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| of an ulcerating tumor, do we stop it or assist in the body's elimination of necrotic tissue? Or in the case of a fever, at what point do we use antipyretics (to reduce the fever) as opposed to diaphoretics (to help it along)? It is sometimes difficult to know how to proceed, but one of the best indicators of the proper course to take is always the patient's condition. For instance, a person with high vitality and a good pulse can withstand a high fever while the fever kills cancer cells, but for someone who is weak, this may not be an option. The secret of good herbal and nutritional therapies is to recognize the vital resources inherent in the unique constitution of each individual. Descriptions of herbs to strengthen the constitution and vitality follow. |
| Pulsatilla (Anemone pulsatilla) |
| This herb, also called pasque flower, is often used as a remedy by homeopathic physicians but is seldom used by herbalists. The Eclectic physicians claimed it was very valuable, however, and found that the fresh plant extract was far more effective than any other preparation (perhaps because its life force was preserved). The Greek physician Pliny noted that the flower was named after the wind (anemos) because the flower, which is one of the first spring flowers to bloom, opened only when the wind blew. In many cultures, this plant represents the beginning of life. |
| I, too, have found pulsatilla to be a very beneficial remedy in the fresh extract form. Taken as a medicine to calm, soothe, and heal the nervous system, this herb is indicated when a person (either with or without cancer) is depressed and melancholy and is constantly anticipating death. There also tends to be much sadness and fear in such an individual, who usually weeps very easily. Usually the pulse of such a person is soft, open, and weak. It is indicated more frequently for women but may be used for men as well. I usually recommend a dose of 1 to 5 drops to be taken two or three times daily. It can be combined with other herbs. The nervous system must be healed before any other aspect of healing can take place; this is why pulsatilla is a friend (more like an angel) to many of the cancer patients I see. |
| St. John's Won (Hypericum perforatum) |
| St. John's wort is a wonderful nervine, especially indicated for mild forms of depression with poor circulation and nerve injury. It can be used both inter- |
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