Myths or Medicine: Can culinary herbs cure breast cancer ?

The word cancer can be a triggering and scary topic to many people. The most prevalent cancer today is breast cancer, and the disease is known to be one of the most common cancers among women, with a predicted diagnosis of 2.3 million new cases globally every year.

Since many cancers are difficult to cure at an advanced stage, the power of conventional treatments such as novel therapeutics, chemotherapy and surgery is not enough, therefore scientists have taken an alternative path in investigating which natural remedies can suppress tumour progression. This article will provide insights into the various culinary herbs and their capability in treating breast cancer.

The potency of culinary herbs:

Have you ever thought culinary herbs such as rosemary, ginger, and turmeric used in cooking serve a purpose as a tumour suppressor agent in breast cancer? Their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anti-microbial properties make them a great herbal treatment for inhibiting metastatic cancer, also known as rapidly growing cancer. Let’s delve into the myriad of roles in how these culinary herbs affect breast cancer cells.

Rosemary

The herb rosmarinus officinalis is indigenous to the Mediterranean region.  Rosmarinic acid has a therapeutic effect on the body and has been associated with decreasing inflammation and slowing the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, headache and stomachache.

What essential component in rosemary decelerates the growth of cancer?

• Carnosic acid halts the growth of newly formed blood vessels essential in tumour progression.
• Rosmarinic acid represses the proliferation of two types of triple-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468.

How to incorporate rosemary in daily use?

• Cooking: Sprinkle rosemary sprigs in roasted potatoes or any meat/savoury dishes 
• Herbal tea: Add dried rosemary sachets into hot water and let it infuse into your tea.
• Infused oil: Incorporate rosemary oil in pasta, soups, dishes or drizzle in salads.

Ginger 

Zingiber officinale also known as ginger is a flowering plant which is used in cooking and folk medicine. The spice is well known for lowering blood sugar levels, relaxing muscles and fighting bacteria.

which key compound in ginger halts the growth of breast cancer?

• Gingerol: Prevents the proliferation of breast cancer cells and promotes cell death (apoptosis) in prostate, ovarian and colon cancer cells.

How to incorporate ginger in daily use?

• Herbal tea: Add fresh dried or grated ginger into hot water and steer well for flavour.
• Cooking: Add finely chopped ginger into savoury dishes such as curries, soups, marinades or grilled meat.

Turmeric 

Curcuma longa also known as turmeric is an herbal plant native to the Indian subcontinent and is well known for its antioxidant impact on the human body. The spice is well known for lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing heart disease risk.

Which compound in turmeric prevents the growth of breast cancer?

• Curcumin: Inhibits adhesion, invasion and proliferation rate in breast cancer cells by mediating the immune system.

How to include Turmeric in daily use?

• Drinks: The spice can be blended in smoothies, turmeric milk and turmeric tea and is well known for its ayurvedic traditions.
• Cooking: Ground turmeric can be added to soups, stews, marinades or even desserts and cakes.

Considering culinary herbs can be beneficial in treating diseases and promoting cancer inhibition, there is little evidence in research supporting their interaction when consumed in large quantities or their interference with different subtypes of breast cancer. Before consuming herbal compounds in your dietary plan, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.

Herbal medicine has been used for centuries and has astounding medical properties which can kill breast cancer cells. Incorporating rosemary, turmeric and ginger into your diet can utilise health benefits, amongst other herbal compounds which can prevent you from future diseases, if you would like more information on culinary herbs click on the videos below.