I am troubled by the "Black cohosh stops breast cancer" 2007/12/08 article which says "black cohosh, an herb most commonly used to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, may stop breast cancer cells in their tracks." and "The inhibition of the growth of breast cancer cells was related to an induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis)."

Seems to be in direct opposition to findings from the July 2003 Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research which concluded:

"-Black Cohosh Spreads Breast Cancer-

Black cohosh, once thought to be the "safest" alternative for women during

menopause, has been shown to accelerate tumor growth and increase the number

and rate of metastasis in breast cancer. Researchers are now recommending

that women with breast cancer or who have survived breast cancer, should NOT

take this herbal product, which is widely available as Remifemin.

---Meeting American Association for Cancer Research, July, 2003---"

Is it possible that isolates as used in Remifemin make cancer cells behave differently than the methanolic extract (MeOH) used in the 2007 Einbond LS study found in "Anticancer Res 2007 Mar-Apr;27(2):697-712" which led to the anticancer conclusion?

Which is it?  "Black cohosh spreads breast cancer" or "Black cohosh stops breast cancer".

nuff said,

JVM

In an attempt to "naturally induce" me when I was almost 41 weeks pregnant with my second child, my midwife suggested I alternate black and blue cohosh (10-15 drops tincture in 50 mL hot water) every 15 minutes till I either went into labor or for about 3 hours and then again the following day (till I went into labor ). I can't say whether it made my labor hurry up and commence but I can definitely say, compared to my first 27 hour labor, the cohosh one lasted 1 hour.

Here we go again! Mercola is partially correct! The German New Medicine comes closer! Major body attention is required to maintain airway patency that requires few body compensations to ensure healthy oxygenation of our cells. Any distraction (shock is super distraction!) or sudden relaxation disrupts the balance creating a choking response and immediate intense compensation via ANS stimulation with catecholamines (heart goes "pitter" "patter") that stabilizes the situation of narrow airway by increasing muscle tone to regain muscular balance, increase breathing rate through a narrower throat, increase heart rate and blood pressure (blood vessel constriction) to speed up circulation of Oxygen. That is the shock and then thoughts of the shocking incident become secondary distractions.

Our bodies are constantly compensating for our less than erfect throats that are from our decreasingly perfect mouth-tongue relation associated to evolutionary trends toward smaller mouths and lack of breast feeding and nursing that results in pathologic dental arch size and shape, deep palatal vaults and poor sinus development. So we are walking compensation machines utilizing (1)elevated adrenaline type hormones (2)forward head posture (that translates into unhealthy posture) and  (3) clenching and grinding of teeth to maintain this steady Oxygenation of cells by managing airway size and shape, airflow, and circulation. The combinations of compensations are unique to us and the impact upon the rest of our body takes specific routes unique to us (Genetic and environmental factors of us!). This is on a chronic and acute level for all of us. It is a matter of degree and people with obstructive sleep apnea are worse. The Autonomic Nervous System is essentially in a heightened state all of time and "Medicine" sees this as normal. All physical, mental, emotional and spiritual signs and symptoms are impacted by this. Oral Systemic Balance is the mos leveraged way of decreasing compensation

The article on Black Cohash is interesting.  But there is actually a whole body of work that much more precisely addresses and provides strategies for both prevention and cure of breast and other reproductive cancers.  This is the work of Dr. John Lee, M.D.  I wish it would get more attention, because it really delves into root causes, sensible prevention strategies, and even what to do f you have the disease.  The strategies work for men and for women who have reproductive cancers.  He has written a number of books on the subject.  They all are good.  But if you have time to read one, I recommend: "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer..."  The title not withstanding, this addresses the whole subject of reproductive cancers, and it's principles apply to both men and women.  

I put my money where my mouth is on this one:  At the age of 54 I was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer.  I did some research on conventional treatment, and did not like the frequent outcomes in terms of permanent or long-lasting sexual dysfunction and the all too commonly resulting incontinence issues.  I also did not like the conventional approach of cut, burn or poison that seems to be the mostly-unquestioned conscensus on cancer treatment.  Besides the often horrible side-effects, (sometime fatal!) it mostly does nothing to acknowledge, exlore or remediate the causes of the cancer.  So I re-read what Dr. John Lee, M.D. had to say on the subject, and today, 3 years later, I remain cancer-free.  My conventional urologist initially was aghast at my choices, but astonished by the results.  If you study Dr. Lee's work, you will see that it makes sense - both how these cancers get started and are supported, and why the protocols he recommends work to make them go away.

Of course, most of the common holistic principles should be followed, along with Dr. Lee's protocols.  These are things like reducing sugar, not smoking, etc.

How can I contact Dr. John Lee MD.?

How can I contact Dr, John Lee MD ?

"Big Pharma" does not want this to become common knowledge.

