My Protocol
What I Actually Did
A detailed account of all 26 supplements I took — doses, timing, personal notes, and the research behind each one. Shared freely, no cost, no catch.
Important: I am not a medical professional. This is my personal experience only. Please consult your doctor before making any health decisions. Nothing here is medical advice.
The Full Protocol
Everything I Took
26 supplements — each with my personal dosing notes and the research that informed my decision to include it.
Nothing on this website is intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure any condition or disease. None of the statements have been evaluated by the FDA. Always consult with your licensed medical provider before beginning, changing or stopping any medicine or supplement.
The cornerstone
Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication used in veterinary medicine for decades. Joe Tippens brought it to public attention after his own remarkable recovery from stage 4 small cell lung cancer. I used a modified dosing schedule based on my own research, body response, and conversations with others who had tried it.
Form
Panacur C or Safe Guard granules — identical products, both made by Merck
Dose
444 mg TWICE a day (one packet of "Big Dog" Safe Guard daily)
Schedule
7 days a week, except the day before and day of cancer treatment
Timing
Taken with Hemp Dog brand CBD oil for dogs — half a dropperful with each 444 mg dose
Joe Tippens originally recommended 3 days on, 4 days off — but he has since updated his recommendation to 7 days a week, which is the schedule I followed.
Research Summary
Fenbendazole has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. A 2018 study published in Scientific Reports found that fenbendazole inhibited glucose uptake, disrupted microtubule formation, and induced apoptosis (cell death) in human cancer cell lines. Researchers noted it interfered with the GLUT transporter system that cancer cells rely on for energy. A 2021 study in Cancers further explored its ability to suppress tumor growth in colorectal cancer models. While human clinical trials are limited, the preclinical data has generated significant scientific interest.
The support
Hemp Dog Organic CBD Drops by Vital Planet
Hemp Dog Organic CBD Drops by Vital Planet is a full-spectrum hemp CBD oil formulated for dogs. I took it alongside each dose of fenbendazole. CBD has been studied for its potential to support the endocannabinoid system, reduce inflammation, and complement other compounds in a cancer protocol.
Form
Hemp Dog Organic CBD Drops by Vital Planet
Dose
1/2 to 1 dropperful with each 444 mg dose of fenbendazole
Schedule
Daily
Timing
Twice a day, once in the AM, once in the PM
I took this specifically alongside each fenbendazole dose. The combination of fenbendazole and CBD was part of the original Joe Tippens protocol and is what I followed. Pet CBD and human CBD oils are sourced from the same batches of raw material — there is no difference in quality. The difference is usually in the price: pet oil is typically cheaper than CBD marketed for humans. NOTE: You will test positive for cannabis if you take a drug test. If you can't or don't want to take CBD oil, I would personally look for a hemp oil without THC. Some people forego the CBD altogether and take fenbendazole with a spoonful of peanut butter or coconut oil.
Research Summary
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been studied for its potential anti-tumor properties. Research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology and the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics has shown that cannabinoids can induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor cell migration, and reduce angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors) in preclinical models. CBD also interacts with the endocannabinoid system in ways that may support immune function and reduce cancer-related inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory
CuraMed® Superior Absorption Curcumin by Terry Naturally
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. I used CuraMed® by Terry Naturally, a highly bioavailable form — standard curcumin has very poor absorption, so the form you choose matters significantly.
Form
CuraMed® Superior Absorption Curcumin by Terry Naturally
Dose
One 750mg soft gel twice a day
Schedule
Daily
Timing
1 softgel AM, 1 softgel PM — with food
Standard curcumin has very poor absorption. CuraMed uses BCM-95® technology for significantly enhanced bioavailability. The difference in how I felt after switching to this form was noticeable.
Research Summary
Curcumin has been one of the most extensively studied natural compounds in cancer research. Studies published in Cancer Research, the Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Molecules have demonstrated its ability to inhibit NF-κB (a key inflammatory pathway), induce apoptosis in cancer cells, suppress tumor angiogenesis, and enhance the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy. A 2019 review in Nutrients summarized over 100 studies showing curcumin's activity against multiple cancer types including breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer.
Liver protection & support
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has been used for centuries to support liver health. During a cancer protocol that includes multiple supplements and potentially conventional treatments, protecting liver function is critical. I used a blend of milk thistle seed extract and organic milk thistle seed for comprehensive coverage.
Form
Blend of 250mg milk thistle seed extract (80% Silymarin) and 200mg organic milk thistle seed
Dose
1 to 2 capsules for every 222mg of fenbendazole — 4 to 8 capsules daily
Schedule
2 to 4 capsules twice a day, AM and PM
Timing
With food
I scaled my milk thistle dose to match my fenbendazole dose. Supporting liver function throughout the protocol felt important, especially given the load of supplements I was taking.
Research Summary
Silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, has demonstrated hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects in numerous studies. Beyond liver support, research published in Integrative Cancer Therapies and Cancer Research has shown that silymarin and its primary component silibinin can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and reduce tumor growth in prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer models. A 2016 review in Phytomedicine summarized its dual role as both a liver protectant and a potential anti-cancer agent.
+ 7 Mushrooms + 7 Prebiotics — 60 Billion Live Cultures — by Vital Planet
Vital Flora Immune Biome Probiotic
A comprehensive probiotic combining 60 billion live cultures with 7 medicinal mushrooms and 7 prebiotics. Gut health is deeply connected to immune function, and supporting the microbiome during a cancer protocol felt essential — especially when conventional treatments can disrupt it significantly.
Form
Vital Flora Immune Biome Probiotic + 7 Mushrooms + 7 Prebiotics, 60 Billion Live Cultures by Vital Planet
Dose
2 capsules in the AM, 2 capsules in the PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food or water
The addition of medicinal mushrooms to a probiotic formula was a key reason I chose this product. Mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, and lion's mane have their own documented immune-modulating properties. I've been asked many times how the Vital Flora mushroom blend compares to Paul Stamets' mushroom products — here is my honest breakdown.
Vital Flora Immune Biome Probiotic + 7 Mushrooms (Vital Planet)
What it is: A probiotic-first formula with mushrooms added as a secondary immune-support layer.
- 60 billion live cultures from multiple probiotic strains — the primary function is gut microbiome support
- 7 medicinal mushrooms included: Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Maitake, Shiitake, and Cordyceps
- 7 prebiotics to feed and sustain the probiotic cultures
- Mushroom doses are lower per mushroom since they share space in the formula with probiotics and prebiotics
- Best suited for someone who wants gut health + immune support in one capsule
- More affordable and convenient as a combined daily supplement
Paul Stamets — Host Defense® Mushroom Products
What it is: A mushroom-first line of supplements with no probiotics — pure concentrated medicinal mushroom extracts.
- Paul Stamets is one of the world's foremost mycologists and a leading researcher on medicinal mushrooms and cancer
- Host Defense MyCommunity® contains 17 mushroom species — a significantly broader spectrum than most blends
- Uses full-spectrum mycelium and fruiting body extracts — Stamets argues mycelium contains compounds not found in fruiting bodies alone
- Higher mushroom concentration per dose — no probiotic or prebiotic content diluting the formula
- Turkey Tail (PSP/PSK), Lion's Mane (hericenones/erinacines), Reishi (triterpenes/beta-glucans) are present at therapeutic-range doses
- Stamets' Turkey Tail product was used in an FDA-approved clinical trial at Bastyr University for breast cancer immune support
- Best suited for someone who wants maximum mushroom potency and takes a separate probiotic
Similarities
- Both include Turkey Tail, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Maitake, Shiitake, and Cordyceps
- Both target immune modulation through beta-glucans and polysaccharides
- Both have research supporting their use alongside conventional cancer treatment
- Neither is a pharmaceutical — both are dietary supplements
My Take
I chose Vital Flora because I wanted gut microbiome support alongside mushrooms in a single daily capsule — especially important during immunotherapy, which can disrupt the gut. If I were focused purely on mushroom potency, I would seriously consider adding Paul Stamets' Host Defense MyCommunity® as well. They are not mutually exclusive. I am not a doctor — please research both and discuss with your oncologist.
Citations & Further Reading
- Routy et al. (2018) — Science — Gut microbiome diversity significantly influences response to PD-1 immunotherapy (Keytruda).
- Standish et al. (2012) — ISRN Oncology — FDA-approved Bastyr University trial: Turkey tail mushroom (Paul Stamets' product) enhanced immune function in breast cancer patients post-chemotherapy.
