Combating Cancer - Ayurvedic Treatment Options

Introduction

One of the most prevalent chronic diseases of the 20th century, cancer is still growing and becoming more common in the 21st. Cancer is a major source of illness and mortality in both developing and wealthy nations. Unfortunately, most of the population does not have access to a well-organized and well-regulated cancer care system in many low-income and middle-income nations, including India. A flawless treatment for the disease is expected from the complementary and alternative medicine system, even though mainstream cancer therapy is known to be plagued by drug-induced hazardous side effects. Scientifically, these formulations work on multiple biochemical pathways, influence various organ systems collectively, and nourish the body as a whole by supporting the body's defense systems.

What Is Cancer According to Ayurveda?

Finding the root of an ailment is the major objective of ayurvedic therapy, which is classified into four categories:

1. Prakritisthapani chikitsa (health maintenance).

2. Rasayana chikitsa (restoring normal function).

3. Roganashani chikitsa (curing diseases).

4. Naishthiki chikitsa (spiritual approach).

Since ancient times, the oldest system of plant-based therapy in India, known as ayurveda, has been used to prevent or reduce a variety of malignancies. Moreover, nowadays, researchers are more interested in studying complementary and alternative therapies for cancer treatment.

According to "charaka" and "sushruta samhitas," in the ayurvedic notion, cancer is defined as an inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling. It is either referred to as "granthi" (a small neoplasm) or "arbuda" (primary neoplasm). The three fundamentals of ayurveda—the nerve system (vata or air), the venous system (pitta or fire), and the artery system (kapha or water)—are crucial for healthy bodily operation.Malignant tumors are caused when all three systems (tridoshas) lose control and cooperation, resulting in tissue destruction and an authoritarian state. Tridoshas produce an overabundance of metabolic crises, which leads to proliferation.

What Is the Pathogenesis of Cancer?

1. Anticancer medications are now being utilized to target fast-multiplying cells because cancer cells grow and divide more quickly than normal cells.

2. The suspected targets of these treatments are the nucleic acids and their precursors, which are rapidly generated during cell division.

3. However, some healthy, normal cells proliferate fast, and chemotherapy can also impact these cells. This harm to healthy cells has unintended consequences.

4. Several anticancer medications might impact cells in important organs, including the heart, kidney, bladder, lungs, and nervous system.

5. The adverse effects might be moderate or potentially fatal, chronic, acute, or self-limiting. Because they impact therapy, tolerability, and overall quality of life, managing these side effects is crucial.

How Are Ayurvedic Treatments Used for Combating Cancer?

• Ayurveda is a significant adjuvant to reduce these adverse effects.

• Research on drugs created from medicinal plants has significantly advanced anticancer treatments.

• India has sometimes been referred to as the medical garden of the globe since nature has blessed our nation with an immense variety of medicinal plants.

• More than 3000 types of plants have supposedly been used to cure cancer, according to a list of plants used against cancer.

• The primary Ayurvedic medications were emphasized, but it is noteworthy that no new plant-derived therapeutic anti-cancer therapies have yet progressed to the point of being widely used.

• Herbs aid in complete recovery and lessen side effects and cancer-related problems. Many plants anticancer properties are still extensively explored, and some early findings are encouraging.

What Are Various Ayurvedic Treatments Used for Combating Cancer?

The doctor's goal is to improve or keep up with overall health and well-being.

1. By balancing a variety of things in life, they will succeed. They will review the medical history and dosha assessment to plan the course of therapy.

2. Massage and aromatherapy are two touch treatments that cancer patients frequently use. Many claims that these therapies make it easier for them to deal with their disease and its treatment.

3. Researchers are examining if some herbs and plant remedies used in ayurvedic medicine might aid in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

4. Herbs aid in complete recovery and lessen side effects and cancer-related problems. Many plants anticancer properties are still extensively explored, and some early findings are encouraging. For example, the following plants and plant-based products have demonstrated potential as anticancer treatments:

Tinospora Cordifolia (Wild) Miers -

• Tinospora cordifolia is also known as the heartleaf moonseed plant in English and Guduchi in Sanskrit.

• This plant's capacity to provide youth, energy, and longevity has earned it the name "Amrita."

• T. cordifolia is widely recognized in contemporary medicine for its immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, and antioxidant properties.

Azadirachta Indica (Neem) -

• Since ancient times, the neem tree, Azadirachta indica, has successfully been utilized in ayurveda to treat malignancies.

• It has been demonstrated that a neem ethanolic extract kills cells.

• Hence enhancing the efficacy of an anti-cancer therapy to control cancer effectively.

Papaya Carica (Papita)-

• India makes considerable use of this fruit.

• According to recent research, papaya leaf extract can inhibit the development of cancer cells, including pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer.

Sanjeevani-

• In 2011, Indian research examined the selaginella bryopteris. Sanjeevani, an ancient Indian plant.

• It was discovered that substances extracted from the plant prevented the development of cancer cells in test tubes.

• Additionally, it prevented the growth of ovarian cancer cells and skin tumors in mice.

Sanctum Ocimum (Tulsi)-

• Eugenol, linolenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids are all present in ocimum sanctum.

• By preventing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the cancer cells and starving them to death, eugenol, orientin, and vicenin suppress the growth and spread of many malignancies, including breast cancer, liver cancer, and sarcomas, including fibrosarcoma.

5. However, some can be detrimental, including herbal remedies, diets, and bowel cleaning.

6. Always consult the doctor before starting a new treatment since some may have negative side effects. If an ayurvedic doctor diagnoses one with a new medical problem, seek their counsel.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes preventative techniques by bringing about balance. Numerous ayurvedic herbs have strong anti-cancer properties and may thus be used effectively in cancer care as either the primary treatment for cancer or as an adjuvant drug with few side effects on either its own or those of chemotherapy or radiation. Commonly used herbal medicines reported in ayurveda are made of multiple herbs with great potential for a cancer cure. The wise and judicious use of ayurvedic botanicals will unquestionably be helpful in the treatment of cancer.