Use traditional remedies to treat cancer: Naik

Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik today pitched for the use of traditional remedies to treat cancer, saying these medicines were based on "strong fundamental principles and time-tested experiences".
On a day when the world is observing Cancer Day, the Minister for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) said a scientific eye and mind was required to explore the value from the vast knowledge base of AYUSH.
"Traditional systems of medicine are based on strong fundamental principles, time-tested experiences and holistic concepts of application and not only advise the treatment of patients with drugs but also have the concept of modulating the life-style, dietary regimen, seasonal regimen and behaviour to prevent and cure the diseases," Naik said at the symposium organised to mark the World Cancer Day with the theme -- AYUSH for Cancer Care.

He asked "scientists and researchers to indulge in systematic evaluation of AYUSH remedies and practises in cancer care" and added that a scientific eye and mind was required to explore the value from the vast knowledge base of AYUSH for health care of cancer patients.
The Minister noted that AYUSH systems emphasise more on the preventive aspect of health and thus help in reducing the incidence of cancer.
"We must emphasise highlighting the solutions that do exist or can be developed from AYUSH systems to help controlling the menace of cancer and which are within our reach and resources," he said.

He said integration of AYUSH with conventional health care system was another important area to be explored to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and to prevent the recurrence and metastasis and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
"Looking at the global scenario of cancer management, it must be understood that stand alone modern medicine may not be sufficient to meet health needs of the society ailing with this dreaded disease," he said.