Types of Cancer that Respond to Escharotic Treatments

Traditionally, escharotics were used to treat all cancers of the skin as well as tumors that had ulcerated. They were also considered the treatment of choice for breast cancers, even sometimes for very large tumors that occupy nearly the entire breast.

In actual fact, the salves have been used for virtually every type of cancer, including lung and liver cancer, brain and bone tumors, cancers of the pancreas and reproductive system, and the once very common lip, ear, and nose tumors. I have even heard of escharotics being used on lymphomas. Moreover, since many of the pastes can also be taken internally, producers seem to believe that all cancers respond to the pastes.

I am not in any position to confirm or refute such claims. I am, however, aware of exaggerated marketing ploys, unsubstantiated statements, and what might best be called "panacea consciousness." It also goes without saying that, as with most cancer treatments, results are generally better when the cancer is treated earlier. Persons with advanced cases should not therefore expect the same high levels of success as achieved by those with basal cell carcinomas of the skin that are caught early and treated appropriately.

Many producers advise consumers that their pastes can or should be used internally as well as externally. Personally, I doubt that this advice is safe since most escharotics contain zinc chloride, an extremely potent chemical that, in my opinion, should never be taken internally. I believe that internal use of such products needs to be tempered by a huge amount of common sense. I also think that there are better ways to consume herbs than in escharotic paste form—even if many of the herbs used in the external products have valuable internal uses as well.

Over the years that I have been fascinated by these products, I have also had occasion to test some of them. There is considerable variation in product quality, product labeling, and product information. I think it is important that the herbs used in the pastes or salves are of excellent quality and that the literature accompanying the products is factual and thorough. There should also be someone available to whom patients can turn for supervision and support when needed.

I personally believe that enormous skill is required when using this method. I also know that the more aggressive products, besides being painful to use, can have unwanted side effects. Some of the hazards have been reported to me and posted on this site.

Table of Contents of the Introductory Section

Why I Started this Site My First Exposure to Cancer Salves
What are Cancer Salves Historic Escharotic Salves Secrecy around use of the Salves
Types of Cancer Salves Zinc Chloride Bloodroot
Responses Cure Rate Safety Comparisons with Surgery
Pros and Cons Treatment Supervision Using Salves Goldenseal

Photographs: Eschar Forming and Healed Site