Re: Bowel Cancer

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately I can't answer your questions about whether they really have to remove so much tissue, however, I have treated quite a lot of people who have bowel cancer (it's very common here in Ireland), and it is my understanding that the lymph nodes and fatty tissue are routinely removed. From the patients I have treated, it is very often the case that these tissues are indeed affected. Malignant changes in the fatty tissue and lymph nodes are also not so easily detectible by scans etc. However, I haven't come across surgeons removing the ascending colon without confirmation that the tissue is affected, so I think it would be worth getting a second (independent) medical opinion. I expect that this part of the surgery is the most likely to have an adverse affect on your quality of life later, so it is definitely worth being sure that it is necessary. Any recurrences in the bowel would be detectable by follow-up colonoscopies and on CT/PET scan, so leaving the ascending colon in place (if it's not currently affected) would be safer than leaving the lymph nodes and fatty tissue.It is relatively common here for people to get second opinions, as most people have private health insurance, and I have come across people who have been given vastly different opinions in terms of what treatment is recommended and how radical it is. Most recently, a patient of mine with mouth cancer was advised that most of his jaw would have to be removed, but a second opinion recommended chemo and radiotherapy. He opted for the second approach (together with herbs) and it is fine so far.My experience of treating bowel cancer is that herbal treatment and diet (together with appropriate orthodox treatment) has a huge impact. I have had several patients with stage 4 cancer who were given a very poor prognosis, and years later, they are alive and well (the surgeons oncologists say it's a miracle - but we know better!). The two things which I feel are major contributing factors are gluten (found in wheat, spelt, rye, and barley) and nitrites (found in ham and most other processed meats), so definitely cut these out. Increasing fruit and veg is very important, to provide both antioxidants and salvestrols which have an anticancer effect. Juicing (with a masticating juicer) helps to increase intake. Include lots of Brassicas, some beetroot, carrot etc and also some ginger to make sure you don't cool down the digestion too much). If it's difficult to always do the juicing, Pukka do very nice veg powders which you just mix with water. Obviously avoid all refined sugar, and minimise your intake of red meat and dairy products.As you said, GIT support is important - Ulmus and Calendula are good here, plus Curcuma powder (1 tsp 3 times daily with a little black pepper mixed in water ), which is antiinflammatory/anticancer and helps to improve the digestion. Rumex is good as a depurative and helps to stop the bowel being sluggish. Lymphatic herbs such as phytolacca (and Calendula as above), are very important, especially if you have had lots of lymph tissue removed. For the immune system, I often use Astragalus in cases of bowel cancer (at least 60mL per week of 1:3, or use an FE) and Codonopsis (at least 45mL per week), together with mushroom capsules such as Shitaake and/or Cordyceps (Panacea do these). To help deal with any lingering cancer cells I use Tabebuia (which also helps to balance gut flora) I also recommend people eat 5 apricot kernels at least 3 times daily.I hope this is of some help, I'm sure there will be lots of other helpful suggestions from other herbalists too. I hope that the surgery goes well and that you make a full and fast recovery.Best wishes,AnneMarie

Hi there,

Could any cancer/herbal boffins on here help me? I've recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer. I have a tumour in the rectum which according to the operating surgeon is about 2-3 years of age. CT & MRI scans show no apparent infiltration into surrounding tissues, yet they are going to remove the majority of the ascending colon along with lymphoid tissue and surrounding fatty tissue. They also plan to do an ileostomy with attached stoma, which hopefully will be reversed at a later date.

Their rationale for removing all these (probably healthy) tissues is to prevent possible future infiltration and as the ascending colon shares blood supply with the rectum, it's got to go. They say they can't stage it until biopsies on all removed tissue have been done.

I queried whether removal of lymph nodes would compromise immune function to be told "no it won't". The surgeon reminded me that my thyroid was removed 30 years ago "and that didn't do you any harm did it?" I'm also without tonsils and adenoids and feel removal of lymphatic tissue 'down below' is going to leave me vulnerable.

I queried vitamin B12 synthesis and whether this would be compromised to receive the same reply. I get the feeling he may have been trying to allay my worries, but I just want to know the truth so I can make an informed decision and support myself with appropriate herbs/supplements post operatively. I don't intend to have any Chemo or radiotherapy (I don't think it's advanced enough for them to offer it anyway).

The surgeon is not herb friendly as apparently 'they don't do anything' !!!! (he did at least say this with a smile!)

I don't have any money to pay for an alternative approach such as Gerson etc. I do feel that this approach is somewhat crude and even barbaric, but what option do I have? They say my chances are very good as I'm 'young' (52) and healthy, so I do appreciate that this is a life-saving procedure, but.......

Will the removal of these tissues compromise my future health in any way?

Do they really have to remove so much tissue without confirmation that any of it is infiltrated with cancer cells?

