Herbal Remedies for the Management of Stomach Cancer
Abstract
Stomach is a part of the gastrointestinal tract, it is located between the esophagus and duodenum. It is a storage organ for food located in the left upper abdomen. It is the gastric pit of the body and known to absorb food, digest fat and proteins. Stomach secretes the gastric juices and leads to formation of chyme. Poor lifestyle or due to any other underlying stomach can be in trouble with a variety of ailments. Stomach cancer is one of the major concerns these days. In this article we will discuss stomach cancer, its ayurvedic approach.
Introduction
Carcinoma of stomach is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. In stomach cancer there is growth of cancerous cells. Stomach cancer is also called Gastric carcinoma. Gastric carcinoma is called the most puzzling cancer in oncology. Carcinomas may occur anywhere in the stomach. About half arise in the pyloric region and one-fourth in the body and fundus. Among the malignant tumors that occur in the stomach, carcinoma of the stomach is most important and common. The prevalent age group for stomach cancer is >55 years.
Causes
Although the exact cause of stomach cancer is not known. Following are the few possible causes of malignant stomach cancer.
- Low fat or protein consumption.
- Salted meat or fish
- High nitrate consumption
- Pickled vegetables
- High complex carbohydrate consumption.
- Poor food preparation (smoked, salted)
- Lack of refrigeration
- Poor drinking water
- Smoking
- Low social status
- Helicobactor pylori infection.
- Anemia
- Family history.
Due to the above causes there is a possibility of altered DNA of stomach cells. Due to altered DNA there is change in functioning of cells and makes cells unhealthy. Continuous and gradual growth of unhealthy cells leads to the formation of tumors. Later multiplication of malignant cells leads to the spread of cells in the whole body or adjacent body parts.
Types of carcinoma of cancer
- Cauliflower type– In cauliflower type of tumor consistency is of friable tissues. It may lead to anemia.
- Infiltrative type– this type of stomach cancer is also called the leather bottle stomach. A dense submucosal fibrosis converts the stomach into a small contracted functionless stomach with decreased efficacy and activity.
- Ulcerative variety– in this variety of stomach cancer central necrosis is associated with ulcers of everted edges.
Clinical features– The exact distinct feature is not there. The symptoms are common like other abdominal problems. Following are some of the associated clinical features–
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- Vomiting which can be intermittent or continuous
- Abdominal pain
- Trouser’s sign (enlarged lymph nodes)
- Decreased distensibility of the stomach
- Heartburn
- Feeling full almost every time.
- Hematemesis or melena
- Gastritis
Risk factors– associated risk factors are as below–
- Obesity or overweight
- Family history
- History of smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic gastritis
- Infection associated with H. pylori
- Low fiber diet
- Excessive intake of non-veg food.
- GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease)
DIAGNOSIS
Following are the diagnostic criterion for stomach cancer–
- Endoscopic or gastroscopy – This is the investigation of choice. In this test a tube is inserted into the stomach via the throat known to click the images of the stomach. This test also clarifies the depth of cancer cell invasion.
- Biopsy– Biopsy is also an investigation of choice in stomach cancer. In this technique a tissue sample is removed and used to test in the laboratory to checkout the exact status of the stomach cells.
- CT scan and MRI– These tests are called imaging tests. These as well as tests like X-ray, PET scan can be used to investigate stomach cancer.
- Blood tests– Blood test or complete hemogram reveals anemia and increased ESR. The liver function test reveals the exact status of various liver enzymes. Blood tests also reveal as the internal organs are normal or affected by malignancy of cancer.
- Stool test and tumor marker study– CA 72 -4 is an important tumor marker to evaluate the relapse. CEA and CA19-9 are the other concerned markers.
