Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is cancer arising in the colon and return. These cancers usually results from polyps and chronic ulcerative colitis, and are more common in the western world, probably because of a high fat diet. The common symptoms of colorectal cancer include fatigue, weakness, anemia, breathlessness, a change in bowel habits, a reduction in the size of the stools, diarrhoea or constipation, blood with the stool, dark stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating. The modern management of colorectal cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for colon cancer is aimed at treating the primary tumour, giving medicines to kill cancer cells in the blood and lymphatic regulation, and boosting the immunity of the affected individuals. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which prevent uncontrolled multiplication of cells are used in high doses in the treatment of colon cancer. In addition, herbal medicines which have a specific affinity for the intestines are used here, so that treatment is targeted to the colorectal cancer. In addition, herbal medicines are also given which destroy any cancer cells present in the blood or the lymphatic circulation, so that the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body can be prevented. If colorectal cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body, treatment is then given according to the specific organ affected.
Ayurvedic herbal immunomodulatory agents are also used in high doses so as to boost the immune status of the affected individual, so that the immune system of the patient starts helping in the fight against the cancer. Immunomodulation also helps the affected individual to maintain strength and stamina, and to carry on day-to-day activities at a normal or near-normal level. Depending upon the staging of the cancer, most individuals affected with colon cancer require treatment for about six to nine months, in order to bring about a complete remission of the cancer. However, more treatment may be required in order to prevent a recurrence of the condition by destroying all the cancer cells present in the blood circulation.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilised in the management and treatment of colorectal cancer.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
