Question
I had e-mailed you earlier today about a dog with wort like bumps(nodules). This is a friends dog and she has taken the dog to the vet twice. They say there isn't any thing to do for him. He is an older dog but she and I are concerned. Do you have a treatment? Also, I would like a catolog if it's free. Thanks for answering me earlier today!

Answer
Hello Kim -

There are herbal treatments that can be administered to pets that have varous cancers. I work with a few animals and have had success as far as keeping them comfortable and helping to retard further outbreaks of cancer.

Here are some things you can try in the meantime-

The most effective component of any cancer cure is to put your dog on a good diet. Home-cooked organic foods are best. There are other health foods commercially available that do not contain preservatives, and they are made from mostly organic (or hormone-, antibiotic, pesticide-, and herbicide-free) high-quality foods. Supplements are an excellent addition to a quality diet. Use therapeutic levels of antioxidants ?vitamins A and C and the culinary herbs ?and add extra levels of zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed).

Many herbs have been used successfully to treat various cancers, and I have tried most of them at one time or another. Sometimes they work, sometimes not ?it seems to be an entirely individual matter. But because many of the plants also enhance organ-system function, they are well worth trying.

Aloe (Aloe vera)
The juice of the leaves has been used internally to stop the spread (metastases) of tumors, although it apparently does not affect the main tumor growth.

Astragalus (Astragalus spp.)
In addition to enhancing the immune system, Astragalus contains an alkaloid (swainsonine) that inhibits the spread of melanoma, a skin cancer. This is a great one for your friend's pet.

Chaparral (Larrea spp.)
This herb contains a bioactive ingredient (nordihydroguaiaretic acid, or NDGA) that has shown antitumor activity in the mammary glands of rats. NDGA has also been used as a commercial antioxidant in fats and oils, and chaparral contains flavones. Both the flavones and NDGA's antioxidant activity are possible agents for chaparral's anticancer mode of action.


Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
This important herb doesn't treat the cancer itself, but it exerts an indirect cancer-prevention action by balancing the immune system. The health of the immune system is key to the health of the body.

Garlic (Allium sativum)
This common herb has many sulfur-containing compounds, which are helpful in enhancing the immune system. One of these compounds, diallyl sulfide, has been shown to inhibit chemically caused cancers of the stomach and lungs in mice. Research also indicates that garlic stimulates the growth of beneficial cells. The consumption of the plant is associated with reduced deaths from cancer. However, recent research indicates that garlic causes a particular type of anemia in animals, especially in cats, so I am very cautious with its use.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Not to be confused with Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng has been linked to inhibited tumor growth in rats. It is also a potent enhancer of the immune system.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
One of those herbs that seem to have unlimited potential, green tea is a stimulant and immune-system booster. It's also an antioxidant and an astringent, and it has been shown to combat some stomach and skin cancers.

Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia spp.)
A tea made from the inner bark of this South American tree has been reported to have antitumor activity in some animals.

Othr safe-to-use herbs include:
?  Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
?  Burdock (Arctium lappa)
?  Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
?  Goldenseal (Hydrastatis canadensis)
?  Noni juice (Morinda citrifolia)
?  Red clover (Trifolium gratense)
A few other herbs are reputed to fight cancer, but I am very cautious about using them in animals because of their potential for adverse side effects. Consult your holistic vet before using any of these herbs, which include celandine (Chelidonium majus), mistletoe (Viscum album), oleander (Nerium oleander), and pokeroot (Phytolacca americana).

Essiac is an herbal cancer therapy developed by a Canadian nurse, Ren閑 Caisse. (Essiac is Caisse spelled backward.) It is controversial; researchers have not been able to prove that it has any antitumor activities. However, thousands of people have claimed that it effectively treated their cancers, and some of my clients claim to have had great success with it in their dogs. Essiac contains burdock root, Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), sorrel (Rumex acetosa), and slippery elm (Ulmus rubra).

I hope this information has helped a little more.

My catalogs are free, you may email me at [email protected] please include your mailing address and I will be happy to put a catalog in the mail to you today.

Thank you and peaceful blessings.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist