(NaturalNews) Guanabana is known by a variety of names -- including soursop, cherimoya, custard apple, Brazilian paw paw and graviola. However you recognize this versatile tree, one aspect is clear: guanabana provides powerful relief from a a wide scope of disease. Tackling cancer, herpes, parasites, infections and more, guanabana is an important player in the battle against ill health.

A natural, inexpensive and effective treatment for cancer -- and just about everything else

Revered for centuries in South America and Southeast Asia, the bark, leaves, root, seeds and fruit have been used to tame heart disease, asthma, liver issues and arthritis. Guanabana is also helpful for treating sleep disorders, fevers and cough. According to the article, "Guanabana--Medicinal Uses?" extracts of the plant:

• Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss.
• Protect the immune system.
• Boost energy and outlook on life.
• Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer -- including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer.
• Proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug.
• Selectively kill only cancer cells, unlike traditional chemotherapy treatments.

As far back as the 1970s, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) investigated the merits of guanabana, and discovered the stems and leaves of the tree were successful in destroying cancer cells. "Inexplicably, the results [of the NCI research] were published in an internal report and never released to the public. Since 1976, guanabana has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, but as of now, no double-blind clinical trials," reports Christopher Lane, Ph.D., in Psychology Today.

Moreover, this study found that a compound derived from the leaves of guanabana was "selectively cytotoxic for the lung (A-549), colon (HT-29), and pancreatic (PACA-2) cell lines with potencies equal to or exceeding those of Adriamycin." And research in the Journal of Natural Products discovered that extracts of guanabana demonstrated pesticidal, antimalarial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Likewise, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center states that guanabana shows anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo.

How to reap the benefits of guanabana

If you would like to enjoy the health-affirming perks of guanabana, making a tea from the leaves is a good place to start. Select 2-3 leaves (either fresh or dried) and cut into small pieces. Place in a heat-proof cup, add 1 1/2 cups boiling water, cover and steep for 30-45 minutes. Strain and sweeten to taste with stevia or raw, local honey.

*A word of caution: Excessive consumption of guanabana can lead to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Consult with a qualified practitioner before taking guanabana on a daily basis.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/graviola

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18598079

http://www.psychologytoday.com

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8946744

http://degraviola.com/guanabana

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