The scientific data is overwhelming on the benefits of plants and herbs in oncology. Hundreds of active compounds from plants work synergistically and effectively against cancer cells. Certain compounds in a single herb can affect hundreds of signal pathways involved in cancer and can influence the following:
- Down-regulate certain genes
- Work at a mutational level
- Work at the intercellular level
- Work at the cell receptor level
- Work at the extra-cellular level
Some botanicals used in the management of cancer have been shown to have pleiotropic influences. They are multi-taskers with a multitude of beneficial effects; some of which are supportive to the individual's body while others are combating tumors and selectively inducing apoptosis (cell death) in abnormal cancer cells. The scientific medical literature has taught us that plants, herbs and their derivatives can help:
- Protect healthy cells, organs and tissues from chemotherapy
- Potentiate chemotherapy so it works better against cancer cells
- Inhibit the ability of cancer cells to build resistance to chemotherapy
- Down-regulate certain growth factors involved in cancer initiation and progression
- Increase immune activity and surveillance
- Bolster and increase natural killer cells
- Support the innate immune system
- Promote oxidative damage in cancer cells
- Maintain healthy fibrinolytic pathways to discourage abnormal platelet aggregation and blood coagulation
- Regulate inflammatory response
- Support detoxification
- Protect bone marrow, blood and vitals organs from toxicity
- Support healing of secondary health conditions: blood sugar dysregulation, emotional distress, digestive problems, insomnia....
- Help to withstand stress through improved immune response and epigenetic repair
- Enhance quality-of-life and lifespan
*Credit to Donnie Yance, Founder and President of Mederi Care and the ETMS approach to integrative and supportive cancer care (Ashland, OR)
Mederi Care / ETMS does not conclude with an easy, straightforward, one-size-fits-all answer to cancer, which seems to be what so many people want to believe and are seeking. Nor, is it about the latest trends and fads people are reading about, which normally are not based in tradition or good science but rather on false claims that may provide the veneer of hope. However, Mederi Care / ETMS does offer a comprehensive–collaborative and sensible approach – time tested and true – that will promote a healthy and longer life than any of the self-proclaimed cures – allopathic and/or alternative. - Donnie Yance