- Kidd (2000) — Alternative Medicine Review — Comprehensive review of beta-glucans from medicinal mushrooms and their immune-modulating and anti-tumor properties.
- Paul Stamets — Fungi Perfecti: Mushrooms in the Fight Against Cancer — Stamets' own overview of the research behind Host Defense mushroom products and cancer immune support.
- Host Defense® by Paul Stamets — Full Product Line — MyCommunity® and individual mushroom supplements.
Research Summary
The gut microbiome plays a significant role in immune regulation and cancer outcomes. Research published in Science and Nature Medicine has shown that patients with diverse gut microbiomes respond better to immunotherapy. Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor), one of the 7 mushrooms in this formula, was the subject of an FDA-approved clinical trial for its immune-supporting properties in breast cancer patients. A 2012 study in ISRN Oncology found that PSK, a compound from turkey tail, significantly improved survival rates in gastric and colorectal cancer patients.
Immune & antioxidant support
Quercetin — Solaray Mega Quercetin™ 600mg
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many plants and foods. It has been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer properties. I used Solaray's Mega Quercetin™ formula, which combines quercetin with complementary bioflavonoids for enhanced effect.
Form
Solaray Mega Quercetin™ 600mg
Dose
2 capsules AM, 2 capsules PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
Quercetin is also known to act as a zinc ionophore — helping zinc enter cells more effectively. Since zinc itself has anti-cancer properties, this combination felt synergistic.
Research Summary
Quercetin has been studied extensively in cancer research. Studies published in Cancer Letters and Oncotarget have shown that quercetin can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and suppress tumor angiogenesis across multiple cancer types. It also acts as a zinc ionophore, facilitating zinc's entry into cells — a mechanism that has been studied in the context of antiviral and anti-cancer activity. A 2016 review in Nutrients summarized quercetin's activity against breast, lung, colon, prostate, and ovarian cancers.
A stronger, isolated compound of wormwood
Artemisinin — Double Wood™ 200mg
Artemisinin is a compound isolated from the wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It is best known as the basis for artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) used to treat malaria. Researchers have also studied its potential anti-cancer properties, particularly its ability to selectively target cancer cells that accumulate iron.
Form
Double Wood™ brand 200mg
Dose
1 capsule twice a day (400mg daily)
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
Artemisinin's proposed mechanism against cancer cells is particularly interesting — cancer cells accumulate significantly more iron than normal cells, and artemisinin reacts with iron to produce free radicals that can destroy the cell.
Research Summary
Artemisinin and its derivatives have been studied for anti-cancer activity since the 1990s. Research published in Life Sciences, Oncotarget, and Cancer Letters has shown that artemisinin induces apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and suppresses angiogenesis in cancer cell lines. Its proposed mechanism involves reaction with intracellular iron (which cancer cells accumulate in higher concentrations) to generate reactive oxygen species that damage cancer cells. A 2015 review in Pharmacology & Therapeutics summarized its activity across 55 cancer cell lines.
High-dose bedtime support
Melatonin — Superior Source® 25mg
Melatonin is best known as a sleep hormone, but at higher doses it has been studied extensively as an adjunct in cancer treatment. I used Superior Source® 25mg tablets and took multiple at once just before bed, working up to 75–100mg nightly — a dose range supported by oncology research.
Form
Superior Source® brand 25mg tablets
Dose
25mg per tablet — I took 3 to 4 at a time, just before bed, for a total of 75mg to 100mg at once
Schedule
Daily at bedtime
Timing
With water
High-dose melatonin for cancer is not the same as the low-dose melatonin sold for sleep. The doses studied in oncology research are significantly higher — typically 20mg to 100mg. I started low and worked up gradually.
Research Summary
High-dose melatonin has been studied in oncology for decades. A landmark meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pineal Research by Dr. David Blask analyzed 21 randomized trials and found that melatonin supplementation significantly reduced one-year mortality in cancer patients. Research by Dr. Paolo Lissoni in Italy demonstrated that melatonin at 20mg/day improved tumor regression and survival in patients with advanced solid tumors. Melatonin's proposed mechanisms include antioxidant activity, immune modulation, inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, and direct induction of apoptosis in cancer cells.
