I recently found this interesting article in the Guardian Express about Radiation Therapy and 7 Natural Remedies to Combat its Effects. I (of course) was especially interested in #5. :) Enjoy!
Radiation Therapy and 7 Natural Remedies to Combat its Effects
For those undergoing medical treatment due to different types of cancer,
radiation therapy is often prescribed. Radiation uses high potency
X-rays to try and kill cancer cells, though often this treatment can
have detrimental side effects and greatly lower the body’s immune
defenses. There are quite a few natural remedies shown to combat the
effects of radiation therapy and help the body maintain vitality and
strength, here are six.
1-
A Positive State of Mind and Healthy Attitude:
First and foremost, no matter what trial you are facing, it is critical
to approach it with a positive attitude. It has been found that the way
we feel about something affects the outcome we experience. This can be
seen with the very simple placebo effect. When we know that we are
healthy and whole, no matter what we are enduring, we may still
experience discomforts – but we will be setting a healthy foundation on
which our immune system can stand. Attitude creates a field or
vibration around our bodies and effects not only our own being, but all
those around us.
You have been around someone with a negative attitude
before and felt as though they were rubbing off, yes? You just want to
get away from this type of energy. It’s the same in your body, except
you can’t get away from YOU. It is vital to healing that we maintain a
clear vision of the body in it’s whole, healthy state. This will more
easily facilitate the process of moving into health… and it doesn’ hurt
to have some back up.
So here are 6 other tools to support you.
2-
Reishi Mushrooms: Long referred to as the
‘mushroom of immortality’ and ‘medicine of the kings’ reishi mushrooms
have been renowned for their healing benefits. Reishi greatly benefits
the immune system and can actually helps immune cells bind to tumors. ”
Research
shows that the polysaccharide beta-1,3-D-glucan in reishi boosts the
immune system by raising the amount of macrophages T-cells.”
Reishi is shown to have chemopreventative effects
alleviating chemotherapy induced nausea, enhances efficacy of
radiotherapy, and increases the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to
cisplatin. It was also effective in preventing cisplatin-induced
nephrotoxicity.
(Cisplatin is a platinum-containing chemotherapy drug and
nephrotoxicity is the a poisonous effect induced by chemicals or
medications on the kidneys)
3-
Blue-Green Algaes and Marine Phytoplanktons
(including spirulina and chlorella): These different types of algae
have been shown to reduce heavy metals and radiation in the system as
well as boost over all health and immune functions. They have
chemoprotective and radioprotective effects. Blue green algae and
phytoplanktons are also huge oxygen producers which have an extremely
neutralizing and healing effect on any type of acidic environment –
which radiation most certainly is.
There are many documented testimonials all over the web about people
who have undergone radiation therapy and greatly benefited from the use
of spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella and marine phytoplanktons to
reduce negative side effects and experience greater health.
4-
Astragalus: A Chinese herb in the pea family,
part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It has long
been used to ‘restore the capacity of a suppressed immune system.’
Astragalus is extremely beneficial for those who have undergone
chemotherapy and radiation treatments in order to bring their immune
systems back on-line. It is an adaptogen, helping the body to adapt to
stresses and can be taken over long periods of time without any side
effects or worry.
5-
Bentonite Clay: Known as the ‘great detoxifier’,
and called by the Sioux ‘the mud that heals’, bentonite clay can
effectively carry the toxic bi-products of radiation therapy out of the
body. Russian scientists would apply a layer of bentonite clay to their
skin before putting on their regular radiation uniforms in order to
increase their protection from radiation. The U.S. army has also found
that bentonite clay protects against many types of chemical warfare.
To use clay for radiation exposure, internal as well as external
application is recommended. One can take baths with clay in it as well
as applying to key areas of the body exposed including lymph nodes and
over organs.
6-
Ginkgo Biloba: Used in Chinese medicine as far
back as 3000 B.C., Ginkgo trees have been described as ‘living fossils’
with ancestry traceable as far back as 200 million years. Ginkgo is
known to protect cells against radiation. A study published in the
International Journal of Low Radiation in 2009 showed that lymphocytes
pre-treated with ginkgo biloba and then exposed to radiation resulted in
decreased cell death than those lymphocytes not pre-treated, therefore “
demonstrating radioprotectant effects.”
According to the European Society of Radiation and Oncology:
“Ginkgo
biloba extract enhances radiation effect on tumor without increasing
acute normal tissue radiation damage in this model system probably by
increasing tumor blood flow and further investigation for this possible
radiosensitizer is needed.”
7-
Kombucha Tea: A fermented black tea mushroom
concoction used to alkalize the system, increase enzyme activity and
provide a healthy lot of probiotics. Kombucha is all the rage these days
and can be home-brewed. Research for kombucha and cancer come mostly
out of Germany and Russia, though collective wisdom in the U.S. include
people like Ronald Regan claiming to have cured himself of stomach
cancer with kombucha and Dave – founder and owner of GT’s Kombucha, who
started the company after his mother used kombucha to heal from cancer.
The International Journal of Biological and Life Science reports of
the benefits of kombucha on irradiated rats. Their findings were stated
as such: “
According to the results obtained in the present study, it appears
that KT ferment(kombucha) administration to rats would decrease the
toxicity associated with oxidative stress and thereby reducing the
damage induced by exposure to cadmium and/or radiation.“
As you can see, there are many herbs and natural remedies that can be
helpful in combating negative effects of radiation therapy, these are
just seven. As we continue to find gentler methods to cure the body and
the mind of dis-ease, it’s wonderful to discover those foods and
medicines that can ease the transition from harsh medical intervention
to nature’s blessings. In this world we are finding that a synergestic
blend of alternative and traditional therapies can be most beneficial on
the path to realizing health and wholeness.
Written by: Stasia Bliss
Sources:
KlamathBlueGreen.com;
Livestrong.com;
Gaia-health.com;
Natural News;
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Society;
About.com Alternative Medicine;
HerbWisdom.com;
About Clay;
Natural News;
Livestrong and Gingko;
The Green Journal;
Yahoo Voices – Kombucha;
Kombucha study;
Kombucha Kamp;
Anchorage Radiation Therapy Center;
Originally posted: http://guardianlv.com/2013/06/radiation-therapy-and-7-natural-remedies-to-combat-its-effects/