The information below is distilled from two different books: Cancer Salves by Ingrid Naiman and The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook by James Green. The Cancer Salves book is outstanding and well worth the price. If you hit it just right you may even be able to find a used copy on Amazon a bit cheaper.
These herbs and this particular bolus treatment has been traditionally used for conditions ranging from cervical cancer to prostate cancer to colo-rectal cancer, as well as conditions that are not quite so severe, including most gynecological ones (yeast infections, vaginitis, HPV treatment, etc.). Many of the herbs are antimicrobial --- antiviral and antibacterial --- while others are soothing and nourishing to the healthy tissue helping the body not only in the specific area but also in a systemic way as they are absorbed in your blood stream so it can fight off the attackers. (The mucus membranes in the areas where these are used are very thin so the blood is close by.) They stimulate the blood and lymph system to carry away toxins. Many of them are also mild laxatives to ensure those toxins are flushed from the body.
Most of these herbs are readily available, although some are easier to find in season. (The most expensive herb on this list is goldenseal. Buy the smallest quantity possible since we're only going to use a small amount.) My favorite place for purchasing organic herbs (because you do want organic for this use and most herbal uses) and associated supplies (including the cocoa butter or coconut oil) is Mountain Rose Herbs in Oregon. They safely pack everything by hand for shipping and you can be assured there are real herbalists on the other end if you ever have any questions. I also love their large bottles with corks that are made from recycled glass. My kitchen is full of them! If what you're looking for there isn't in stock or is out of season, then check on Amazon.com and you can usually find it. Make sure you include "organic" in the search term for the particular herb.
So, here's the recipe and instructions below.
(Note: If you are pregnant, do not attempt. Partridgeberry can cause miscarriages if taken in the first or second trimester. If you are on any prescription meds, talk with your doctor before trying this because the herbs may interact with the prescription drugs. Also be aware that the FDA only approves herbs as dietary supplements --- you know, the standard statement: The information provided is for informational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluation by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)
Ingredients:
- Partridgeberry (mitchella repens) --- Well known among American Indians, it was used mainly for female concerns, but also appears to have antiinflammatory properties as well as being astringent and having the ability to stop bleeding.
- Yellow Dock Root --- antimicrobial, antibacterial, anticancer, anti tumor, and anti fungal. In the same family as sheep sorrel, one of the main "essiac" herbs. Blood & lymph cleanser. High in Vitamin C and iron.
- Chickweed --- Rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Strong anti-inflammatory and blood purifier.
- Mullein Leaf --- Antibacterial, anti inflammatory, anti-spasmodic. Also mucilaginous and helps sooth the healthy tissue.
- Marshmallow Root --- Anti inflammatory rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Stimulates the immune system. Also mucilaginous and helps sooth the healthy tissue.
- Goldenseal Root --- Wild harvesting has put it on the endangered list, so buy it from reputable source. Commercial herb growers are growing it now to meet demand so the wild sources can come back. It has a long history of use among Eastern American Indians for everything from from eye washes to mixing it with bear grease to make an insect repellent. :) Antibacertial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibiotic, and strengthens the immune system.
- Slippery Elm Bark --- Mucilaginous and helps sooth the healthy tissue. Another herb also in the "essiac" herb formulation. High in antioxidants. Traditionally used by American Indians in slaves for healing wounds, boils, and skin inflammation. It was taken internally for coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
- Comfrey Root (aka "knitbone"; optional) --- It makes cells grow faster so may want to omit it depending on what condition you're using it for specifically. It's also anti-inflammatory.
- Cocoa butter or coconut oil --- nourishing to the healthy cells as well as provides a delivery method for the herbs.
Directions (cold process):
- Powder the herbs if you couldn't purchase them powered.
The easiest way to do this is with a coffee grinder, just don't burn it out. Powder small amounts, starting with 1 Tablespoon. Some of the herbs are "poofy" (mullein leaf) while others (roots) can be very hard on the grinder. Pulse it in short bursts so you won't burn out the motor. - Mix equal parts of each herb once powdered.
Start with 1 Tablespoon each, which will give you 8 Tablespoons of herb to mix. - Add the cocoa butter or coconut oil and mix well.
You should have a sticky, gooey mass like Toll House Cookie dough if using cocoa butter and a very thick and stiff mix with coconut oil. - Form the bolus.
Use clean hands and make little "tootsie roll" forms about the size of your little finger. Place them on wax paper as you finish. You can either wrap them in plastic or aluminum foil when done. - Use 1 at night at bedtime.
Folks use it differently, but the general agreement seems to be daily for 5 to 7 days. Use a pantiliner to catch any discharge. Others have used it every other day and some others more infrequently when in maintenance mode or preventative mode. Some don't have a discharge, which just means the body needed and absorbed everything in the bolus --- herbs, oils, and butters.
Tips!
Cocoa butter can be hard to work with if you melt it, add the herbs, pour into a form then cool. Once it's above a certain temperature it melts at a lower than body temperature. That's why we've given directions above for making it using a cold process --- the simplest way possible. If you prefer to melt the carrier, add the herbs, and pour into a form, please use coconut oil instead as the carrier.
