As we mark World Cancer Day 2026, let us reflect and understand the role of medicinal plants in the management of cancer.
Background
The cause of cancer is yet unknown, but precipitating factors include, amongst others, unhealthy lifestyles, chronic alcohol dependency and smoking, unhealthy diet with consumption of processed foods, and toxins from the environment such as chemicals and pesticides, etc.
The Role Medicinal Plants Play in Cancer Management
Medicinal plants play a role as foods that provide phytochemicals and phytonutrients, as well as essential minerals and vitamins.
Consumption of leafy and green vegetables, whole grain foods such as millet and soybeans, fresh vegetable juices, and seasonal foods is encouraged. Avoid overcooking your foods, ensure moderate use of seasonings, and learn to take medicinal plant teas.
Medicinal Foods as Medicines
Medicinal foods can also be used as medicines through herbal remedies such as antioxidants, phytochemicals, nutriceuticals, immune boosters, antidepressants, and agents that reduce oxidative stress.
Examples of plants with anticancer properties include Moringa oleifera, soursop leaves, Artemisia annua, kale, ashwagandha, basil, ginger, garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables, turmeric, Guiera senegalensis, bitter leaf, jujube leaves, etc.
These plants can be consumed as juices, teas, pills, capsules, and in well-formulated doses.
Phytotherapy
Phytotherapy plays a critical role in cancer management.
Medicinal Plants and Cancer Types
The use of medicinal plants also depends on the type of cancer.
Breast Cancer
For breast cancer, lymphatic system herbs can be used, such as dandelion, ginger, garlic, and hibiscus.
Herbs for breast cancer include garlic, soursop, moringa, fenugreek, green tea, turmeric, rosemary, flax seeds, black seeds, mistletoe, and olives. These are taken in well-formulated dosage forms such as teas, pills, capsules, tinctures, etc.
Prostate Cancer
The role of medicinal plants in the management of prostate cancer includes plants such as Prunus africana, dandelion, celery, parsley, cruciferous vegetables, kale, garlic, ginger, saw palmetto berry, pomegranate, green tea, moringa, hibiscus, and baobab.
These are formulated in dosage forms such as teas, pills, and tinctures.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Cancer Patients
Medicinal plants are also useful in the management of stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by cancer patients. This includes aromatherapy used as baths or massage.
Plants such as lavender, chamomile, rose, black seed oil, lemon leaves, avocado leaves, and jasmine, when prepared as essential oils, should be added to baths. Some may also be taken as teas or capsules.
Nutraceuticals, Vitamins, and Minerals
Nutraceuticals, vitamins, and mineral supplements that can be taken include vitamin C, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin E, omega 6 and 9, selenium, coenzyme Q10, beta carotene, ginkgo biloba, lycopene, pygeum, vitamin D, vitamin B6, etc.
The greatest healer is faith in Almighty God, the creator of mankind, the omnipotent and the omniscient.
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