Past and present herbs used to treat cancer: medicine, magic, or poison?

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To provide an overview of the past and present use of herbs, thereby dispelling the belief that herbs are secret cancer remedies unknown to or ignored by the biomedical community.

Data sources: Historical and current pharmacy, medical, and nursing literature.

Data synthesis: More than 3,000 species of herbs used in treating cancer since 2838 BC are known to biomedicine, yet popular lay literature persists in perpetrating the myth that medicine has ignored the potential uses of herbs. Secrecy about herbs has been fashionable since the Middle Ages. Magical and virtuous herbs, named in a book of secrets from that age, are examined for their historical and current use in cancer treatment. Popular unproven herbs, as well as proven herbs used in chemotherapy, also are discussed.

Conclusions: Greater accessibility to information about the use of herbs historically, popularly, and currently would help dispel the secrecy, giving healthcare professionals and patients and opportunity to make informed choices.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses with knowledge of herbs can be valuable resources to patients and professional colleagues. Members of the professional community (nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and social workers) need to take collegial responsibility in informing each other and their patients about herbs, including their potential risks, possible benefits, and antidotes for overdose.