What kind of a herbal protocol should I be thinking of for the future? I'm thinking obviously immune & GIT support. Are there any herbs in particular that will help to prevent recurrence?

I don't drink, nor smoke and eat fairly healthily. (could do better on that score and will be reducing meat and increasing veg intake in future). I have previously had thyroid cancer and currently have a small pea-sized tumour in the kidney which is probably benign.

I would be very grateful for any advice.

Many thanks,

[Guest guest]

, firstly may I say that I wish you well at this trying

time. Make sure that you take your nervines and anxiolytics to help

you to deal with the news of your diagnosis. I suggest limeflower and

oat straw.

There is growing scientific evidence to supports the

long-standing holistic notion that cancer is associated with

inflammation. Make sure that you are taking anti-inflammatories:

turmeric is the obvious stand-out herb here.

I have treated a patient with rectal cancer with my normal Rx for

any immune system disorder (and cancer certainly arises from a

disorder in the immune system) plus incense. (She is now in her

third year of remission.)

The immune-healing herbs I use are

Siberian ginseng

Astragalus

Shitake mushroom

Turmeric

For me, equal parts of these are at the centre of any Rx

for the immune system.

incense has demonstrated specific activity against tumours

in the rectum and bowel.

Have a quick look at this link. There is plenty more on the

net.

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2011/05/boswellia-colon-cancer-research-wins-award.aspx

The question is " Why is the immune system not dealing with

cancerous cells as it should? " So yes, you must look at

your nutritional status, also at your stress levels and how you manage

stress in your life.

Even if you can't afford to undertake the Gerson therapy (which

is pretty daunting and stressful, really!), you can certainly learn

from the Gerson protocol.

There is also the question of attitude and self-experience, which

is very significant in recovery from cancer. This is far too complex

an issue to go into by email, but some of the questions I might ask

would be " What is distracting me from the matter at hand? What am

I holding onto that I really ought to be getting rid of? Why am I

paying attention to the wrong things?

As for the question of necessary surgery... well, it's hard to

know, isn't it. Can you get a second opinion? Although in my

experience, the second consultant often seems to support the first

simply as a matter of principle.

I can tell you that my rectal cancer patient did not have such

radical surgery, but she did have the temporary ileostomy, which was

successfully reversed in due course.

Similarly, it's not possible to know in advance the effect on

your health of having lymphatic tissue removed. It's worth remembering

that when veins are stripped out, the blood finds alternative routes,

and when nerves are destroyed, other nerves pick up some of the work.

So your lymphatic system will make the best of things if it has to.

Herbs and diet and so forth can help to maximise this effect.

I think really the best thing would be to seek a herbalist in

your area in whom you can place your trust. Sometimes even the most

capable amongst us needs the support and aid of another, and this

sounds like one of those times.

With best wishes

Cristina

Hi there,

Could any cancer/herbal boffins on here help me? I've recently been

diagnosed with bowel cancer. I have a tumour in the rectum which

according to the operating surgeon is about 2-3 years of age. CT &

MRI scans show no apparent infiltration into surrounding tissues, yet

they are going to remove the majority of the ascending colon along

with lymphoid tissue and surrounding fatty tissue. They also plan to

do an ileostomy with attached stoma, which hopefully will be reversed

at a later date.

Their rationale for removing all these (probably healthy) tissues is

to prevent possible future infiltration and as the ascending colon

shares blood supply with the rectum, it's got to go. They say they

can't stage it until biopsies on all removed tissue have been

done.

I queried whether removal of lymph nodes would compromise immune

function to be told " no it won't " . The surgeon reminded me

that my thyroid was removed 30 years ago " and that didn't do you

any harm did it? " I'm also without tonsils and adenoids and feel

removal of lymphatic tissue 'down below' is going to leave me

vulnerable.

I queried vitamin B12 synthesis and whether this would be compromised

to receive the same reply. I get the feeling he may have been trying

to allay my worries, but I just want to know the truth so I can make

an informed decision and support myself with appropriate

herbs/supplements post operatively. I don't intend to have any Chemo

or radiotherapy (I don't think it's advanced enough for them to offer

it anyway).

The surgeon is not herb friendly as apparently 'they don't do

anything' !!!! (he did at least say this with a smile!)

I don't have any money to pay for an alternative approach such as

Gerson etc. I do feel that this approach is somewhat crude and even

barbaric, but what option do I have? They say my chances are very good

as I'm 'young' (52) and healthy, so I do appreciate that this is a

life-saving procedure, but.......

Will the removal of these tissues compromise my future health in any

way?

Do they really have to remove so much tissue without confirmation that

any of it is infiltrated with cancer cells?

What kind of a herbal protocol should I be thinking of for the future?

I'm thinking obviously immune & GIT support. Are there any herbs

in particular that will help to prevent recurrence?