Ayurvedic Aspect
In Ayurveda, stomach cancer can be correlated with Arbuda (Tumor) or more precisely with Asrigarbuda as it develops in uru (abdominal region). There are 6 types of arbuda: Vatik, paitik, shlaishmik, raktaj, maansaj, medaj according to the prevalence of doshas. Other two types of arbuda are Sudam (Benign) or durdam (Malignant). Some of the associated symptoms of malignant tumor according to ayurvedic texts are Vahinimyata (Vascularity), sthirta (fixity), rogprasaran (dissemination).
TREATMENT
Treatment of CA stomach as mentioned in the allopathic system is surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery is the treatment of choice for carcinoma of the stomach. In case of growth in the upper part of the stomach the upper radical gastrectomy is done. Same as if growth is in the body part then total gastrectomy is done. Chemotherapy is also effective, cisplatin, 5- fluorouracil, epirubicin are used for chemotherapy.
According to ayurveda the management of stomach cancer can be done on the basis of doshas, rakta sravan (bloodletting) in vata doshas, kshar dahan ( in pitta dosha) and lekhan (scrapping) in kapha dosha.
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified, authentic, result oriented hub to manage the variety of ailments with classical formulations. The products are well tested with top class ingredients derived from authentic sources. Following herbal formulations of Planet Ayurveda are authentic and able to manage the problem.
- Kanchnaar guggul
- Curcumin capsules
- Tulsi capsules
- Guggul capsules
- Graviola capsules
- Gotu kola capsules
- Ashwagandha capsules
- Mahashankh Vati
- Avipattikar churna
- Chandraprabha vati
- Pitta Balance
Product description
1. Kanchnaar Guggul
The chief ingredients of Kanchnaar guggul tablets are Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), Cardamon (Elettaria cardamom), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala), Pippali (Piper longum) etc. Kanchnaar guggul is one of the best herbal formulations to manage the variety of cancers. The ingredients of Kanchnaar guggul are usually hot in potency and help to destroy the large tumours and nodes in associated cancer. Kanchnaar guggul formulated by Planet Ayurveda is the best formulation to manage lymph node swelling, tumours of cancer and useful to drain out the toxins from the body. Kanchnaar also acts as anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and immunity modulator. Also it is kapha vata nashak (manage the kapha and vata).
Dosage: 1- 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.
2. Curcumin capsules
Curcumin capsules are loaded with Haridra extract (Curcuma longa). The active ingredient of turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin is an appetiser, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory in action. The other properties of this chief ingredient is that it is anti- rheumatic in action. Due to such amazing properties the curcumin capsule is a potent formulation to raise the immunity and fight the cancerous cells. The curcumin capsules of Planet Ayurveda are best to fight the associated cancer problem and manage the severity of conditions. Turmeric is common in Indian households and helpful to fight our body from various ailments.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with normal water after meals.
3. Tulsi capsules
Tulsi is a well known aromatic shrub and its botanical name is Ocimum sanctum. As the name indicates this formulation of Planet ayurveda is loaded with the enhanced benefits of Tulsi. Multiple actions of Tulsi are on respiratory action, anti-allergic, anti-cancerous and immunity centres of the body. Tulsi capsules enhance the immunity, drain out the toxins, pacify the vata and kapha dosha. Hence these capsules are helpful to improve the overall health.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with normal water after meals.
4. Guggul capsule
Guggul is a well known herbal plant known for its multiple actions and benefits. Guggal is loaded with multiple benefits to counter the variety of ailments. Guggal (Commiphora mukul) is anti-inflammatory, balances the tridoshas, a natural painkiller and detoxifies the body. Also the guggal capsule formulated by Planet Ayurveda maintains the health of bones as well as joints, improves the blood supply to the organs and helps healing the cancerous cells.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice in a day with normal water after meals.
5. Graviola capsules
Graviola is known as Hanuman fal. The Planet Ayurveda Graviola capsules are formulated from natural extract of graviola fruit. This fruit is loaded with natural anti-cancer properties. Graviola capsules are well known to manage bacterial infections and enhance immunity. These capsules are natural, regulate metabolism and enhance the healthy cells.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice in a day with normal water after meals.
