The following information has been gathered and compiled through personal experience, while traveling, teaching classes that include T'ai Chi, Qi Gong, herbal information, martial arts and other health related subjects. The article also contains feedback from students and anecdotal information from readers of my columns. The following are my opinions and deductions from those sources.

Herbs have a history of success for many of humankind's maladies, and most have no side effects. When that's the case, it seems strange that they wouldn't hold a more revered place in the hierarchy of health in the US. The reason seems to be; herbs work to strengthen the system, increase the immune function and regulate the metabolism as opposed to treating a specific problem.

Just as natural medicine can help ease the symptoms and improve the quality of life for many people suffering with cancer, herbs can also help dogs with cancer. Often mistakenly called "herbal remedies," herbal treatments are not miracle cures. Herbs for dogs with cancer should never be considered an alternative to professional veterinary care, but should be used along with traditional cancer treatments to help ease the dog's pain, improve the dog's immune system, improve the dog's quality of life, and possibly extend the life of the dog.

Herbal Treatments for Dogs with Cancer

Herbal remedies have been used for common ailments for a long time. If you don't want to pay for a prescription, herbal remedies can help you feel better, as long as you use them safely. Here are a few common ailments and some of the remedies often used to treat them.

Acne isn't just for teenagers. It is caused by oily skin, which can be triggered by stress or hormones associated with menstruation or puberty. Aloe gel and witch hazel are topical treatments for acne; they function as an astringent and have antibacterial properties. Echinacea, when taken internally, is used to treat acne and other conditions because it promotes healing in general. Some think acne is caused by a sluggish liver (livers are supposed to cleanse your system). In this case, milk thistle may be used, because it cleanses the liver.