I don't drink, nor smoke and eat fairly healthily. (could do better on

that score and will be reducing meat and increasing veg intake in

future). I have previously had thyroid cancer and currently have a

small pea-sized tumour in the kidney which is probably benign.

I would be very grateful for any advice.

Many thanks,

[Guest guest]

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested. I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb:

www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

[Guest guest]

Hi ,I am sorry to hear such bad news from you. I would suggest that you contact directly Etheridge, Fiona Burns and Treasure - all brilliant herbalists with lots of experience treating cancer patients ( is no longer on the list, he works in America). I hope it helps To: "ukherbal-list "

<ukherbal-list > Sent: Friday, 9 December 2011, 13:43 Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested. I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and

experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb:

www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

[Guest guest]

To add to the excellent advice you’ve already been given, I’ll mention that Yance (a colleague of Treasure) has written a very informative book on herbal treatment in cancer (Herbal Medicine: Healing and Cancer). I also recommend you get hold of Boik’s e-book, Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy (go to www.ompress.com). Far from herbs “not doing anything” here is comprehensive research evidence of herbs’ effects in preventing metastasis and angiogenesis, and protection of healthy tissue during chemo/radiotherapy, while enhancing the effects of the drugs/radiation on the tumour. I would consider Green Tea extract (tablets) which has had some promising results.

All the best,

Jan Alton

Hi there,

Could any cancer/herbal boffins on here help me? I've recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer. I have a tumour in the rectum which according to the operating surgeon is about 2-3 years of age. CT & MRI scans show no apparent infiltration into surrounding tissues, yet they are going to remove the majority of the ascending colon along with lymphoid tissue and surrounding fatty tissue. They also plan to do an ileostomy with attached stoma, which hopefully will be reversed at a later date.

Their rationale for removing all these (probably healthy) tissues is to prevent possible future infiltration and as the ascending colon shares blood supply with the rectum, it's got to go. They say they can't stage it until biopsies on all removed tissue have been done.

I queried whether removal of lymph nodes would compromise immune function to be told " no it won't " . The surgeon reminded me that my thyroid was removed 30 years ago " and that didn't do you any harm did it? " I'm also without tonsils and adenoids and feel removal of lymphatic tissue 'down below' is going to leave me vulnerable.

I queried vitamin B12 synthesis and whether this would be compromised to receive the same reply. I get the feeling he may have been trying to allay my worries, but I just want to know the truth so I can make an informed decision and support myself with appropriate herbs/supplements post operatively. I don't intend to have any Chemo or radiotherapy (I don't think it's advanced enough for them to offer it anyway).

The surgeon is not herb friendly as apparently 'they don't do anything' !!!! (he did at least say this with a smile!)

I don't have any money to pay for an alternative approach such as Gerson etc. I do feel that this approach is somewhat crude and even barbaric, but what option do I have? They say my chances are very good as I'm 'young' (52) and healthy, so I do appreciate that this is a life-saving procedure, but.......

Will the removal of these tissues compromise my future health in any way?

Do they really have to remove so much tissue without confirmation that any of it is infiltrated with cancer cells?

What kind of a herbal protocol should I be thinking of for the future? I'm thinking obviously immune & GIT support. Are there any herbs in particular that will help to prevent recurrence?

I don't drink, nor smoke and eat fairly healthily. (could do better on that score and will be reducing meat and increasing veg intake in future). I have previously had thyroid cancer and currently have a small pea-sized tumour in the kidney which is probably benign.

I would be very grateful for any advice.

Many thanks,

[Guest guest]

Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form.

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested. I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb:

www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

[Guest guest]

Thanks Aine Marie, that's really interesting. I knew about bitter almonds, but didn't know about apricot kernels. I thought you meant eating the inner stone and wondered how I'd manage that, but now realise the kernel is the nut held within that stone ! Many thanks for the information, . ________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426 To: ukherbal-list Sent: Friday, 9 December 2011, 23:55 Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form.

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested. I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and

experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb:

www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

[Guest guest]

Thank you , I will do as you suggest.Regards, ________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426 To: "ukherbal-list " <ukherbal-list > Sent:

Friday, 9 December 2011, 14:05 Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

Hi ,I am sorry to hear such bad news from you. I would suggest that you contact directly Etheridge, Fiona Burns and Treasure - all brilliant herbalists with lots of experience treating cancer patients ( is no longer on the list, he works in America). I hope it helps To: "ukherbal-list "

<ukherbal-list > Sent: Friday, 9 December 2011, 13:43 Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested. I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and

experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb:

www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

[Guest guest]

Hi and Aine Marie

are the nuts in Hunza apricots as good?  I've always assumed so and

cracked the nuts and eaten them after the fruit (they are delicious)

Sally Owen

The l

Thanks Aine Marie, that's really interesting. I knew

about bitter almonds, but didn't know about apricot kernels.

I thought you meant eating the inner stone and wondered how

I'd manage that, but now realise the kernel is the nut held

within that stone !

