Herbs to Strengthen after Lung Cancer Treatment
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Pat
Posted on: October 26, 2000

They told me I was going to die for sure in six months from small cell oat lung cancer. I am 56 years young. That was three years ago. I’m still alive and feel better now than I ever have in my life. I went through six months of chemotherapy, and that’s all. Now what would be good for me to take as far as herbs to keep healthy...for my lungs and liver?

"Tonic" herbs can be taken regularly to strengthen specific organs and the various body systems. The following herbs can be considered tonics for the lung, the liver and digestive system.

Dandelion root is a good liver tonic that helps the entire digestive system and supports the kidneys. Dandelion can be taken three times a day as a tea, a tincture or as "dandelion coffee", sold in health food stores. Milk thistle seeds are especially protective of the liver, helping to build new liver cells to replace the old. One tablespoon of the seeds can be ground and sprinkled on the morning cereal or mixed with other foods. Chamomile is a relaxing and anti-inflammatory digestive. It can be taken as a tea, three times a day.

Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a soothing expectorant with anti-bacterial action. Twenty drops of an alcoholic tincture can be taken three times a day.

To support cleansing, to help prevent a return of cancer, add the herb Cleavers (Galium aparine) to your teas or tinctures. Cleavers cleanses the lymphatic glands through which cancer spreads. Red Clover is believed to be an "anti-cancer" herb. It is an expectorant, and cleanses the lymphatic glands. It can taken as a tea or a tincture.

It is important that the diet is free from all toxins to the system, including food additives, colourings and preservatives. Only whole foods should be eaten, with an emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables. To avoid toxins used in the food industry, buy organic foods if possible.

To avoid ingesting the alcohol content of tinctures, measure the dose into a cup, then add boiling water. When the mixture comes to room temperature, most of the alcohol will have dissipated.

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