Liquid herbal support
Clove Tincture — House of Health
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most antioxidant-rich spices known. Its primary active compound, eugenol, has been studied for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. I used House of Health's liquid tincture for ease of dosing and absorption.
Form
House of Health brand, 1 fl oz liquid tincture
Dose
1 dropperful twice a day — 1 AM and 1 PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
Clove is one of the highest ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) foods ever measured. I used the tincture form for faster absorption compared to capsules.
Research Summary
Eugenol, the primary bioactive compound in clove, has been studied for its anti-cancer properties in multiple cell line studies. Research published in the Journal of Natural Products and Phytotherapy Research has shown that eugenol induces apoptosis, inhibits cell migration, and suppresses tumor growth in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer models. A 2014 study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention found that clove extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells and induced cell cycle arrest.
Antioxidant & glutathione precursor
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione, one of the body's most powerful antioxidants. It has been used in medicine for decades to treat acetaminophen overdose and support respiratory health. In the context of cancer, NAC has been studied for its ability to reduce oxidative stress, support detoxification, and potentially enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
Form
600mg per capsule
Dose
2 capsules daily — 1 in the AM, 1 in the PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
NAC is one of the most well-studied supplements in medicine. Its role as a glutathione precursor was the primary reason I included it — supporting the body's own antioxidant defense system felt important throughout the protocol.
⚠️ Important Distinction: NAC vs. Supplemental Glutathione
NAC helps your body produce its own glutathione naturally — and that endogenous (internally made) glutathione is beneficial and protective. This is very different from taking glutathione as a direct supplement, which I personally avoided and would caution others about. Research shows that cancer cells can hijack exogenous (pre-formed, supplemental) glutathione to shield themselves from oxidative stress — the very mechanism that immunotherapy and chemotherapy rely on to destroy tumors. Taking supplemental glutathione may effectively hand cancer cells a ready-made antioxidant shield.
NAC works differently: it provides the raw sulfur-containing building block (cysteine) that your liver uses to synthesize glutathione through its own regulated pathways. Your body produces only what it needs — it does not flood the system with pre-formed glutathione.
Citations
- Traverso et al. (2013) — Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity — High intracellular glutathione is linked to multidrug resistance in cancer including lung cancer.
- Lv et al. (2021) — Frontiers in Oncology — Tumor cells upregulate glutathione to evade ROS-based therapies; exogenous supplementation may reinforce this defense.
- Kang et al. (2019) — Nature Communications — Elevated glutathione in cancer cells promotes resistance to ferroptosis and oxidative attack.
- See also: FAQ — "Are there supplements you wouldn't take?" — My full explanation of why I avoided supplemental glutathione and GABA.
Research Summary
NAC's role in cancer research is nuanced. As a glutathione precursor, it supports the body's primary antioxidant defense system, which can be depleted during cancer treatment. Studies published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine and Oncotarget have shown NAC can reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicity and oxidative damage. Research has also shown direct anti-cancer activity in certain contexts — a 2018 study in Cell Chemical Biology found NAC inhibited cancer cell migration and metastasis by modulating redox signaling pathways.
A sulphur compound
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is an organic sulfur compound found naturally in plants, animals, and humans. It is widely used for joint health and inflammation, but has also been studied for potential anti-cancer properties. Sulfur plays a critical role in cellular detoxification and the synthesis of glutathione.
Form
House of Health brand 1000mg tablet
Dose
2 tablets daily — 1 in the AM, 1 in the PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
MSM's role in supporting sulfur metabolism and glutathione synthesis was the primary reason I included it. It also helped with inflammation and joint discomfort during treatment.
An important distinction worth understanding: your body's own natural production of glutathione is beneficial and protective — but taking glutathione as a supplement is a very different matter. Research shows that cancer cells actively hijack exogenous (supplemental) glutathione to shield themselves from oxidative stress, which is one of the key mechanisms by which immunotherapy and chemotherapy destroy tumors. MSM supports your body's internal glutathione production through natural sulfur pathways — it does not flood the system with pre-formed glutathione the way a supplement would. This distinction was critical to me. I wanted the liver-support benefit of healthy glutathione metabolism without handing cancer cells a ready-made antioxidant shield.
