Supplement, Herb, & Tincture Protocols
I researched these treatments specifically with (mucinous) ovarian cancer in mind, but please note that most, if not all, are showing promising results for cancer in general (and other chronic illnesses). There likely wasn’t one single thing that gave you cancer — it was a combination of events, toxins, and choices — so one single pill will also likely not “cure” your cancer. A comprehensive approach is key.
MISTLETOE
Germany has been treating many illnesses with immune-modulating or immune-stimulating substances since the 1960s. Mistletoe is the most famous and prevalent. Mistletoe was approved by the German government in 1963 to treat advanced breast cancer and is now also widely used to boost the immune system (i.e. post-surgery or to fight cancer).
Mistletoe extracts (usually via brands Iscador or Helixor, both of which are different types of mistletoe) contain various lectins and viscotoxins (including viscum fraxini-2). Evidence from in vitro experiments and animals suggests that these components have anticancer properties. The formal studies are promising, with most largely indicating a benefit for mistletoe extract in cancer patients. Iscador has been on the market the longest. A Heidelberg University study found that Iscador patients lived 40 percent longer than the control group, and with a better quality of life. Most studies performed on mistletoe in the treatment of cancer have found that it increases survival time in cancer patients. This is huge, considering it’s an herbal medicine with few side effects (and far, far fewer than chemo; it can also help with the chemo side effects and make it more effective). So far, studies have shown it to be effective in these cancers: pancreatic, ovarian, cervical, breast, liver, colon, glioma, and melanoma. I therefore deem this worthy of trying.
The challenge here is that the injections are accessible pretty much everywhere except the U.S. They are available for purchase in Canada, if you happen to live there or near. Since I live in the U.S., I would need to either get a prescription from my doctor (who doesn’t know anything about mistletoe injections, and therefore would need to receive an educational consult from another doctor, educating him on the various types and dosing protocols), order the injections from Iscador, and inject them myself OR I could find a place to go locally (usually a naturopath) who would administer the injections. I live in Los Angeles, and the nearest place I would find is 90 minutes away. Given the regularity of these injections, this becomes prohibitive unless I’m completely desperate. (Shuttling myself to all of these treatments is significantly stressful.)
Benefits of Mistletoe In Cancer Treatments
Improves quality of life
Inhibitory effect on cancer cells
Stimulating effect on the immune system
Can increase life-span: The vast majority of studies performed on mistletoe in the treatment of cancer have found that it increases survival time in cancer patients
Reduces side effects from conventional cancer treatments
Dosing
Consult your physician. Dosing depends on individual patient characteristics, age, type of cancer and its stage of development. Most dosing is done subcutaneously.
My Protocol
I’m now armed with this info in the case of another recurrence, and in the meantime, I am using a mistletoe tincture: Hawaii Farm mistletoe. I add a dropper of it to some water 3x per day. Using that protocol, the 2 oz bottle lasted one month. I’m going to repeat it again for another 1-2 months and then cycle it into my routine for 1 month every 6 months. I know the tincture is not as effective as injections, but for the moment it is better than nothing, and it’s a small investment.
Research/Resources
This article does a good job of describing the benefits, treatment, and dosing.
Johns Hopkins Magazine: Are Mistletoe Extract Injections the Next Big Thing In Cancer Therapy?
Also check out Iscador’s FAQ: Iscador AG.
An article citing data specifically about mistletoe and ovarian cancer
The Helixor website provides a comprehensive overview of mistletoe treatments, its effectiveness, and the source of its use.
It’s worth noting that the National Cancer Institute is yet to endorse it, but from what I can tell, that’s because more studies are needed for them to deem it part of the “standard of care” — not because it is dangerous. So I’m not waiting.
Where To Buy Mistletoe (for injections)
USA: Uriel Pharmacy 866-642-2858
Germany: Mistletoe Pharmacy
Requires a prescription from your physician. No Rx needed for the tincture I’m using.
GINGER
Many mainstream cancer websites promote ginger exclusively for help with nausea during chemo, but compelling studies indicate it can also be used to kill cancer cells and inhibit regrowth. Steamed and dried seem to be best.
Benefits of Ginger
Ovarian Cancer: A 2006 laboratory study at the University of Michigan indicates dried ginger selectively killed ovarian cancer cells
Reduces nausea during chemotherapy
Protects against infections
Helps prevent cancer growth when consumed frequently
Considered an effective therapy for fevers, colds, flu, circulatory issues, arthritis
My Protocol + Dosing:
100 mg capsules with at least 20% standardized gingerols 2x per day with food. I ordered Pure Mountain Botanicals organic ginger capsules, which has 1000 mg per 2 capsules (I don’t know the exact gingerol percentage of each capsule). I took 2 capsules 3x per day with meals for a month. However, since I want to be sure I’m getting the recommended 20% gingerols, I’m switching to Swanson Maximum Strength Ginger Root - it has fewer mg per capsule (200 mg per capsule), but I know it has the 20% dosing (and is only $9 per bottle). I’m planning to take 2 of these per day indefinitely. I also add Ginger People ginger juice to hot water and drink as a tea around 2x per day. Cancer Tutor recommends Bosmeric-SR, which has 20% gingerols and is sustained release. However, it’s much more expensive (around $84 per bottle, so I may switch to that brand at some point if necessary; it also contains curcumin, which I take in another supplement).
Research: Ginger and Ovarian Cancer
Scientists at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center examined the chemosensitizing effect of ginger in ovarian cancer cells. Ginger selectively kills the ovarian cancer cells that have acquired resistance to standard therapy, according to Dr. J. Rebecca Liu, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School. It destroys cancer cells through two distinct cell death pathways called apoptosis and autophagy.
The Inhibitory Effect of Ginger Extract on Ovarian Cancer Cell Line; Application of Systems Biology (Tabriz University study, 2017)
Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells
Steamed ginger (Zingiber officinale): Changed chemical profile and increased anticancer potential (2007, China Pharmaceutical University)
Whole Journey article on ginger and cancer — unlike chemo, ginger kills cancer stem cells (which cause recurrence)
CAPSOL-T (HIGH-DOSE GREEN TEA)
Capsol-T is mixture of decaffeinated green tea plus Capsicum powder marketed and sold under the trade name Capsol-T®, packaged in 350 mg gel capsules. It contains food grade decaffeinated green tea powder and food grade red pepper powder (Capsicum) in a ratio of 25:1 (green tea:Capsicum). Each capsule contains the equivalent of 16 cups of decaffeinated green tea.
Benefits
Studies suggest it blocks ENOX2 proteins which are associated with cancer cell growth.
Chilis have been associated with cancer fighting properties and cancer prevention. Research indicates that Capsol-T is typically effective at fighting cancer when the cancer is at early detection stage and when there are few cancer cells present.
Studies suggest it blocks ENOX2 proteins which are associated with cancer cell growth.
Food-grade decaffeinated green tea powder (100x the energy of regular green tea)
Research
Cancer prevention trial of a synergistic mixture of green tea concentrate plus Capsicum (CAPSOL-T)
My Protocol + Dosing
Dosing is very important when it comes to making Capsol-T effective. Take 1 capsule every 4 hours, including while you sleep (take the extended release option — only available on their website — while sleeping to avoid waking up all the time). That’s the equivalent of 96 cups of (decaffeinated) green tea per day, so no, having a cup of green tea is not the same. You can get the regular kind on Amazon. Capsol-T is expensive. It’s $150 per bottle for 180 of the regular capsules, and $197 for the night kit which gets you the extended release capsules and a bottle of the regular strength (this lasts you one month). I’m taking this for 3 months, then will likely cycle it back into my routine for one month every 6-12 months.
