Black Balm: A Cure For Skin Cancer?

Bloodroot is the main ingredient in black balm. We tell you more about this ointment which could be an alternative treatment for skin cancer.

In desperation, a person with skin cancer may resort to alternative treatments, which in some cases are dangerous and have side effects. Black balm is one of them. It is an alternative medicine which causes severe problems on the dermis.

In the hope of destroying moles or malignant tumors to fight cancerous skin cells, some people use the corrosive black balm. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorically recommends that it not be used.

To date,  there is no scientific evidence to show that black balm is effective in treating skin cancer. Find out more about this ointment, its possible effects and why it is not a cure for cancer.

What is black balm?

This balm has a texture similar to an herbal paste or poultice. Its main ingredient is a plant called Sanguinaria canadensis ,  native to North America. It is also known as the red or bloodroot root .

In addition, it is generally prepared with zinc chloride. These two components are corrosive substances. Black ointment has the potential to destroy the skin which, in addition to causing pain, leaves a thick scar in its wake.

Why is it not a treatment for cancer?

Considering the results obtained by people who have used this product as well as the lack of scientific evidence on the properties of black balm against cancer,  this is more than enough to avoid its use.

In addition, some research supports that black balm is not a recommendable treatment for any type of cancer. It does contain tissue toxicity to which malignant cells are to some extent resistant.

Despite the warnings, this product can be purchased on the internet. Under a misleading offer, it is sold as a solution to cure cancer, reduce excess fluid, strengthen the structure of enzymes, and improve oxygen flow to the brain. However, none of these purported benefits have any basis at this time.

Possible harm from black balm

Today, several countries prohibit its sale on the market as an alternative treatment to fight cancer. In the case of the FDA, they classify it as a bogus remedy to be avoided.

Black balm cannot be applied in the hopes of eradicating only cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. He effectively cannot distinguish healthy tissue from diseased tissue. This then results in the death of the area, also known as necrosis .

In addition, it is possible to suffer from other side effects like scarring, disfigurement and infection. Black balm has no effect against metastatic cancer. It is completely ineffective and even promotes its spread to other parts of the body.

Fear of surgery could be the main reason people turn to this alternative drug, according to research from the University of Utah. However, patients who applied black balm now need cosmetic surgery to remedy the deformity caused by the ointment.

Prevention and recommendations for black balm

Black balm is not the only one to avoid when suffering from skin cancer. Other natural products could also be counterproductive.

This is because if a patient is receiving chemotherapy treatment,  consuming St. John’s Wort or vitamins A and C can cause serious side effects. This is reported by the same research carried out by the University of Utah.

On the other hand, she also suggests using caution with ingesting mistletoe. Although this herb is known for its immune- boosting properties , in reality it reacts differently to melanoma.

Even if this seems logical, we remind you that it is not recommended to use natural supplements or vitamins apart from the doctor’s prescriptions. 

Although the idea is to strengthen the body in its fight against cancer. People who suffer from an oncologic pathology of the skin ingest specific treatments which can lead to adverse interactions.

Some recommendations on natural adjuvant treatments …

It is totally understandable that the patient or their family members would want to do everything possible to be cured of skin cancer. If an alternative treatment is being considered to treat the disease, the following procedure is recommended:

• The first thing to do before consuming any substance  is to visit a dermatologist.
• It is imperative to ask the specialist for any concerns about treatments, biopsy, or other options.
• Even though it starts with the best of feelings,  alternative drugs often lack evidence and foundation. It is therefore necessary to obtain information from a specialist or from scientific studies.
• The dermatologist will probably ask you,  but be sure to let them know if you are taking any mineral supplements, herbal remedies, vitamins, or any other substance. This can cause serious side effects.
• Avoid falling into the trap of advertising or deceptive treatment. Most of them have one thing in common: they often claim to provide a miracle, almost magical cure.

Black balm against skin cancer: what to remember?

There is no doubt that skin cancer is a disease that needs treatment. Sometimes alternative drugs are used as a last resort, as a desperate measure. However, they are often counterproductive and cause the disease to progress more quickly.

It is therefore preferable to confide in certified specialists. They are the only ones that have the ability to diagnose and recommend the right, scientifically proven treatment to fight skin cancer.

Finally, the use of black balm represents a serious error. Doctors do not prescribe it because it seriously lacks scientific basis and is ineffective. Applying the ointment to the skin can actually cause pain as well as severe disfigurement.