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Reclaiming Wellness: Honouring World Cancer Day with Herbal Wisdom

  • By: Marketing & Communications Team
  • February 4, 2025

February marks an important occasion for health advocacy: World Cancer Day. At Wild Rose College, we deeply honour this global day of awareness by emphasizing how traditional wisdom and modern research can coexist to support those navigating cancer journeys.

With the recent launch of our comprehensive Meeting Life: Cancer, Immunodeficiency & Botanical Medicine course and an upcoming Cancer Care Workshop with Terry Willard in March, this February offers an opportunity to highlight how herbal medicine can empower individuals with tools for resilience, vitality, and healing.

 

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) leaves.

The Role of Herbal Medicine in Cancer Care

Cancer care often feels overwhelming, with patients balancing conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery alongside the physical, mental, and emotional toll of the disease. This is where herbal medicine shines, offering adjunctive support that complements mainstream approaches.

Herbal remedies, when carefully selected, can aid in:
  • Reducing Treatment Side Effects: From mitigating chemotherapy-induced nausea to supporting radiation-damaged tissues, herbs like calendula (Calendula officinalis), astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), and ginger (Zingiber officinalis) offer invaluable support.
  • Managing Pain: Powerful botanicals such as corydalis (Corydalis ambigua) , California poppy  (Eschscholzia californica) and wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) offer pain relief without sedation or dependency.
  • Strengthening Vitality: Adaptogens like rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) and medicinal mushrooms – e.g., reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), chaga (Inonotus obliquus), turkey tail (Trametes versicolor aka Coriolis versicolor), fortify the immune system, combat fatigue, and protect against stress.
  • Enhancing Cognitive Clarity: Many cancer patients experience “chemo brain”—a foggy mental state during and after treatment. Herbs like ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), gotu kola (Centella asiatica), and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), support brain health and memory recovery.

 

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flowers infusing in carrier oil.

Herbal Allies to Consider

The Meeting Life: Cancer, Immunodeficiency & Botanical Medicine course dives deep into evidence-based herbal strategies. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of the key herbal allies explored in the program:

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): Known for its immune-boosting properties, astragalus helps mitigate white blood cell loss during radiation therapy. It also promotes vitality and resilience.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba): Extensively studied for its neuroprotective and circulatory benefits, standardized ginkgo extracts may alleviate cognitive issues related to cerebral insufficiency, often experienced by cancer patients.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea): This adaptogen enhances stamina, reduces fatigue, and offers anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall resilience in challenging times.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): A soothing herb for topical and internal use, calendula helps heal radiation-damaged tissues and alleviates inflammation.

Medicinal Mushrooms: Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), turkey tail (Trametes versicolor aka Coriolis versicolor), and cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) are standout adaptogens for immune modulation and enhancing endurance during cancer care.

 

Corydalis (Corydalis ambigua) in bloom.

Herb Spotlight: Corydalis (Corydalis ambigua) – A Potent Ally for Pain Management in Cancer Care

 

Corydalis, a medicinal herb rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining recognition as a powerful, non-addictive option for pain management. Known for its vibrant yellow flowers and tuberous roots, corydalis offers relief for various types of pain, making it an invaluable ally in cancer care.

In a world where managing cancer-related pain often relies heavily on pharmaceuticals, corydalis offers a promising natural alternative. Its ability to reduce pain, inflammation, and opioid dependency makes it a standout herb in integrative cancer care.

How Does Corydalis Work?

Corydalis contains potent alkaloids such as tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB). These compounds interact with the nervous system, targeting specific receptors to alleviate pain without the side effects of conventional narcotics. Here’s how corydalis works:

  1. Opioid Receptor Binding: Corydalis alkaloids bind to kappa-opioid receptors in the nervous system, providing pain relief without causing sedation, tolerance, or addiction. This mechanism makes it an excellent alternative for patients managing chronic or severe pain.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Corydalis inhibits enzymes like COX-2 and lipoxygenase, which are key players in the inflammatory process. By reducing inflammation, it can address pain at its source, whether it’s related to tissue damage or cancer treatments.
  3. Blood Flow and Stagnation Relief: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, corydalis is valued for its ability to “invigorate the blood” and clear stagnation, addressing pain caused by poor circulation or qi blockages.
Benefits in Cancer Care