MANUKA HONEY
Manuka honey is a type of honey from New Zealand, made by bees that pollinate the manuka tree. It’s extremely viscous and is revered for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, with new research showing promising results with cancer: a research team at the UAE University found that manuka honey can effectively inhibit growth of cancer cells, including breast, skin, and colon cancer; and tremendously reduce the toxicity associated with chemotherapy treatment. It’s also great for wound healing, acne treatment (including acne scars), improved digestion, and effective for preventing tooth decay (counter-intuitive, I know). If you or someone you now goes to New Zealand, have them get you some. Manuka honey is heavily regulated and third-party tested in New Zealand, to qualify for export. Buyer beware: due to its incredible properties, there are tons of counterfeit products out there.
What To Buy: Kiva and Manuka Doctor are both good brands, and Covita makes lozenges. Look for high UMF ratings of over 10 or 15+ (I recommend over 20+ to kill cancer stem cells).
BERBERINE
Berberine is a chemical found in several plants including goldenseal, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, European barberry, goldthread, and phellodendron. Berberine is commonly taken orally for diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, and it also happens to be helpful for cancer.
Benefits
Known to suppress proliferation of specific ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3). See NIH article listed below.
Supports circulatory system
Anti-inflammatory
Lowers cholesterol
Antioxidant
Reduces fat in liver
Berberine research and effects on ovarian cancer
BBR suppressed proliferation of SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. BBR decreased the expression of BCL-2 and survivin while increasing the expression of BAX. BBR was demonstrated to synergize with cisplatin in inducing death of SKOV3 cells. BBR treatment resulted in restoration of the demethylation status of MutL homolog 1, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 2 (hMLH1) promoter region and increased its expression. hMLH1 encodes a protein involved in DNA mismatch repair].
BBR has been shown to augment the effects of cisplatin in inducing cell cycle arrest in A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells. BBR inhibited miR-93 expression and increase the expression of the PTEN tumor suppressor which is a target of miR-93. miR-93 levels were higher in cisplatin resistant A2780 cells.
My Protocol + Dosing
500 mg 2x per day. I take Lean Neutraceuticals.
A potentially dangerous interaction is Berberine taken with macrolide antibiotics, including antibiotics azithromycin and clarithromycin. Ask your doctor if something you’re taking may cause side effects.
CANNABIS
Benefits In Cancer Therapy
Reduces nausea
Improves appetite
Reduces pain levels (a great substitute for opiates)
Antitumor / kills cancer cells: Even Cancer.org reports that scientific studies show THC and CBD slow down or cause death of certain cancer cells in lab dishes. Animal studies also indicate similar results.
Prevents or greatly reduces neuropathy: Even some of my mainstream oncologists are suggesting cannabis for chemo patients to help with neuropathy (one of my doctors has been so impressed with the results he now sends all his chemo patients to Dr. Frankel — see below)
Cannabis Research
Two decades of research by molecular biologist Dr. Christina Sanchez of Complutense University of Madrid indicates cannabis (specifically THC and CBD combined) kills cancer tumors in laboratory experiments. See some of her research here and check out a short video of her discussing the endocannabinoid system here.
"Integrating cannabis into clinical cancer care," March 2016
I also recommend exploring The Sacred Plant, which is a great resource
My Protocol + Dosing
My cannabis doctor is Dr. Allan Frankel of Greenbridge Medical. He’s been studying the medicinal uses of cannabis for decades and has seen some pretty remarkable results with his patients (ask him to tell you about his patient with inoperable glioblastoma who is now cancer-free after the mainstream medical system gave up and put her on hospice and she started the tinctures with Dr. Frankel). I’m not saying every person will see those kinds of results (and he would echo that), but the anti-tumor properties of cannabis (many of which are yet to be fully, formally studied) are quite promising.
