Question

There are complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). Choose one CAM and discuss the scientific evidence behind it. What does the available data say about its efficacy, and for what outcomes? Is the data convincing, why or why not? Do you think you'll actually try it? Have you? What happened? Could you think of an effective CAM for someone who is battling cancer? What could this person do, why?

Answer 1

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consists of a variety of treatment modalities that are not part of conventional or Western medicine. Many characteristics of CAM are rooted in indigenous, ancient systems of medicine like Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, African etc. Complementary medicine is used to refer to non-conventional systems used together with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to refer to non-conventional systems used without conventional medicine. Ayurveda is a popular and effective Indian system of CAM used, which is capable of curing several illnesses without any side effects. In this system of CAM, several herbs, spices, and other medicinal plants are used to treat the patients. Ayurveda together with the Indian exercise-meditation of Yoga offers the cure or prevention for almost any disease.

Turmeric, the spice used in Ayurveda is now used to treat fatal illnesses like cancer. Curcumin, the phytochemical present in turmeric, has anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Now curcumin is available as capsules, tablets, drug delivery system wafers and is used in the treatment of many diseases like arthritis, cancer, stroke, etc. Lots of positive research outcomes are there to show the effectiveness of Ayurveda. The recently invented curcumin drug delivery system wafers for cancer is quite effective in treating cancer by local application. All medicinal plants used in Ayurveda contains phytochemicals to boost immunity or to cure fatal illnesses. The data is convincing as it is based on research evidence and positive treatment outcomes. Many people are now opting for effective CAMs like Ayurveda, Acupuncture, etc., because of their effectiveness treatment-wise and cost-wise with the advantage of zero to minimal side-effects.

If I were to make a choice between the conventional system of medicine and CAMs, I would go for a CAM system like Ayurveda. I would actually try it because of the above advantages of CAM over conventional medicine. Other than that I am also a beneficiary of this form of treatment. I had Ayurvedic treatment for adenoiditis, which cured me within weeks. I was advised to have adenoidectomy, and Ayurveda cured my adenoiditis without surgery or side effects of any conventional medicine.

An effective CAM for someone who is battling cancer would be to use Ayurvedic curcumin capsules along with turmeric tea. Turmeric tea is used to boost the immunity of cancer patients. It contains turmeric, ginger, lemon, cinnamon, and pepper with some honey and coconut oil. It would be better if this person can consult an Ayurvedic practitioner and follow his/her advice as he/she can give the correct dosage and treatment direction, and the patient would have someone to count on for a quick recovery. However, turmeric tea can be prepared and consumed by anyone who wants a better immune system.