Corydalis is especially beneficial for managing cancer-related pain, including:

  • Neuropathic Pain: Often a side effect of chemotherapy or nerve damage, neuropathic pain can be alleviated by corydalis without the need for heavy sedatives.
  • Inflammatory Pain: Corydalis addresses inflammation-driven pain, such as joint or muscle discomfort, which is common in cancer care.
  • Opioid Addiction Support: For patients weaning off opioid medications, corydalis can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while managing pain effectively.
Dosage and Safety
  • Recommended Dose: 6–18 mL per day of a 1:2 tincture or 3–9 g of dried herb in divided doses.
  • Start Low: Begin with a small dose and gradually increase to avoid potential side effects, such as mild sedation or dizziness.
  • Caution: Patients on anticoagulants or sedatives should consult their healthcare provider before using corydalis, as it may interact with these medications.
The Science Behind Integrative Cancer Care

Modern research continues to validate the integrative role of herbal medicine in supporting cancer patients. Below, we dive deeper into the scientific evidence behind key herbal allies.

 

Dried Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus is a standout herb in cancer care, particularly for its ability to bolster the immune system. Its adaptogenic qualities make it invaluable for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

  • Immune System Support: Astragalus enhances white blood cell production, which is often suppressed during conventional treatments. This immune-boosting effect helps patients maintain strength and resilience.
  • Reducing Side Effects: Astragalus has been shown to alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, making treatments more tolerable.
  • Synergistic Effects: Clinical data underscores that astragalus can improve tumour response rates when combined with chemotherapy, enhancing overall survival outcomes while reducing treatment toxicity.

 

Cannabis (Cannabis spp.)

Cannabis (Cannabis spp.)

Cannabis has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic potential in cancer care. The plant contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to deliver a range of benefits.

  • Pain and Nausea Relief: Cannabinoids modulate pain pathways and reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This makes cannabis an invaluable ally for patients seeking relief from treatment side effects.
  • Neuroprotection: Cannabinoids support neurogenesis and reduce inflammation, offering significant benefits for those experiencing “chemo brain” or cognitive fog.
  • Enhanced Chemotherapy Outcomes: Cannabis works synergistically with chemotherapy to increase its efficacy. Research highlights a six-fold increase in cancer cell mortality when cannabinoids are combined with chemotherapy.

 

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms, including reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor aka Coriolis versicolor), are highly regarded for their immune-modulating effects and support during cancer treatments.

  • Immune Enhancement: Polysaccharides like PSK, found in turkey tail mushrooms, significantly boost T-cell activity, enabling the immune system to better combat cancer cells.
  • Combination with Treatments: Reishi extracts improve the efficacy of antitumour drugs, extending patient lifespans and enhancing quality of life.

 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This herb holds great promise as a complementary therapy for cancer care.

  • Chemotherapy Synergy: Curcumin suppresses inflammatory pathways like NF-κB and COX-2, enhancing chemotherapy’s effectiveness while protecting against liver toxicity.
  • Reduction in Side Effects: Curcumin helps to alleviate common side effects of cancer treatment, including nausea and fatigue, making it a valuable addition to any integrative protocol.
Join the Movement

As we commemorate World Cancer Day, let’s commit to a future where integrative, patient-centered care becomes the standard. At Wild Rose College, we strive to empower herbalists and health practitioners with the knowledge to make a profound difference in their communities.

 

Ready to explore the possibilities of herbal medicine in cancer care? Enroll in our Meeting Life: Cancer, Immunodeficiency & Botanical Medicine course today and our two-party workshop series with Dr. Terry Willard: Cancer and Botanical Medicine: Tools for Holistic Practitioners.

 

Together, we can illuminate the path to wellness—one herbal remedy at a time.

Picture of Marketing & Communications Team

Marketing & Communications Team

Meet Becky, Cherianne and Megan: the Marketing & Communications team at Wild Rose College. We are a collection of individuals who are passionate both about herbalism and storytelling and love to educate those seeking a connection with ancestral medicinal ways on all things herbal.

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