Native American Healing with Chaparral

Native American Healing with Chaparral

In 2006, over 1,399,790 people were diagnosed with cancer in America alone (Jemal 43). For a disease so prevalent, adequate treatment must be found. In 1940, that treatment was discovered; a chemical similar to that of mustard gas was used to treat patients temporarily. At Yale University, it was observed that the gas produced from the nitrogen mustard harmed the cancer cells of the lymphatic region. After witnessing the advantages of this new treatment, it was found that in larger doses, it might cure cancer. The first successful treatment was done at Yale in the mid 1940's. This brings us to today; chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer, and to some, the most effective. Statistics as of 1999 prove this fact. More than three hundred million cancer patients are cured due to this treatment. It destroys the cancer cells "either by interfering with their growth or by preventing them from reproducing" (Morra 175). Chemotherapy is useful in reducing the size of tumors, making them small enough to be surgically removed. Also, it is effective in relieving pain and controlling unpleasant symptoms (Morra 174-176). Chemotherapy is an effective tool in battling cancer today.

Another type of treatment commonly used is radiation. The underpinnings of radiation therapy date back to 1895 and 1897 when x-rays and radium were discovered. In the following years, scientists discovered that x-rays damaged cells; following that discovery, it became apparent that x-rays were more successful in treating cancer cells than normal cells. There are various types of radiation that treat different areas. Radiation is effective in fighting cancer cells that are unable to be treated by surgery. It has similar effects to that of chemotherapy: shrinking the tumor and relieving symptoms. Overall, radiation is used as a means to treat the symptoms, not cure the cancer all together (Morra 138-139). Radiation in combination with chemotherapy seems to be the best treatment for cancer. But is there something better?

Is the medical world failing to bring the best possible treatment to those in need? Are cancer patients potentially dying because the treatment is ineffective? The answer to both questions is yes. Some patients actually die from the chemotherapy itself. Although potentially effective, the risk is enormous. Common side effects include "nausea, hair loss, anemia, infection, blood clotting problems, mouth problems, diarrhea, constipation, nerve and muscles effects, skin and nail changes, kidney and bladder effects, fluid retention, tooth decay, and sexual/ reproductive changes" (Drum 113-114). There are also many instances reported that deal with more severe side effects but are not as common such as bleeding and uncontrolled pain (131). Chemotherapy is not the safest choice and is just another concern alongside cancer. Radiation therapy is initially painless. Yet as the treatment continues, the reactions become severe. Expected acute side effects consist of skin discoloration, moist desquamation, damage to epithelial surfaces, swelling, infertility, and fatigue. In addition, there are many long term side effects such as fibrosis, hair loss, dryness, and even causing more cancer (Morra 153-156). With pain and infection from chemotherapy and more cancer from radiation, there has to be a safer treatment that is as effective or even better.

Native Americans have, for centuries, practiced their own medical techniques. Medicine men, shamans, along with other spiritual leaders, have implemented the use of herbs and natural plants into their medical treatment. An alternative remedy, chaparral, is useful in the treatment of cancer; this herb dissolves malignant tumors while also treating the lymphatic region (Ferrell 159). Professor Henry D. Wong of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill commented on the Native Americans' practices:

Many Native Americans have a holistic