Like many of his patients, I don’t enjoy the feeling of being high. So I take what’s called his “quad” formula: a sublingual spray with 1.8 mg each of CBD, CBDa, THC, THCa 3x per day (he’s big on the raw acids, CBDa and THCa); only the THC has any psychoactive effects. As you build up a tolerance, patients can increase to 3 sprays, 3x per day. I plan to continue taking the cannabis tincture indefinitely. He also has me crumbling a bit of raw flower on my smoothies in the morning (there are no psychoactive effects until it’s heated, so I just crumble it on the top after I blend the ingredients). Dr. Frankel is located in Santa Monica, but he also does video consultations. I highly recommend him!
If you are in California and want to do your own dosing without a doctor, the Fiddler’s Greens raw tinctures are really high quality. I like them because they mix in the raw acids and are in an olive oil base (coconut or MCT oil is the usual base for cannabis tinctures, and I find them hard to digest, even in those small doses). Read more about why this “entourage effect” or “orchestral effect” is important here. Learn where to buy them here.
OTHER SUPPLEMENTS I’M TAKING
I’ll let you do your own research on the individual benefits of each of these, but here’s what I’m taking right now. (Note: The brands I link to are the ones I’ve researched and decided are the best available options. In most cases, I’m sure there are others out there that are also good.)
*LIQUID MINERALS: Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Fulvic Acid: I get these from Q360, the clinic in Malibu where I’m getting treatment, but you can find other options, as well. They particularly stress the importance of fulvic acid for EVERYONE, which contains many different minerals (see this video for a more in-depth explanation of its benefits and how it works). I can’t emphasize enough how much better I feel with these liquid minerals. Be sure your water filter is not removing minerals (many do) (SEE INFO ON KANGEN WATER TO AVOID THIS)
Berrihealth Black Raspberry Extract (high quality and has 2x more anthocyanins (antioxidants) than blueberries; I use a dropper full in water 2x per day and the 2 oz bottle lasts close to 2 months)
NOW NAC (if you do have chemo, this also helps protect against liver damage)
Jigsaw Health Activated B w/SRT (when I finish that bottle, I’m switching to Designs for Health Supreme B Complex with Active Folate + B12)
Designs for Health L-Glutamine (amino acid for gut + immune support)
Gaia Turmeric Supreme (high-quality brand; the added black pepper increase absorption)
Gaia Milk Thistle Seed (liver detoxifier)
NatureMade CoQ10 (heart function and cellular energy production; popular brand but is good; very important for protecting your heart if getting chemo)
Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C (lots of good brands out there; vitamin C is not one where you need to buy the most expensive option)
Genestra liquid iodine (You can either add a drop to water or apply transdermally to your wrist)
Eidon Ionic Minerals Iron Liquid Concentrate (because I’m anemic post-surgery)
Otho Molecular Liquid Vitamin D3 (Beyond Chemo recommends 4,000-10,000 IU per day for cancer prevention and healing, far more than the amount recommended by conventional doctors)
Udo’s Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic (this brand and product were especially recommended by the Moss Reports; I should note that I bought these at a local vitamin shop because I couldn’t find any sources that would guarantee shipping them refrigerated, and they will spoil if not refrigerated)
OptiZinc (I take this primarily because it’s great for my skin; I cycle through it a few times a year)
Double Wood Pterostilbene (I did a bunch of research on this pre-cancer and take it because it is more effective and more bio-available than resveratrol for anti-aging, cognitive functioning, and much more)
Wobenzym N (digestive enzyme; this is the German formula and sources I trust agree it is better than the Garden of Life formula)
Immun’Age (The oncological dietician at UCLA recommended this product to me, and the women in the “cancer store” there swear by it. It’s fermented papaya powder in small packets and is supposed to significantly boost immune function. You take one a day for health maintenance and several a day if you are ill or getting chemo. It’s expensive, but the rave reviews are convincing.) I bought a couple of boxes and am taking one a day for now; will likely cycle back to it as needed.
To be clear, I don’t think the average person needs to take this many supplements on a daily basis. Also, it is really important to get high quality products or you’re wasting your money. Due to my condition, I will continue many of these indefinitely, while others (like the black raspberry and Immun’Age) I’ll cycle through periodically. It’s also highly likely this list will evolve with time.
