I have a strong bias against those who would take advantage of others who are desperate to find some hope in the midst of their tragedy. For this reason I've bookmarked such sites as the skepticring.com and quackwatch.com. Whenever I read of some alternative cancer therapy I search these sites to find some information other than the enthusiastic testimonials offered by the those who stand to make a buck selling the items. This is particularly true when dealing with "miracle" products that seem just too good to be true, and which are readily available on the internet for just $******** (you fill in the sum).

Of course, in most instances the fact that more people don't know about these products is the fault of the medical establishment. It is either dragging its feet in approving the product, narrow-minded in its approach to medical research, or it has its own greedy secret agenda which the miracle product would endanger by making this miracle cure available to everyone.

Recently I saw Essiac Tea suggested as a therapy for lung cancer. Or it might be Cassie Tea, depending on whether or not you're from Canada. I started looking for references with Google, only to find countless hits from enthusiastic testimonials. Of course these were interspersed with an equally large number of hits from retailers selling the item. It was when I ran across sites in Cyrillic that I became more than a little suspicious. The Russian entrepreneurial class has aggressively embraced the free-market system. Caveat Emptor is a phrase which speaks for itself in a system which has not yet encumbered itself with all manner of regulatory and oversight agencies.

As far as I'm concerned, an herbal tea will not cure lung cancer. I also believe that if it were true, my oncologist would be on the phone right now telling me to stock up. Anyone seeking to pin their hopes on Cassie (or Essiac) Tea should be aware of the phrase Caveat Emptor.

I would like to read any other thoughts regarding this.

I agree, but it is hard to deny that miraculous recoveries do occur. Perhaps it is merely because we are all individuals with different things going on in our bodies, our perhaps there is a power out there that reaches some people and not others. Anyway, my 42 year old husband was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer last week, and we have two young children and he is otherwise in "perfect health". It is difficult for me not to pursue other methods of therapy because, frankly, he is too young to die. We know of the charlatans out there waiting for the desperate to hand over their life savings, but since we have nothing, we have nothing to lose but try these teas and herbs that have proven to be successful in other countries by other civillizations.

It is hard not to be desperate when you are told that you have 9 months to live.

Anne

I was never one much to believe in herbal remedy. I was

down last year with a horrible sinus infection. My ears were

so stuffed. Tons of green mucas was never ending and the

sinus headaches. :eek: After trying a few of the over the

counter drugs with no luck. I went to the doctor and was

given antibiotics, decogestion and told to use afrin spray.

I was not getting any better was spending most of the day

in bed. My husband called a local health store and they

said to use oil of oregano. I was willing to try anything at

this point. Hubby went and got me the oil of oregano and

eeww it taste nasty. :p It worked and it worked fast with

in a few hours I began to start feeling better. In a few

days I felt great. Not saying all work or even if oregano

would work on everyone but it sure worked for me. I take

it everyday and did not get a sinus infection this year. :)

Haylee

I have to say I once had pnemonia, and after seeking alternative help, used myrth, picnogiamate,ecchinaicea, liquid silver and large amounts of vit. C.My Dr. warned agaisnt it, because I have a heart condition, but due to so much antibiotic use I have poor stomach flora.. I used the above (Im sure I spelled half wrong:) ) and I did get well. I guess we all will forever have our own beleifs and opinions.. thats what makes us each special! I still beleive thier is a place for herbs.. especially if they have worked for others. I wish you all Health.. Mattie