Cancer has been a source of anxiety among people since ancient times, and there is a recorded history of the disease in both humans and animals. The earliest evidence of cancer can be found in fossilized bone tumors and in mummified remains from ancient Egypt. Additionally, early written manuscripts, such as the Edwin Smith Papyrus, document this disease.

The Edwin Smith Papyrus is one of the oldest known surgical treatises on trauma, containing a total of 48 cases of injuries. It was written by Imhotep, one of the greatest architects, statesmen, and physicians of ancient Egypt. This papyrus describes surgical treatments, including the removal of cancer-affected areas, but it also notes that there is no effective treatment for the disease.

This historical understanding of cancer highlights how long humans have grappled with this complex illness, shaping perceptions that persist today.

The Origin of the word cancer is coined by the famous Greek physician called Hippocrates (460-370 BC). Hippocrates used the word carcinos and carcinomas for ulcer and non ulcer forming cancer.

These are the different terms for cancer in ancient text

• In Sanskrit its called “Arbudha” meaning the growth of tumors
• In ancient Greece its called karkinos
• In Chinese texts refers cancers as “luò” (瘤) meaning lump
• In Egyptian texts, there is no known term for cancer but it is marked as an incurable disease
• In ancient Tamil it is written as “Purru noy”

Cancer is often portrayed as a scary and incurable disease in ancient and medieval texts. If we look at our modern medical science, cancer is classified as one among incurable disease. Cancer doesn’t have a universal cure , only way for the cancer treatment is by surgical removal or by burning it by chemo or radiation therapy.

So, lets dive into the facts about cancer, what is cancer? Cancer is a disease which is characterized by the uncontrollable cell division, it will eventually spread into other parts of the body. When uncontrollable cell division occurs they generate cells which are distorted and decayed. These abnormal cells can form  tumors and these tumors can invade other tissue by blood or lymph system. Cancer can affect almost all part of the body.

Here are some common sites:

1. Breast: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.
2. Lungs: Lung cancer is often associated with smoking but can also occur in non-smokers.
3. Prostate: Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men.
4. Colon and Rectum: Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine and rectum.
5. Skin: Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, is prevalent.
6. Blood: Blood cancers include leukemia and lymphoma.
7. Liver: Liver cancer can arise from chronic liver disease or hepatitis.
8. Pancreas: Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage.
9. Kidneys: Kidney cancer, or renal cell carcinoma, can occur in both kidneys.
10. Brain and Spinal Cord: Brain tumors can be primary (originating in the brain) or secondary (metastatic from another site).
11. Thyroid: Thyroid cancer affects the gland that regulates metabolism.
12. Bladder: Bladder cancer typically starts in the cells lining the bladder.

What causes cancer?

The cancer is formed as the result of genetic mutation and some external agents. These external agents are referred as physical, chemical or biological carcinogens.

• Genetic factors

Inherited DNA from the parents can induce cancer into the successor’s body and can get activated at any time of life

• Physical carcinogens

Ultraviolet and ionizing radiation can damage DNA and cause mutations.

• Chemical carcinogens

Chemicals in tobacco smoke, asbestos, alcohol, aflatoxin, and arsenic can damage DNA and cause mutations.

• Biological carcinogens

Infections from certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause cancer. Some examples include:

• • Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV virus can cause cancer in Cervical, anal, penile and many head and neck cancers
  • Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can result in liver cancer, a long term infection of them in the liver can cause inflammation and necessary damage that can lead to liver cancer.
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Associated with certain lymphomas and nasopharyngeal cancer.  EBV can cause changes in certain genes on the cells of affected area that will lead to cancer.
  • Helicobacter pylori: These are the virus which will lead to stomach cancer by targeting  stomach lining.

 

 

Homeopathic treatment of Cancer

Homeopathy is a method of treatment where substance which is responsible for disease will be a cure if it is given in low dose. It is a 200 year old medicinal practice authorized by Sameul Hahnemann. The purpose of homeopathy is to bring safe, gentle and permanent recovery from the diseases which is deemed as incurables. In homeopathy, every disease is caused due to the disturbance in the vital forces causing its imbalance. Cancer among all chronic disease has the most fatality rate if it is left untreated. The imbalance that manifest tumors will first appear on the general level as the imbalance progress the cancer tumor manifests at local level.