Many thanks for the information,

.

 

________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Herbal Clinic

Web: www.willowherbal.co.uk

Tel: 01903 816426

From:

Ãine Marie Reilly

To: ukherbal-list

Sent:

Friday, 9 December 2011, 23:55

Subject:

Re: Bowel Cancer

 

Apricot kernels can be bought in some health

stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter

to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot,

fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat

them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal

etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least

an hour before eating another 5. They contain

cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule

(amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes

in your body help to keep it stable (unless you

eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However,

cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend

to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby

destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed

from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this

is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just

unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use

the apricot kernels in their natural form.

On 9 Dec 2011, at 13:43,

wrote:

 

AnnMarie, that's fantastic

information, thank you.  It's

reassuring to know that removal of

lymphatic tissue is needed, so I

know I'm not losing something

unnecessarily. I don't know how I

could go about obtaining a second

opinion within the NHS? I can't

afford to go privately. However,

I'll certainly look to including

those herbs you mentioned and I'm

planning to implement dietary

changes similar to those you've

suggested.

I didn't know about the

apricot kernels. Where would I get

them from? Do they have to be

ground?

 

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and

experience.

Regards,

________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Herbal Clinic

Web: www.willowherbal.co.uk

Tel: 01903 816426

-- Sally Owen

MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Mid Wales

[Guest guest]

Yes, I believe they are. Apparently the people who come from Hunza live to be over 100 and virtually never get cancer. Of course they are probably not eating any processed foods, but the apricot seeds they consume might have a little something to do with it too.

Hi and Aine Marie

are the nuts in Hunza apricots as good? I've always assumed so and

cracked the nuts and eaten them after the fruit (they are delicious)

Sally Owen

The l

Thanks Aine Marie, that's really interesting. I knew

about bitter almonds, but didn't know about apricot kernels.

I thought you meant eating the inner stone and wondered how

I'd manage that, but now realise the kernel is the nut held

within that stone !

Many thanks for the information,

.

________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Herbal Clinic

Web: www.willowherbal.co.uk

Tel: 01903 816426

From:

Áine Marie Reilly

To: ukherbal-list

Sent:

Friday, 9 December 2011, 23:55

Subject:

Re: Bowel Cancer

Apricot kernels can be bought in some health

stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter

to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot,

fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat

them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal

etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least

an hour before eating another 5. They contain

cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule

(amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes

in your body help to keep it stable (unless you

eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However,

cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend

to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby

destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed

from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this

is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just

unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use

the apricot kernels in their natural form.

On 9 Dec 2011, at 13:43,

wrote:

AnnMarie, that's fantastic

information, thank you. It's

reassuring to know that removal of

lymphatic tissue is needed, so I

know I'm not losing something

unnecessarily. I don't know how I

could go about obtaining a second

opinion within the NHS? I can't

afford to go privately. However,

I'll certainly look to including

those herbs you mentioned and I'm

planning to implement dietary

changes similar to those you've

suggested.

I didn't know about the

apricot kernels. Where would I get

them from? Do they have to be

ground?

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and

experience.

Regards,

________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Herbal Clinic

Web: www.willowherbal.co.uk

Tel: 01903 816426

-- Sally Owen

MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Mid Wales

[Guest guest]

Just to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell. It is important to note a few things: 1) Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.2) We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive problems (cramping etc) in some patients.3) The level of amygdalin in bitter apricot kernels is quite variable, so dose is hard to standardise.4) Tablet forms of amygdalin are available, from the USA and Mexico, BUT....5) Amygdalin extracts are banned in the US and the UK as being unsafe. Indeed, the MHRA and DoH, state that health practitioners “should only recommend that patients take a maximum of one apricot kernel per day to avoid any toxic effects”. Of course, that is not enough to have any pharmacological effect... We should be aware of this as herbalists, particularly on the route to SR. Best wishes, From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form. AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested. I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

[Guest guest]

Hi Aine MarieYes, I've always thought it likely, If IIRC they also consume kefir, and have an extremely good diet generally. I used to have a kefir plant - it looked like soft knobbly cauliflower and lived in a jar. Same sort of texture as a kombucha culture. I'd love to find another. The kefir was also delicious. I'm guessing kefir and kombucha would also be a good thing for an anti-cancer regimen. What are your thoughts on these?thanksSally Yes, I believe they are. Apparently the people who come from Hunza live to be over 100 and virtually never get cancer. Of course they are probably not eating any processed foods, but the apricot seeds they consume might have a little something to do with it too.Hi and Aine Marieare the nuts in Hunza apricots as good? I've always assumed so and cracked the nuts and eaten them after the fruit (they are delicious)Sally OwenThe lThanks Aine Marie, that's really interesting. I knew about bitter almonds, but didn't know about apricot kernels. I thought you meant eating the inner stone and wondered how I'd manage that, but now realise the kernel is the nut held within that stone ! Many thanks for the information,. ________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426To: ukherbal-list Sent: Friday, 9 December 2011, 23:55Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form. AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested.I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426-- Sally Owen

MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Mid Wales

[Guest guest]

Hi Chrisinteresting.On the other hand, I've often sat down and cracked about 5 hunza apricot kernels and eaten them with no ill effects (And I have a very sensitive digestion) (Not every day, certainly) And my group of friends who have patronised the same whole food shop for about 40 years have never, ttbomk, either. (5 or 6 is where I normally stop, which I find interesting and wonder if it is an example of organolepsis) Actually the hunza apricot kernels are not particularly bitter, perhaps they are a "gentler" more complex source? Also, I used to buy an extremely delicious spread made from apricot kernels (which of course is no longer available). A large jar, akin to a peanut butter jar. not bitter but an extremely distinctive excellent flavour. 1) Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.Really interesting information, is that particular types of cancer, and if so, could you point me to current understanding on which ones? many thanks.2) We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive problems (cramping etc) in some patients.Ahhhh, interesting - perhaps the kefir in the Hunza diet obviates this, and this has me thinking a combination might be good practice....It does seem to me that although, of course, we do need to act impeccably in light of regulation, this does include not banning established foodstuffs on the basis of untested pharmacological theory and ignoring traditional usage where epidemiology indicates that it is safe. ie I wouldn't recommend the diet in a remote asian village which has a high incidence of throat cancer (mouldy bread - they bake once a year and store it in the attic- and pickle.) because that was the subject of a study prompted by the high incidence of throat cancer in that area, but I do find the longevity of the Hunza a reason to respect their diet. Because IMHOP impeccability also includes out duty to our patients to provide the best possible care. Years ago my brother in law a (now retired) american obstetrician saw the old NIMH sticker on my car "Herbal Medicine is Safer" and asked me "Maybe, but is it effective?" I couldn't come up with an answer at the time, but my answer now is "Yes, because if it wasn't, it wouldn't BE safe" and I'm not prepared to stand by and watch us whittle down our therapy into ineffectiveness, "just to be on the "safe" side". (I am however an extremely cautious prescriber myself, and frequently avoid anything with a question over it - so I am very keen to see these ideas PROPERLY explored. It's one of the things I love about this list - years ago there was a suggestion that Carduus should be avoided in liver cancer, and promptly someone found and posted a very positive paper detailing its benefit in that situation. al the very beatSally

[Guest guest]

> al the very beat

If anybody got that farm, that should be " all the very best " , but very

best beats to you all too ;-) lub dup, lub dup. lub dup.

--

Sally Owen

MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Mid Wales

[Guest guest]

Or evan that far......

(even) I'm obviously having one of those days...... (mind you,

Evan's farm is maybe a nice place to be on a sunny day ;-)

I'll go now and stop cluttering up your mailboxes

xx

>

>> al the very beat

> If anybody got that farm, that should be " all the very best " , but very

> best beats to you all too ;-) lub dup, lub dup. lub dup.

>

--

Sally Owen

MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Mid Wales

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the clarification Chris. I got it backwards as it's a while since I looked into this!

Just to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell. It is important to note a few things: 1) Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.2) We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive problems (cramping etc) in some patients.3) The level of amygdalin in bitter apricot kernels is quite variable, so dose is hard to standardise.4) Tablet forms of amygdalin are available, from the USA and Mexico, BUT....5) Amygdalin extracts are banned in the US and the UK as being unsafe. Indeed, the MHRA and DoH, state that health practitioners “should only recommend that patients take a maximum of one apricot kernel per day to avoid any toxic effects”. Of course, that is not enough to have any pharmacological effect... We should be aware of this as herbalists, particularly on the route to SR. Best wishes, From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form. AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested. I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

[Guest guest]

Hello

Just picking up on a little bit of your posting.

As far as I'm aware, you are entitled to ask for a second opinion within your

NHS treatment, and to some extent you should be able to choose who you see, I

think. Of course, things may have changed, but I'd give it a punt if I were you,

and ask to go to a specialist in bowel cancer if you're not already seeing one.

Good luck

Alison

> >

> >>

> >> AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring

> >> to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not

> >> losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about

> >> obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go

> >> privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you

> >> mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to

> >> those you've suggested.

> >>

> >> I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from?

> >> Do they have to be ground?

> >>

> >> Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.

> >>

> >> Regards,

> >>

> >>

________________________________________________________________________________

> >>

> >> Willow Herbal Clinic

> >> Web: www.willowherbal.co.uk <http://www.willowherbal.co.uk>

> >> Tel: 01903 816426

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

> --

> Sally Owen

> MNIMH

> Medical Herbalist

> Mid Wales

>

[Guest guest]

And the Times magazine on Saturday had a list of the most highly

respected surgeons in all disciplines.