6. Gotukola capsules
Gotu Kola is a well known herbal plant known for its multiple actions and benefits. Gotukola/Mandookparni is loaded with multiple benefits to counter the variety of ailments. Gotukola is anti-inflammatory, a natural painkiller, a rejuvenator and detoxifies the body. Also the Gotukola capsule formulated by Planet Ayurveda maintains mental health, improves the blood supply to the organs and increases heart health.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules two times daily with normal water after meals.
7. Ashwagandha capsules
Ashwagandha capsules of Planet Ayurveda are loaded with the natural extract of Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a well known aphrodisiac and balances the hormonal system. Also ashwagandha is a well known cardiac tonic, respiratory tonic and improves the healthy cells in the body. Ashwagandha capsules prevent the necrosis of cells and help to stop the spread of cancerous cells.
Dosage: 1 capsule two times during the day with normal water after meals.
8. Mahashankh vati
The Mahashankh vati of Planet Ayurveda contains Maricha (Piper Nigrum), Chincha (Tamarindus indica), Hingu (Ferula asafoetida) etc. Mahashankh vati of Planet Ayurveda is the best formulation to deal with the associated conditions of cancer. It is the best appetite booster, a blood pressure booster, drains stress, improves liver health, and enhances digestive fire. Also this herbal formulation helps to relieve abdominal pain, inflammation and piles.
Dosage: 1 tablet twice in a day with normal water after meals.
9. Avipattikar Churna
Avipattikar powder is a classical herbal formulation formulated by Planet Ayurveda that is a blend of multiple ingredients. The chief ingredients are Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus), Vaividang (embelia ribes) etc.. Avipattikar churna drains out the toxins as it is loaded with purgation like properties. This herbal remedy can manage the hyperacidity, digestion related problems, relieves the constipation and is concerned with the soothing tendency to manage the stomach cancer problems. The Avipattikar churna of Planet Ayurveda is a wonderful classical formulation to manage the associated symptoms of cancer.
Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon twice in day with lukewarm water after meals.
10. Chandraprabha vati
The Chandraprabha vati is loaded with multiple ingredients. The Chief ingredients of Chandraprabha vati are Shilajit (Asphaltum), Mustak (Cyperus rotundus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), Guggul (Commiphora mukul) etc. and seventeen more herbs are used in preparing chandraprabha vati. Chandraprabha vati is useful in managing stress, promoting the soothing effect and drains out the kidney toxins. It is helpful to manage the problems associated with the reproductive system. Chandraprabha vati of planet ayurveda is the best and result oriented formulation to manage the associated concerns of stomach cancer.
Dosage: 1- 2 tablets twice daily with normal water after meals.
11. Pitta Balance
Pitta balance is herbo-mineral composition of Planet Ayurveda. This herbo-mineral formulation is loaded with quality of ingredients like Akik pishti (Agate calcium), Praval pishti (Coral calcium), Jahar Mohra pishti (Ayurvedic calcium compound), Giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. As the name indicates Pitta Balance is known to balance the aggravated Pitta dosha. The ingredients promote the soothing effect, act as an antacid, and promote digestion. Kamdudha rasa act as a natural antacid and manage the symptoms like acid reflux, burning in the stomach which are the associated symptoms of stomach cancer. Pitta balance of Planet Ayurveda is an authentic, result-oriented formulation without the added synthetic preservatives.
Dosage— 1 capsule twice daily with plain water.
Conclusion
Stomach cancer is a prevalent and common type of cancer. The above herbal remedies are 100 percent authentic, GMP certified and result oriented products. The formulation is based on classical methods explained in the ayurvedic texts. Cancer-like problems are prevalent due to poor lifestyle and following unhealthy ways of living. Therefore it is important to follow the ayurvedic ways of life mentioned in ayurveda. Ayurvedic ways of life are the demand of modern day time so as to avoid chemotherapy or other such associated issues.