Home Remedies and Herbs for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer form that occurs in the mesothelium which is the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of the body’s internal organs. Mesothelioma forms as a tumor in the mesothelium tissue and can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are noncancerous whereas malignant mesothelioma tumors are cancerous and extremely dangerous once they begin to spread or metastasize. ^1,2,3
 
The mesothelium lining works to protect internal organs by providing a lubricant that separates the organs and prevents friction during body movements. This allows organs like the lungs to expand and contract inside the chest while breathing. ³
 
Mesothelium lining surrounds most of the body’s organs but primarily serves four areas.

1. The pleura surrounds the lungs and separates the chest or pleural cavity from other organs.
2. The pericardium surrounds the heart and is also known as the heart-sac.
3. The peritoneum lines the abdomen and surrounds abdominal organs.
4. The tunica vaginalis surrounds the testicles.

Mesothelioma cancerous tumors can affect any of the mesothelium linings however mesothelioma lung cancer is by far the most common form. Mesothelioma lung cancer takes a long while to develop but once it has taken hold, it’s nearly impossible to successfully treat. ^3,4
 
What Causes Mesothelioma?
 
As with all forms of cancer, mesothelioma causes are from body cells unnaturally mutating and growing out of control. The exact cause of cancerous mutations is not precisely known. Often, cancerous tumors are caused by an interaction of different factors such as genetic composition, general health and immune system conditions, lifestyle choices and environmental exposures. ^1,2
 
Pleural mesothelioma, or mesothelioma lung cancer, does have one clearly and common identifiable cause. There is indisputable evidence that most cases of mesothelioma causes are due to exposure to asbestos products. The evidence is so overwhelming that asbestos is banned from the majority of the world, although workers are still exposed during remediation projects. ^1,2,3,4
 
Tiny fibers in asbestos mix into the lungs and mesothelium lining when breathed in. These asbestos fibers are trapped with no way to expel and, over time, the irritation causes cancerous tumors. Some cases of mesothelioma lung cancer have lain dormant for 10 to 50 years before breaking out. ^1,4

Mesothelioma Symptoms
 
Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the location where the mesothelioma occurs. ¹
 
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms in the lungs are most commonly the following:

• Pain in chest under ribcage
• Shortness of breath
• Painful coughing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tissue lumps under chest skin

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms in the abdominal area present as:

• Pain in stomach and lower intestinal region
• Abdominal swelling
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lumps of tissue in abdomen

Symptoms of testicle or pericardium vary. These are rare forms of mesothelioma. ¹
 
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Mesothelioma
 
Advanced cases of mesothelioma tumors are difficult to treat and have low success rates. Stopping early cases of mesothelioma as well as prevention of the disease has reasonable results with these mesothelioma natural remedies:

• Astragalus - Astragalus is a natural herb that works to boost immune systems and is especially effective for helping patients who’ve undergone radiation treatment for mesothelioma.
• Cat’s Claw - Cat’s claw is a South American tropical vine used in the treatment and prevention of cancer and gastronomic ailments. Cat’s claw is considered to have anti-proliferative and antimutagenic effects on cancer cells making it one of the best mesothelioma natural remedies.
• Mistletoe - Mistletoe is thought to kill cancer-causing free radicals and help boost the immune system. It’s also considered to prevent new blood supplies form to serve growing tumors.
• Marine Phytoplankton - Phytoplankton are algae organisms that are the basis for the ocean’s food chain. These microscopic aquatic creatures are nutrient dense and create a huge amount of the world’s oxygen supply. Phytoplankton are thought to have anti-cancer properties and may be beneficial in treating mesothelioma.
• Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, is an Asian herb that inhibits cancer cells. It is proven effective against many forms of cancer and may be a beneficial natural remedy in the treatment of mesothelioma.
• Celandine - Celandine is a herbaceous plant with cancer-fighting properties as well as stunting tumor growth. Celandine is available as a medicinal supplement in powdered root and juice form.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/basics/definition/con-20026157
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/mesothelioma-malignant
3. https://medlineplus.gov/mesothelioma.html
4. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mesothelioma/Pages/Definition.aspx