Study: Milk Thistle May Stop Lung Cancer

When thinking about cancer treatment, the first things that generally come to mind are harsh drugs, chemotherapy, and radiation. But a recent study shows that natural methods may work, too, and without such unpleasant side effects.

Milk thistle has been used for some time to promote liver health, and to treat liver disorders including sclerosis, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis.

But recently, a study conducted at the University of Colorado and published in Molecular Carcinogenesis showed that milk thistle may be effective on a completely different kind of disease – lung cancer. The research involved a clinical trial in mice, and showed that the active ingredient in milk thistle actually stopped the spread of lung cancer.

Said the study's lead author, milk thistle "may be as effective as today's best treatments".

Those in the business of natural cancer treatment generally recommend the use of at least three different treatments, if a patient chooses to treat himself. Milk thistle could be a good addition to a treatment regimen.

Cancer patients are, however, strongly urged to consult with their healthcare practitioner before (and during) any self-treatment, whether using natural methods alone or in conjunction with traditional medical treatments.