Sally Owen

> Hello

>

> Just picking up on a little bit of your posting.

> As far as I'm aware, you are entitled to ask for a second opinion

> within your NHS treatment, and to some extent you should be able to

> choose who you see, I think. Of course, things may have changed, but

> I'd give it a punt if I were you, and ask to go to a specialist in

> bowel cancer if you're not already seeing one.

>

> Good luck

> Alison

>

>

>>>

>>>>

>>>> AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring

>>>> to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm

>>>> not

>>>> losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about

>>>> obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go

>>>> privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs

>>>> you

>>>> mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to

>>>> those you've suggested.

>>>>

>>>> I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them

>>>> from?

>>>> Do they have to be ground?

>>>>

>>>> Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.

>>>>

>>>> Regards,

>>>>

>>>>

________________________________________________________________________________

>>>>

>>>> Willow Herbal Clinic

>>>> Web: www.willowherbal.co.uk <http://www.willowherbal.co.uk>

>>>> Tel: 01903 816426

>>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>

>>

>> --

>> Sally Owen

>> MNIMH

>> Medical Herbalist

>> Mid Wales

>>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> List Owner: Graham White, MNIMH

[Guest guest]

am I being a bit thick or does your statement actually suggest the bad bacteria are in fact good if they are expressing beta glucuronidase which can lead to release of hydrogen cyanide and then cancer cell inhibition - or have I got that all .... about ....?!

regards , annette

Just to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell.

It is important to note a few things:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive(etc) in scramping ome patients.

Best wishes,

Chris

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form.

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested.

I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground?

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,

________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4075 - Release Date: 12/11/11

[Guest guest]

The bad bacteria can cause the gut side effects if the bitter apricot kernels are eaten in large amounts, by sensitive patients, so this reaction is bad. Basically if there are loads of “bad” bacteria in the gut, rather than the “good” commensal bacteria, they will release hydrogen cyanide into the gut, which is not a good thing... Best wishes, From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 12 December 2011 20:18To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer am I being a bit thick or does your statement actually suggest the bad bacteria are in fact good if they are expressing beta glucuronidase which can lead to release of hydrogen cyanide and then cancer cell inhibition - or have I got that all .... about ....?! regards , annette Just to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell.It is important to note a few things:<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive(etc) in scramping ome patients.Best wishes,ChrisFrom: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form. AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested.I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426 No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4075 - Release Date: 12/11/11

[Guest guest]

but if hydrogen cyanide kills the respiratory chain of the cancer cell then surely thats a good thing even when no overt cancer is present - as a sort of " prophylactic " ?

still confused ... !

regards ,annette

RE: Bowel Cancer

The bad bacteria can cause the gut side effects if the bitter apricot kernels are eaten in large amounts, by sensitive patients, so this reaction is bad. Basically if there are loads of “bad” bacteria in the gut, rather than the “good” commensal bacteria, they will release hydrogen cyanide into the gut, which is not a good thing...

Best wishes,

Chris

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 12 December 2011 20:18To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

am I being a bit thick or does your statement actually suggest the bad bacteria are in fact good if they are expressing beta glucuronidase which can lead to release of hydrogen cyanide and then cancer cell inhibition - or have I got that all .... about ....?!

regards , annette

Just to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell.

It is important to note a few things:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive(etc) in scramping ome patients.

Best wishes,

Chris

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form.

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested.

I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground?

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,

________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4075 - Release Date: 12/11/11

No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4076 - Release Date: 12/12/11

[Guest guest]

Hydrogen cyanide is one of the most potent toxins there is, as I am sure that you already know. It kills normal cells as rapidly as it kills cancer cells. If hydrogen cyanide is produced in the colon by enzymatic transformation of amygdalin by bacteria, then whole parts of the gut could be damaged, not just any cancerous areas. From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 13 December 2011 05:11To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer but if hydrogen cyanide kills the respiratory chain of the cancer cell then surely thats a good thing even when no overt cancer is present - as a sort of " prophylactic " ?still confused ... !regards ,annette RE: Bowel Cancer The bad bacteria can cause the gut side effects if the bitter apricot kernels are eaten in large amounts, by sensitive patients, so this reaction is bad. Basically if there are loads of “bad” bacteria in the gut, rather than the “good” commensal bacteria, they will release hydrogen cyanide into the gut, which is not a good thing...Best wishes,ChrisFrom: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 12 December 2011 20:18To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer am I being a bit thick or does your statement actually suggest the bad bacteria are in fact good if they are expressing beta glucuronidase which can lead to release of hydrogen cyanide and then cancer cell inhibition - or have I got that all .... about ....?! regards , annetteJust to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell.It is important to note a few things:<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive(etc) in scramping ome patients.Best wishes,ChrisFrom: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form. AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested.I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4075 - Release Date: 12/11/11No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4076 - Release Date: 12/12/11

[Guest guest]

Thank you for that Sounds like it is essential to give herbs to eradicate harmful bacteria, together with pre-and probiotics to re-establish healthy flora if recommending apricot kernels. I usually give herbs such as Tabebuia or Hydrastis to patients with bowel cancer (for anti-cancer and restorative effects respectively) so these would help. I also recommend eating no more than 5 kernels in one go.

