used by Dr. Helmut Keller, a German physician. It contains at least three known cancer-inhibiting components, one of which, plumbagin, is reported to enhance phagocytosis of human granulocytes and lymphocytes. Carnivora has been shown to be an effective nontoxic treatment for many different types of cancer. I often use sundew as a substitute for Venus's-flytrap because it contains the same active agents, is easier to find, and is less costly. |
| Violet (Viola odorata) |
| Viola contains antineoplastic and antiviral activity. Its anti-HIV action has been validated, and it has been used for neoplasms in the breast and alimentary canal. Viola striata, another form of Viola that possesses the same properties, has |
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