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Herbal / Plant Therapies: Hoxsey
 Caution:
Some
complementary agents or therapies may be useful for cancer
patients; however, some may be harmful in certain situations.
Description
In the early
1900s, Harry Hoxsey developed herbal formulas that he believed
were effective for the treatment of cancer. One was to be used
externally, the other internally. The external mixture is said
to be selectively destructive of cancerous tissue and consists
of a red and a yellow paste. The red paste contains antimony
trisulfide, zinc chloride and bloodroot; the yellow powder
contains arsenic sulfide, sulfur and talc. The internal mixture
is a liquid containing licorice, red clover, burdock root,
stillingia root, barberry, cascara, prickly ash bark, buckthorn
bark and potassium iodide. This internal mixture is considered
to be cathartic/cleansing and/or immune boosting. Hoxsey felt
that his therapy normalized and balanced the body's chemistry
makeup, allowing it to essentially create a self-healing
environment in which the immune system is strengthened and
tumors are caused to die. The Hoxsey
tonic and treatment is available at the Bio-Medical Center
Clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, and
adaptations of the formula are used by some naturopathic
physicians in the U. S.
No peer-reviewed scientific studies have been
published that allow one to reach any conclusions about the
effectiveness of the Hoxsey tonic and treatment.
Dose
The dose of the therapy varies depending on the specific needs
of each patient and whether the cancer is internal or on the
skin.
How
it is taken
The preparation is
used either directly on the skin or drunk as a tonic. The
Bio-Medical Center encourages patients to avoid pork, vinegar,
tomatoes, carbonated drinks and alcohol, and to use immune
stimulants, yeast tablets, vitamin C, calcium, laxatives and
antiseptic washes, as well as adopt a positive mental outlook
while taking the Hoxsey treatment.
Side effects
Some of the
ingredients in the Hoxsey formula can cause side effects.
For example, buckthorn bark can
cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if taken in large
quantities. Cascara can cause diarrhea. Barberry root
administered to rabbits (dose unspecified) caused swelling of
the kidney and cardiotoxicity. Potassium iodide could cause
adverse reactions in sensitive patients.
Ingredients within the external pastes (zinc chloride, antimony
trisulfide, arsenic trisulfide and/or bloodroot) can be painful
and lead to severe scarring.
Possible risks
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Treatment of skin cancers with externally applied pastes has an
unknown risk of recurrence or metastasis.
Important Advice
To avoid
potential interactions, be sure to let your health care provider
know if you use this or any other type of complementary therapy.
Information on
the scientific basis of Hoxsey therapy is provided in the
Authors & Editors
Initial authorship
Nancy C. Russell, DrPH, senior health education specialist,
Integrative Medicine Program Education Component |
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Background: Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has
traditionally been used in Europe as a diuretic for the
treatment of edema (swelling/fluid retention). The German
Commission E expert panel has approved horsetail for this
indication. Horsetail is also occasionally used for
osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), urinary tract
inflammation and wound healing (topical). It is also used in
cosmetics and shampoos. These uses have largely been based on
anecdote and clinical tradition, rather than scientific
evidence.
There is
preliminary human evidence supporting the use of horsetail as a
diuretic. One poorly designed human trial found horsetail to
effectively raise bone density equally to calcium supplements.
In theory
(based on mechanism of action), horsetail ingestion in large
amounts may cause thiamine deficiency, hypokalemia (low
potassium) or nicotine toxicity. Reported adverse effects
include dermatitis.
Evidence
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Uses based on scientific evidence |
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These uses have been tested in humans or animals.
Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.
Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and
should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
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Grade* |
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Diuresis
(increased urine) |
B |
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Use of horsetail dates to ancient Roman and Greek
medicine. The name Equisetum is derived from
equus, "horse," and seta, "bristle." Preliminary
human and laboratory research suggests that
horsetail may increase the amount of urine produced
by the body. More studies are needed to determine if
horsetail is safe or useful for specific health
conditions.
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Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) |
C |
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Silicon may be beneficial for bone strengthening.
Because horsetail contains silicon, it has been
suggested as a possible natural treatment for
osteoporosis. Preliminary human study reports
benefits, but more detailed research is needed
before a firm recommendation can be made. People
with osteoporosis should speak with a qualified
healthcare provider about possible treatment with
more proven therapies.
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Background: The hop is a member of the Cannabaceae
family, traditionally used for relaxation, sedation, and to
treat insomnia. A number of methodologically weak human trials
have investigated hops in combination with valerian (Valeriana
officinalis) for the treatment of sleep disturbances, and
several animal studies have examined the sedative properties of
hops alone. However, the results of these studies are equivocal,
and there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend hops
alone or in combination for any medical condition.
Hops are
also sometimes found in combination products with passionflower
(Passiflora incarnata), skullcap (potentially damaging to
the liver), or with a high percentage of alcohol (up to 70%
grain alcohol), confounding the association between the herb and
possible sedative or hypnotic effects.
Hops
contain phytoestrogens that may possess estrogen receptor
agonist or antagonist properties with unclear effects on
hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, cervical
or prostate cancer or endometriosis.
Evidence
|
Uses based on scientific evidence |
|
These uses have been tested in humans or animals.
Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.
Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and
should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
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Grade* |
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Insomnia/sleep quality |
C |
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Animal studies report that hops may have sedative
and sleep-enhancing (hypnotic) effects. However,
little human research has evaluated the effects of
hops on sleep quality. Further study is needed in
this area before a strong recommendation can be
made.
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Menopausal symptoms |
C |
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When used in combination with other products, hops
may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot
flashes and difficulty sleeping, because it has
estrogen-like activity. However, until more
well-designed studies are performed, a strong
recommendation cannot be made.
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Rheumatic
diseases |
C |
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Early clinical research suggests that a combination
formula containing hops may help reduce symptoms of
rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. However,
well-designed human trials using hops alone are
needed to determine if these positive effects are
specifically the result of hops.
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Sedation |
C |
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Hops have been used traditionally as a sedative, for
relaxation and reduction of anxiety. Although some
animal studies suggest possible sedative properties,
there is limited human research in this area. Better
studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be
drawn.
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*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for
this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C:
Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair
scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F:
Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not
work). |
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