Cervical Cancer - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman's reproductive organs. Globally, cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Half of cervical cancer cases occur in women aged between 35 and 55. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 80% of cervical cancer, whereas adenocarcinoma makes up for about 15%. Risk factors for cervical cancer include: early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, sexually transmitted diseases, cigarette smoking, and a weak immune system. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy form the conventional treatment of this condition.

The Ayurvedic treatment of cervical cancer aims at treating the cancer, treating the symptoms, preventing the spread of the cancer, reducing the side effects of conventional treatment, and prolonging survival. Medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Triphala-Guggulu, Kanchnar-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha, Chandraprabha-Vati, Ashokarishta, Ashoka (Saraca indica), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Udumbar (Ficus glomerata), Ulatkambal (Abroma augusta), Shalmali (Bombax malabaricum), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), and Tandullya (Amaranthus polygamus) are used to treat the local tumor. In addition, medicated douches containing Triphala (Three fruits) and Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) are used to treat local ulceration.

Medicines which act on the 'Rasa', 'Rakta' and 'Mansa' dhatus (tissues) are useful in this condition. These medicines include Indrayav (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha ( Cissampelos pareira) ,Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Nimba (Azadirachta indica) and Triphala. Medicines like Kanchnar-Guggulu and Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha are used to prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the body. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Nagbala (Sida humilis), Suvarna-Bhasma and Heerak-Bhasma are used to improve the immunity of the body. To prevent or reduce side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, medicines like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Kamadudha-Ras, Shankh-Vati, Laghu-Sutshekhar-Ras and Vishwa (Zinziber officinale) are used.

Thus, Ayurvedic medicines can be used as additional therapy to conventional treatment, to improve the overall survival of the patient. It is important to note that all such patients should be under the regular care and supervision of an Oncologist.