Herbal Remedies for Polycythemia Vera: Find Out Which Herbs Are the Most Effective For Treatment
What is Polycythemia Vera?
Polycythemia Vera is causes by an abnormal increase in the body’s red blood cells produced by the bone marrow. Symptoms include: headaches, dizziness, itching, poor circulation, and problems with your vision, such as blurred or double vision.
Herbal Remedies for Polycythemia Vera
Below are herbal remedies that are used to treat Polycythemia Vera. Because Polycythemia Vera deals with the blood cell count, increase in cancer risk, and interferes with bone marrow production, the following herbs directly improve these issues.
Alfalfa – not only is it an antioxidant but it also has cancer preventing elements
Aloe Vera - fights infections, it is an antioxidant and it boosts bone marrow
Burdock Root – cleanses the body from toxins, cleans the blood, stimulates bone marrow, as well as being an antioxidant
Cat’s Claw – tumor shrinking capabilities, immune booster, and is an anti-inflammatory
Echinacea – builds the immune system, raises white blood cell counts, stimulates the lymphatic system
Flax –has natural cancer fighting chemicals, it is an antioxidant, it also has antiangiogenesis properties
Garlic- is a powerful antioxidant, stimulates white blood cells in bone marrow,
while naturally inhibiting the growth of cancer
Ginseng – a popular antioxidant, aides in the prevention of cancer formation,
Red ginseng- stimulates vital cell function, prevents tumors from spreading, and has antiangiogenesis aspects
Goldenseal - potent anticancer elements, it is also an anti-inflammatory
Hawthorn – antioxidant
Licorice Root - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, enhances immune system as well as interferon and T cell production.
Marshmallow – boosts the immune system
Oregon Grape - increases white blood cell production from the bone marrow, anti-cancer elements, helps to optimize liver function
Turmeric – stops cancer growth, powerful antioxidant, increases immune system health, anti-inflamatory
Yellow Dock - high iron content which promotes good liver functionality
Polycythemia Vera: Medical Support and Resources
There are countless doctors that support herb use to treat and heal illnesses such as Dr. Linda Kingsbury, a well known herbalist (guest speaker on Seattle’s KIRO radio- Kona Hawaii’s KUOI, Dr. Kingsbury also hosted “Ask the Herbalist” radio program on local Moscow station KRFP). She is one doctor that highly believes in all natural medicines and the use of herbs and tinctures to heal the ailing body.
The University of Maryland Medical Center posted on their website the following about treating Polycythemia Vera with herbs:
“Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.”
• “Green tea ( Camellia sinensis ) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for inflammation, and for antioxidant, and immune effects. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
• Arabinoxylan (mushroom extract), 1,000 mg three times daily, for immune support.
• Olive leaf ( Olea europaea ) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg one to three times daily, for anticancer and immune effects.
• Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) standardized extract, 300 mg three times a day, for pain and inflammation.
• Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ) seed standardized extract, 80 - 160 mg two to three times daily, for detoxification and antioxidant support.”