Hydrogen cyanide is one of the most potent toxins there is, as I am sure that you already know. It kills normal cells as rapidly as it kills cancer cells. If hydrogen cyanide is produced in the colon by enzymatic transformation of amygdalin by bacteria, then whole parts of the gut could be damaged, not just any cancerous areas. From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 13 December 2011 05:11To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer but if hydrogen cyanide kills the respiratory chain of the cancer cell then surely thats a good thing even when no overt cancer is present - as a sort of " prophylactic " ?still confused ... !regards ,annette RE: Bowel Cancer The bad bacteria can cause the gut side effects if the bitter apricot kernels are eaten in large amounts, by sensitive patients, so this reaction is bad. Basically if there are loads of “bad” bacteria in the gut, rather than the “good” commensal bacteria, they will release hydrogen cyanide into the gut, which is not a good thing...Best wishes,ChrisFrom: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 12 December 2011 20:18To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer am I being a bit thick or does your statement actually suggest the bad bacteria are in fact good if they are expressing beta glucuronidase which can lead to release of hydrogen cyanide and then cancer cell inhibition - or have I got that all .... about ....?! regards , annetteJust to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell.It is important to note a few things:<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive(etc) in scramping ome patients.Best wishes,ChrisFrom: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form. AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested.I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground? Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,________________________________________________________________________________Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4075 - Release Date: 12/11/11No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4076 - Release Date: 12/12/11

[Guest guest]

Dear

I would suggest that you should definitely get a second or even third opinion. Your doctor should supply you with a copy of your scan/colonoscopy results, although they may charge a small fee. I would take these along to a consultant such as a good one in Harley street – maybe one of the herbalists on this site can recommend a good one?? As this is only an opinion you are asking for it won’t cost the earth and it maybe be very interesting/helpful to hear differing views. I wouldn’t though see a specialist that works near or with your current specialist as obviously that could affect what they say.

I certainly wouldn’t rush your decision - rather ask around some of the highly experienced herbalists. I not sure where you live but it might be really good to have a chat to someone like Church first and build up a bigger and more informed picture

Best wishes Niki

To: ukherbal-list From: ainemreilly@...Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:00:31 +0000Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

Thank you for that Sounds like it is essential to give herbs to eradicate harmful bacteria, together with pre-and probiotics to re-establish healthy flora if recommending apricot kernels. I usually give herbs such as Tabebuia or Hydrastis to patients with bowel cancer (for anti-cancer and restorative effects respectively) so these would help. I also recommend eating no more than 5 kernels in one go.

Hydrogen cyanide is one of the most potent toxins there is, as I am sure that you already know. It kills normal cells as rapidly as it kills cancer cells. If hydrogen cyanide is produced in the colon by enzymatic transformation of amygdalin by bacteria, then whole parts of the gut could be damaged, not just any cancerous areas.

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 13 December 2011 05:11To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

but if hydrogen cyanide kills the respiratory chain of the cancer cell then surely thats a good thing even when no overt cancer is present - as a sort of " prophylactic " ?

still confused ... !

regards ,annette

RE: Bowel Cancer

The bad bacteria can cause the gut side effects if the bitter apricot kernels are eaten in large amounts, by sensitive patients, so this reaction is bad. Basically if there are loads of “bad” bacteria in the gut, rather than the “good” commensal bacteria, they will release hydrogen cyanide into the gut, which is not a good thing...

Best wishes,

Chris

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 12 December 2011 20:18To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

am I being a bit thick or does your statement actually suggest the bad bacteria are in fact good if they are expressing beta glucuronidase which can lead to release of hydrogen cyanide and then cancer cell inhibition - or have I got that all .... about ....?!

regards , annette

Just to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell.

It is important to note a few things:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive(etc) in scramping ome patients.

Best wishes,

Chris

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form.

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested.

I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground?

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,

________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

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[Guest guest]

Dear I spoke to Hilda a herbalist who has considerable

experience in this area and she suggested the following two specialists if you

wanted to have second or third opinions and I think one or both of them are on

the NHS

Karol Sikkora - http://www.karolsikora.com/Professor Dalgliesh – UCH – London

Hilda also mentioned Dr

– Oncologist is doing some research (clinical trial) using Curmuma long,

broccoli, pomegranate and green tea, for cancer at the moment.

