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Page 99
nally, and externally for nerve trauma. A specific for postoperative brain tumor surgery, it helps in three different ways:
1. It promotes healing from trauma and inflammation.
2. It helps with postoperative depression.
3. It acts as an inhibitor of neoplastic activity.
Hypericin, a constituent of Hypericum, possesses pronounced antiviral and antineoplastic activity. Many cancers involve a vital component in their initiation and promotion. Hypericin may be active against some of these cancers, including many forms of brain cancer. Hypericin will inhibit one form of leukemia that often occurs after radiation therapy.
Although hypericin can cause mild photosensitivity in high doses, its beneficial effects are light-dependent. It has been shown to inhibit protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase, both of which are important enzyme receptors involved in cancer-cell division. 3,4
Besides the value of its components, hypericin and pseudohypericin, St. John's wort is also one of nature's richest sources of flavonoids, including quercetin.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Gotu kola, native to India, is a popular medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine, the herbal tradition that has been practiced for centuries in India. Used for healing many skin afflictions, including leprosy, burns, eczema, psoriasis, and leg ulcers, gotu kola is also used to enhance mental concentration. It has a great ability to relax the brain, particularly when it is on overdrive and cannot focus efficiently. Many people, when told they have cancer, find it difficult to concentrate, in part because of the anxiety and fear associated with the disease, and also as a result of the many treatments and choices that are involved with having this illness.
Gotu kola is also used to treat mental retardation and many connective tissue diseases including lupus, scleroderma, cellulite, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, keloids, chronic urinary tract infections, as well as to aid in wound healing. The primary components in gotu kola are triterpenoids. Other constituents are various essential oils, fatty acids, sterols, and various polyactylene compounds. I believe this is one of the best herbs for people with

 
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