The benefits of the Cancer Bush

Our capsules contain the olive leaf powder, so, if you're not a tea person you can still benefit from this amazing plant.

 

One of our olive leaf capsules contains Sutherlandia (cancer bush)

Sutherlandia frutescens, commonly known as Sutherlandia, Cancer Bush, or Kankerbos, is a traditional South African medicinal plant long revered by indigenous peoples for its wide range of therapeutic properties. It’s often referred to as a “miracle plant” because of its potential to assist the body in healing itself—especially under chronic stress or illness.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of its health benefits, supported by traditional use and modern research:

🌿 1. Adaptogenic & Immune-Modulating Effects

Benefit: Helps the body cope with physical, emotional, and chemical stress
How:

• Sutherlandia supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, regulating stress hormones such as cortisol.
• It enhances the immune system’s ability to mount an appropriate response—neither overreacting (autoimmune) nor underreacting (infections).

Clinical note: This makes it helpful for people who feel "worn down," "flat," or immune-compromised, especially after long illness or emotional trauma.

🧬 2. Anti-Cancer Potential

Benefit: Traditionally used to support the body in fighting cancer
How:

• Sutherlandia contains canavanine, pinitol, and GABA, which may have anti-proliferative properties—helping slow or stop the spread of abnormal cells.
• It may support apoptosis (programmed cell death of cancer cells), though more human clinical trials are needed.

Important: While promising, Sutherlandia should not replace conventional cancer treatments but may be a supportive adjunct under medical supervision.

🦠 3. Antiviral & Antibacterial Properties

Benefit: May help protect against infections
How:

• Traditional healers have used it to treat viral illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, flu, and tuberculosis.
• Laboratory studies have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, including activity against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli.

Note: Some HIV support programs in Southern Africa include Sutherlandia as part of immune-boosting regimens (again, under clinical supervision).

😌 4. Mood & Mental Health Support

Benefit: Calms anxiety, uplifts mood, and may help with depression
How:

• Contains GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)—a neurotransmitter that promotes calm and reduces neural excitability.
• Rich in L-canavanine and pinitol, which may assist with cognitive resilience during stress.

Clinical insights: Users often report feeling more positive, emotionally grounded, and less anxious during use.

🩺 5. Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief

Benefit: Reduces chronic inflammation and joint pain
How:

• Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially those associated with arthritis and autoimmune conditions.
• Used traditionally for rheumatism, gout, and muscular discomfort.

Comparison: May act similarly to herbal NSAIDs, but without the harsh effects on the gut.

🩸 6. Blood Sugar Regulation

Benefit: Assists with blood glucose control
How:

• Contains pinitol, a compound structurally similar to insulin, which has been shown to improve glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity.

Application: Promising in managing Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, especially when combined with a low-GI diet and lifestyle changes.

🌬️ 7. Respiratory Health

Benefit: Eases symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough
How:

• Acts as a bronchodilator and expectorant, helping open airways and clear mucus.
• Traditionally brewed as a tea or inhaled as a steam remedy.

💩 8. Digestive Support

Benefit: Soothes indigestion, bloating, and gut infections
How:

• Mildly antispasmodic and anti-parasitic
• Traditionally used for stomach ulcers, gastritis, and irritable bowel symptoms

💪 9. Chronic Fatigue & Energy Boost

Benefit: Enhances physical and mental stamina
How:

• Works as a general tonic for those suffering from post-viral fatigue or general weakness
• May assist with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

🛡️ 10. Detoxification Support

Benefit: Encourages natural liver and cellular detoxification
How:

• Acts on the liver, supporting its detox pathways (especially Phase 2 liver enzymes)
• Traditionally used after illnesses, antibiotics, or chemical exposures

⚠️ Safety & Usage Notes

Property	Notes
Preparation	Commonly taken as tea, tincture, capsules, or powder
Dosage	Varies by form. A typical tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb per cup, steeped for 10–15 min
Contraindications	Avoid in pregnancy, autoimmune disorders without medical advice, or organ transplant patients
Interactions	May interact with immunosuppressive drugs or chemotherapy—consult a healthcare provider
Side effects	Rare but can include dry mouth, loose stools, or a "lifted" mood that may feel overstimulating for some

✝️ A Christian Reflection

Many South Africans see Sutherlandia not just as a plant, but as God’s provision through nature. Like Psalm 104:14 says:

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.”

Sutherlandia reminds us that in God's creation there are resources that nourish, restore, and heal. It’s a reminder that even in the bushveld, God has planted hope.

 Gourmet Butcher offers healthy products.