Best wishes Niki

To: ukherbal-list From: niki_lawrence@...Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:21:50 +0000Subject: RE: Bowel Cancer

Dear

I would suggest that you should definitely get a second or even third opinion. Your doctor should supply you with a copy of your scan/colonoscopy results, although they may charge a small fee. I would take these along to a consultant such as a good one in Harley street – maybe one of the herbalists on this site can recommend a good one?? As this is only an opinion you are asking for it won’t cost the earth and it maybe be very interesting/helpful to hear differing views. I wouldn’t though see a specialist that works near or with your current specialist as obviously that could affect what they say.

I certainly wouldn’t rush your decision - rather ask around some of the highly experienced herbalists. I not sure where you live but it might be really good to have a chat to someone like Church first and build up a bigger and more informed picture

Best wishes Niki

To: ukherbal-list From: ainemreilly@...Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:00:31 +0000Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

Thank you for that Sounds like it is essential to give herbs to eradicate harmful bacteria, together with pre-and probiotics to re-establish healthy flora if recommending apricot kernels. I usually give herbs such as Tabebuia or Hydrastis to patients with bowel cancer (for anti-cancer and restorative effects respectively) so these would help. I also recommend eating no more than 5 kernels in one go.

Hydrogen cyanide is one of the most potent toxins there is, as I am sure that you already know. It kills normal cells as rapidly as it kills cancer cells. If hydrogen cyanide is produced in the colon by enzymatic transformation of amygdalin by bacteria, then whole parts of the gut could be damaged, not just any cancerous areas.

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 13 December 2011 05:11To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

but if hydrogen cyanide kills the respiratory chain of the cancer cell then surely thats a good thing even when no overt cancer is present - as a sort of " prophylactic " ?

still confused ... !

regards ,annette

RE: Bowel Cancer

The bad bacteria can cause the gut side effects if the bitter apricot kernels are eaten in large amounts, by sensitive patients, so this reaction is bad. Basically if there are loads of “bad” bacteria in the gut, rather than the “good” commensal bacteria, they will release hydrogen cyanide into the gut, which is not a good thing...

Best wishes,

Chris

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Annette WassSent: 12 December 2011 20:18To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

am I being a bit thick or does your statement actually suggest the bad bacteria are in fact good if they are expressing beta glucuronidase which can lead to release of hydrogen cyanide and then cancer cell inhibition - or have I got that all .... about ....?!

regards , annette

Just to correct Aine Marie’s explanation slightly, apricot kernels do contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (which is similar in structure to prunasin, one of the active compounds in wild cherry that we all use). However, human cells lack the enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) needed to break down amygdalin to release hydrogen cyanide. However, some (but not all) cancer cells, as they revert to a more stem-cell like state as they grow and spread, do start to express the gene for beta-glucuronidase and thus produce this enzyme. This means that when the amygdalin (or actually its breakdown product laetrile) reaches the cancer cell containing this enzyme, hydrogen cyanide is released and the respiratory chain in the cancer cell inhibited – causing death of the cell.

It is important to note a few things:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Not all cancer cells do revert to produce beta-glucuronidase, and for these cancers, apricot kernels do not work.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->We do have bad bacteria in our guts that express beta-glucuronidase, so high doses of apricot kernels can sometimes cause digestive(etc) in scramping ome patients.

Best wishes,

Chris

From: ukherbal-list [mailto:ukherbal-list ] On Behalf Of Áine Marie ReillySent: 09 December 2011 23:56To: ukherbal-list Subject: Re: Bowel Cancer

Apricot kernels can be bought in some health stores or online. They are like almonds but bitter to taste. It's best to eat them with an apricot, fresh or dried, or even an apple. you can just eat them like a nut, or grind and sprinkle on cereal etc.Eat no more than five at a time, with at least an hour before eating another 5. They contain cyanide which is bound up in a larger molecule (amygdalin), in which form it is harmless. enzymes in your body help to keep it stable (unless you eat loads and overwhelm these enzymes). However, cancer cells lack these enzymes, and instead tend to cause the molecule to break apart, thereby destroying the cell. B17 therapy was developed from apricot kernels, but in my view, since this is a pharmaceutical product, it is really just unlicensed chemotherapy, and i would prefer to use the apricot kernels in their natural form.

AnnMarie, that's fantastic information, thank you. It's reassuring to know that removal of lymphatic tissue is needed, so I know I'm not losing something unnecessarily. I don't know how I could go about obtaining a second opinion within the NHS? I can't afford to go privately. However, I'll certainly look to including those herbs you mentioned and I'm planning to implement dietary changes similar to those you've suggested.

I didn't know about the apricot kernels. Where would I get them from? Do they have to be ground?

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.Regards,

________________________________________________________________________________

Willow Herbal ClinicWeb: www.willowherbal.co.ukTel: 01903 816426

No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4075 - Release Date: 12/11/11

No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1415 / Virus Database: 2102/4076 - Release Date: 12/12/11