It is the second leading cause of death by cancer in women followed only by lung cancer. Breast cancer is comprised mainly of ductal cancer and lobular cancer. Age, a personal history, and a family history, are important risk factors for this disease. Environmental factors too may contribute to breast cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy form the conventional line of treatment for this condition.

Ayurvedic treatment for breast cancer can be given as additional therapy in order to bring about a faster response, reduce side effects of conventional treatment, prevent recurrence and prolong survival. Medicines which act on the ‘Rasa’, ‘Rakta’ and ‘Mansa’ dhatus (tissues) are useful in this condition. These medicines include Indrayav (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha ( Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Nimba (Azadirachta indica) and Triphala. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) are used to correct immune dysfunction in the body.

In addition, medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Arogya-Vardhini, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Abhrak-Bhasma and Heerak-Bhasma are used to treat the cancer. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) are used on a long term basis to prevent recurrence. Medicines like Medhohar-Guggulu, Chandraprabha-Vati, and Trivang-Bhasma are also used according to the presentation of symptoms. To prevent or reduce side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, medicines like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Kamadudha-Ras, Shankh-Vati, Laghu-Sutshekhar-Ras and Vishwa (Zinziber officinale) are used.

It should be noted that all such patients should be under the regular care and supervision of a medical Oncologist.