think prevents or cures disease. They claim that certain combinations of Ayurvedic medicine will help to
Increase energy and wellbeing
Balance mind, body and spirit
Decrease stress
Possibly prevent and cure disease
Ayurvedic practitioners think we are all made up of 3 elements known as doshas. These are
Air and space (vata dosha), which allows movement
Fire and water (pitta dosha), which allows change or transformation and is responsible for digestion
and metabolism
Water and earth (kapha dosha), which gives structure or cohesion
These 3 doshas allow all the organs of the body to work together in harmony. They also create your
relationship with the environment and universe (cosmos). Ayurvedic practitioners believe we usually have
strong features of one dosha, but the others also influence us. Our health is dependent on the correct
balance of all 3.
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Depending on which treatments you use, you may have some side effects. Some herbal medicines are safe,
but not all.
There is very little published information on the herbal remedies used by Ayurvedic practitioners, so always
let your doctor know before taking any of them. Some common herbs may have dangerous side effects if
you take them with cancer treatments, such as cancer drugs or radiotherapy.
Some Ayurvedic remedies contain harmful heavy metals such as lead or zinc. We have information about
the safety of herbal products during cancer treatment.
Following certain diets when you have cancer is not always safe either. So be sure to ask your doctor
before starting on any diet.
Yoga, relaxation techniques and massage are generally safe.
Some methods of ayurvedic medicine can be very harmful. Blood letting can be dangerous for anyone, and
especially for people who are ill. Because of their disease or treatment, many people with cancer already
have low levels of blood cells. Low blood cell counts can cause tiredness (fatigue), breathlessness and other
symptoms. Removing blood will make these symptoms worse.
Forced vomiting is unhealthy and can upset the levels of salt and minerals in your body. Taking regular
enemas and medicines to clear your bowel is known to cause side effects. Some can be serious and
potentially fatal. Side effects include
Infections
Constipation
Inflammation of the bowel
Salt and other mineral imbalances in the body
You should never use enemas or laxatives to clear your bowel if you have abdominal pain, vomiting or feel
sick. Always ask your doctor first.
We advise anyone with cancer not to rely totally on Ayurvedic medicine and not to avoid conventional
medical treatment.
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It found that compounds taken from the herb stopped the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory. The
compound also reduced the development of skin tumours in mice.
Indian frankincense
A US research study also in 2011 looked at acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) taken from the gum
resin of the boswellia serrata known as salai guggal or Indian frankincense. Traditionally, this substance has
been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. The researchers found that AKBA slowed
the growth of bowel cancers in mice and made the cancer less likely to spread.
Mangosteen
The mangosteen fruit has a long history of medicinal use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Recently, the
compound alpha mangostin taken from the outside layer of the fruit was shown to kill various types of
cancer cells in laboratory studies. This led Japanese researchers to test alpha mangostin in mice. The
substance slowed the growth of breast cancer in mice and it was much less likely to spread to the lymph
nodes.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is seen as a sacred fruit in some world religions. Many cultures and
systems of medicine, including Ayurvedic medicine, have used it for various health problems. Early research
in the laboratory seems to show that pomegranate extracts may have anti cancer properties against
prostate, bowel and liver cancer.
Pomegranate is a good source of fibre and vitamins. Some studies looking at men who drank pomegranate
juice or took extract have not shown any benefit in taking it. One small study followed men who drank
pomegranate juice every day and found that their cancer took longer than normal to grow. So, at the
moment its unclear whether pomegranate is helpful for men with prostate cancer. We need more research
in large trials to be certain. Its fine to include pomegranate in a healthy diet.
MAK-4 and MAK-5
Some laboratory studies have looked at Ayurvedic herbal remedies called MAK-4 and MAK-5. The remedies
seemed to show some activity in controlling tumours in rats and cancer cells in lab dishes. But there have
been no studies in humans.
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