Uterine cancer is a pretty common cancer in women. Cancer of the lining of uterus (endometrium) is called endometrial cancer, and cancer of the inner muscular layer is called uterine sarcoma. Exact cause of uterine cancer is not known. It is thought to result from a genetic mutation in the cells lining the uterus. This genetic mutation makes the normal and healthy cells into abnormal cancerous cells that grow without check. As these cancerous cells accumulate, they form into a mass (tumor).
Risk factors for uterine cancer include imbalance of female hormones like estrogen, more periods due to early onset of menstruation, obesity, and hormone therapy. Symptoms of uterine cancer include vaginal bleeding even after menopause, bleeding in between periods, an abnormal blood-tinged or watery discharge from the vagina, pain during intercourse, and pelvic pain.
Herbal Remedies For Uterine Cancer
Green Tea
Green tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Green tea is supposed to have several health benefits, including anti-cancer effects. Its beneficial effects in cancer are due to its content of antioxidants called catechins, in particular epigallocatechin gallate. Studies show that the incidence of several cancers is low in women who drink green tea regularly.
You can drink up to 3 cups of green tea per day, though some consume as many as 10 cups of green tea per day. However, consuming more than 5 cups per day can have some side effects on account of its caffeine content. Such effects include nervousness, headache, and sleeplessness.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is extracted from the root of Panax ginseng. The chemicals present in the extract, which are responsible for the beneficial effects of Asian ginseng, are ginsenosides (also called panaxosides). Studies show that Asian ginseng reduces the risk of several types of cancers.
It slows down or altogether stops the growth of cancerous tumors. To know the dose of Asian ginseng, check the product label. Some side effects of this herb are sleeplessness, breast pain, menstrual problems, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, itching, rash, and dizziness.
Pau d’Arco
The bark and wood of pau d’arco tree (Tabebuia impetiginosa) are used medicinally. The active chemicals responsible for the effects of pau d’arco are antioxidants (mainly quercetin), and naphthoquinones (mainly beta-lapachone and lapachol).
Laboratory studies show that beta-lapachone helps induce apoptosis or programmed cell death of cancerous cells. Pau d’arco is available as dried bark tea, tablets, and tincture. Read the product label to know the correct dose. Some of its side effects are nausea, diarrhea, anemia, and dizziness. In high doses, it can cause vomiting and bleeding.
Red Clover
Studies have shown that red clover destroys cancer cells in test tubes and animal models. The flower tops of Trifolium pratense are used to make the red clover extract. The active chemicals in red clover extract are isoflavones (estrogen-like chemicals).
Use caution since it could aggravate uterine cancer because of its estrogen content, but it can certainly relieve some of the symptoms. You can take 40-160 mg per day, or 3-5 ml of its tincture thrice daily, or you can drink 2-3 cups of its tea daily.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
Ginger is the rhizome (underground stem) of Zingiber officinale. Its active chemicals are volatile oils and phenol compounds like gingerols and shogaols. There is some evidence that it kills some types of cancer cells. You can take up to 1 g of ginger daily, either as capsules, tincture or tea. It has only mild side effects, such as heartburn, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea. Some women may experience increased menstrual bleeding.