In classical homeopathy, doctors figure out which remedy to use by looking at the whole picture of a person’s symptoms. This includes physical, mental, and social aspects. They see how these parts work together.

When choosing a remedy, the homeopath tries to match the patient’s symptoms with what a specific remedy can cause in healthy people. This means homeopathy focuses on each person’s uniqueness and how their current condition can affect the treatment.

Homeopathic remedies are usually given in very small doses and less often than regular medicines. This approach helps to promote positive effects while lowering the chance of side effects.

Some homeopaths and nano scientists have noticed that there are many similarities between how modern nanoparticles are made and how traditional homeopathic remedies are produced. The methods for making homeopathic medicines were first developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the 19th century.

The process of making homeopathic medicines includes several steps:

1. Source Materials: These can come from plants, minerals, animals, or disease tissues.
2. Making Extracts: The source materials are often turned into ethanolic extracts or tinctures.
3. Grinding: The materials are ground together with lactose (a type of sugar) to create a fine powder.
4. Dilution and Agitation: The remedy is diluted in a liquid (usually a mix of ethanol and water) and shaken vigorously in glass containers. This shaking, known as succussion, is done many times.

During 19^th century, it is assumed that the repeated succussion can bring the energized particle inside  the medicine and it can resolve the underlying imbalance in the vital energy.

Recent research in integrative medicine found that homeopathic remedies, which are made from plants and metals, can contain very small particles called nanoparticles. These particles can come from the materials used to make the remedies.

Some plant extracts can also create their own silver nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can be slightly different in size and can have different effects on cancer cells in lab tests, depending on the type of plant.

In one study, these silver nanoparticles were shown to help fight melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. They worked by stopping the cancer cells from growing normally and causing them to die. This shows that the specific plants used can affect how well the nanoparticles fight cancer.

 

 

How the nanoparticle in homeopathy enables the treatment of cancer?

Nanoparticles in homeopathic remedies can help fight cancer by affecting certain genes in the body. Here’s how they might work:

Activating Protective Genes: Nanoparticles can help turn on important genes that protect against cancer. For example, genes like TP53 and BRCA1 help control how cells grow and repair damaged DNA. When these genes are active, they can help prevent tumors from forming.

Triggering Cell Death: Some nanoparticles can encourage cancer cells to die when they should not survive. They do this by activating specific genes, like BAX and Caspases, which start the process of programmed cell death. This helps remove unhealthy cancer cells from the body.

Inhibiting Cancer Genes: Nanoparticles may also help stop the action of genes that cause cancer, known as oncogenes. For example, genes like Ras and Myc can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. By blocking these genes, nanoparticles can slow down or stop tumor growth.

Boosting the Immune Response: Nanoparticles can help the immune system fight cancer better. They may activate genes that help the immune system produce signals to target and destroy cancer cells. A stronger immune response can help the body fight off cancer more effectively.

Reducing Inflammation: Some nanoparticles might help lower inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can increase the risk of cancer. By affecting genes related to inflammation, like NF-κB, nanoparticles can help reduce this risk and create a healthier environment in the body. Through these ways, nanoparticles in homeopathic remedies may support the body in fighting cancer and slowing tumor growth.

 

Homeopathic remedies have been developed over 200 years based on the work of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. At first, homeopathy became popular because it offered a gentle and holistic way to treat health issues, especially when traditional medicine was not as advanced. People liked homeopathy because it was easier to use and had fewer side effects.

However, in the 20th century, modern medicine advanced quickly, focusing on fast relief and scientific proof. This made homeopathy seem less appealing because it often does not provide immediate results. Many people began to prefer conventional treatments. The lack of scientific explanations for how homeopathy works also led to skepticism and reduced trust.

To address this skepticism, more research into homeopathy has been conducted. Recent studies have shown interesting findings about the role of nanoparticles in homeopathic remedies. These nanoparticles may enhance the effectiveness of the remedies and help them interact positively with the body. Research has suggested that nanoparticles can influence how genes work, boost the immune system, and promote healing in tissues. These new evidences will explain some of the benefits of homeopathy and improve its reputation in modern healthcare.