To Islander who on Nov 20/07 said "I have never heard of blue cohosh" the following from "The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal" by Terry Willard, PhD; ISBN 0-9691727-0-3:

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) synonyms: Papoose, Squaw Root, Blue ginseng.  It grows abundantly along streams and moist places.

The part used is the root which contains saponins, an alkaloid, methylcystisine (caulophylline), citrullol, phytosteroids, phosphoric acid, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, silicon and phosphorus.

Methylcystisine stimulates the respiration, intestinal motility and raises blood pressure.  One of the constituents, probably methylcystisine, has a stimulatory effect on the uterine muscle, and is therefore used to quicken delayed delivery.  Blue cohosh is also used for menstrual problems, especially cramps (as used by the North American Indians).  Blue cohosh has been successfully used for rheumatism, dropsy and inflammation of the uterus, presumably the effect of leontin.

So -- emmenagogue, antispasmodic, diuretic, diaphoretic and anthelmintic.

Toxicity:  large doses (3 times normal dosage) produce nausea, vomiting and gastritis.  Greater doses of root or consumption of uncooked berries causes headache, thirst, dilated pupils, muscle weakness, incoordination, cardiovascular collapse and convulsions.  Cooked berries are harmless.  This herb is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Tierra says that it is acrid, bitter, warm and mildly toxic affecting the liver.

JVM

How much longer will it be before Dr. Mercola allows us to print-out portions of this "Community Comments" responses?

A great resource for fighting cancer naturally is Ph.D. immunologist Dr. Steve Martin's blog at www.grouppekurosawa.com.  He also blogs frequently about treating HIV naturally.  There are lots of people seeing success using his protocols.

When is the good Dr Mercola going to get up to date, essiac cure was in after all 1922!! Scientififically shown cures and prevention have by. Hulda Clark. Parasites kiled, amalgams out, metal cookware out, loose teeth out, bacteria klled, detox aflotoxins, dyes, cigareettte smoke,  etc etc.  The well informed reader feels that this column is self censoring on cancer prevention and cures.

Regarding emotions and health, today I heard some interesting news.  I had idea of interviewing a hundred or so centenarians in Japan on their lifestyle, nutrition, philosophies, etc., thinking itﾕd be a best-seller in the US.  My husband said, ﾒTheyﾕve already done it, and what they found out was that diets and lifestyles varied, but what these people all had in common was they would not get angry no matter what.  They calmly accept all things.ﾓ  TV frequently features active centenarians, and in all cases what I notice is their imagination and sense of humor.  Perhaps what gives Japan its enviable lead in terms of longevity may be found in Oriental philosophy.  Buddhism comes to mind.  Recently the TV featured a Buddhist monk at a restaurant, and I donﾕt know how they measured his biochemical status without tipping him off as to what they were about to do.  The waitress and staff acted totally unreasonable, trying to provoke him.  At one point, where they took the coffee heﾕd ordered to another customer after swearing to him they didnﾕt have any, there was a slight spike, but nothing compared to the average person.  If one views Buddhism as a philosophy rather than a religion (it can be either), there is plenty of room to incorporate its ideas into a Christian or other religious way of life.  I think EFT leads to the same kind of inner calm as well.  At heart, I see all religions as equal in trying to help humanity find happiness (but can get subverted along the way by persons with an agenda).

I agree with Dr. Mercola about not leaning on herbs too much. I have found after taking a 'bio-meridian assessment' (MSAS) test and witnessing friends/family do the same, we are all chemically different. Our experiences and responses to life are unique. Black Cohosh for me was just right. For 3 of my friends it was either too stressful or not effective. What was recommended for them was totally different. Each woman had her own customized plan of action for hormones/chemistry. It's a very delicate and individual thing. We are definitely not all cut out by the same cookie cutter.

I've subsequently been involved in 'bio-energetic synchronization technique,' which shows the mind, body, soul connection in a way you can see it. It proves what's really going on inside the person, and their responses to life. Our emotions are linked to our health much more than I ever realized. The earliest traumas in a person's life starts the interruptions or blocks in healing. One interruption affects one organ or system in the body and then it's like a domino effect from there. Modern medicine only treats a symptom, but the whole person needs to be treated. PH balance is another huge factor in health.Now that I'm monitoring this, I can see a big difference. I've seen lots of things healed in myself and in my family through BEST, and I'm passing that on because I'm seeing miracles happening around me from it. Everything God is trying to tell us in the Bible about emotions has proven itself true. If you take yourself or your loved one to a Bio-Energetics Synchronization Technique (BEST) practitioner, you won't be sorry. It's painless and gets to the core of illness.You watch your body respond either positively or negatively and get connected with what the real issues are. There's so much we don't know about our bodies, but I know we can be healed if we empower it to do so. Fascinating! I would recommend it for serious illness as well. There's nothing to lose and everything to gain!