What are herbal remedies?

Over the centuries, man has gone from a simple diet consisting of meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains, to a diet that often consists of foods rich in fats, oils, and complex carbohydrates. Nutritional excess and nutritional deficiency have become problems in today's society - both leading to certain chronic diseases. Many dietary and herbal approaches attempt to balance the body's nutritional well-being. Dietary and herbal approaches may include: dietary supplements and herbal medicine.

Herbal medicine or "herbal remedies" for treatment of prostate cancer have not been studied scientifically (in a randomized, clinical trial). In particular, combination herbal remedies currently on the market should be approached with caution, as reported side effects have included venous thrombosis, breast tenderness, and loss of libido. In addition, many herbal preparations have not been studied in men with prostate cancer.

Are herbal remedies considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine?

Yes. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses unconventional approaches to healing, beyond traditional medicine. Complementary medicine is any form of therapy used in combination with other alternative treatments or standard/conventional medicine. Complementary therapy usually serves to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Alternative medicine is used alone, without recommended standard treatment.

Some people use complementary treatments to relieve symptoms or side effects while undergoing standard/conventional treatment (such as pain relief during cancer treatment). Standard/conventional medicine refers to medical treatments that have been scientifically tested and found to be safe and effective. The standard/conventional treatments have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Consult with your physician prior to utilizing any type of dietary or herbal supplements in the treatment or prevention of prostate cancer.