Sources — Supplemental Glutathione & Cancer Cell Protection
- Traverso et al. (2013) — Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity — High intracellular glutathione is associated with multidrug resistance in cancer, including lung cancer.
- Lv et al. (2021) — Frontiers in Oncology — Tumor cells upregulate glutathione synthesis to evade ROS-based cancer therapies; exogenous glutathione supplementation may reinforce this protective mechanism.
- Kang et al. (2019) — Nature Communications — Elevated glutathione in cancer cells promotes resistance to ferroptosis and helps tumors survive oxidative attack.
Research Summary
MSM has been studied for anti-cancer activity in preclinical models. Research published in Oncology Reports and the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology has shown that MSM can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and reduce tumor growth in breast, colon, and liver cancer models. A 2012 study in Oncology Reports found that MSM significantly inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells and reduced tumor size in animal models. Its mechanism is thought to involve modulation of oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways.
Immune regulation & cell differentiation
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is far more than a bone health supplement — it functions as a steroid hormone that regulates hundreds of genes, including many involved in immune function and cell growth. Low vitamin D levels have been consistently associated with higher cancer risk and worse outcomes across multiple cancer types.
Form
5000 IU softgel
Dose
4 to 5 softgels divided into AM and PM doses
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
I had my vitamin D levels tested before starting and was deficient — which is extremely common. I worked with my doctor to monitor levels throughout the protocol.
Research Summary
Vitamin D3 has been studied extensively in cancer prevention and treatment. A 2019 meta-analysis published in the BMJ analyzing 25 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced cancer mortality. Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has shown that higher vitamin D levels are associated with reduced risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Vitamin D's proposed mechanisms include promoting cell differentiation, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, and modulating immune surveillance.
Immune function & cellular repair
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, immune function, DNA synthesis, and cell division. It also works synergistically with quercetin (also in this protocol) — quercetin acts as a zinc ionophore, helping zinc enter cells where it can interfere with viral replication and potentially cancer cell metabolism.
Form
50mg capsule
Dose
1 to 2 capsules daily — in either an AM dose or split AM and PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
Daily
The quercetin + zinc combination was intentional. Quercetin helps zinc get into cells more effectively, which is why I took both together.
Research Summary
Zinc deficiency is common in cancer patients and has been associated with impaired immune function and worse outcomes. Research published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry and Cancer Epidemiology has shown that adequate zinc levels are associated with reduced cancer risk and improved immune surveillance. Studies have also shown that zinc can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. The quercetin-zinc ionophore mechanism has been studied as a potential antiviral and anti-cancer strategy.
Antioxidant & anti-cancer mineral
Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in antioxidant defense, thyroid function, and immune response. It is a component of selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidase — one of the body's primary antioxidant enzymes. Selenium has been studied extensively in cancer prevention research.
Dose
200mcg once daily, AM or PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
Selenium is one of the most studied minerals in cancer prevention. The key is not to exceed recommended doses — selenium toxicity is possible at very high doses, so I stayed at 200mcg daily.
Research Summary
The Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial, a landmark randomized controlled trial published in JAMA, found that selenium supplementation at 200mcg/day significantly reduced the incidence of prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers. Research published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention has shown that higher selenium levels are associated with reduced cancer risk. Selenium's mechanisms include antioxidant activity, immune modulation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis.
Powerful antioxidant carotenoid
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in microalgae, salmon, and shrimp. It is considered one of the most potent antioxidants in nature — estimated to be 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C and 550 times stronger than vitamin E in certain antioxidant assays. It has been studied for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Form
4mg softgel
Dose
2 softgels daily — 1 in AM, 1 in PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
Astaxanthin is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal that contains some fat improves absorption significantly.
Research Summary
Astaxanthin has been studied for anti-cancer activity in multiple preclinical models. Research published in Nutrition and Cancer, Marine Drugs, and the Journal of Natural Products has shown that astaxanthin can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and suppress tumor growth in breast, colon, prostate, and bladder cancer models. Its antioxidant activity is thought to protect DNA from oxidative damage that can initiate or promote cancer development. A 2014 review in Marine Drugs summarized its anti-cancer mechanisms across multiple cancer types.
Antimicrobial support
Colloidal Silver — Sovereign Silver® 10 PPM
Colloidal silver has been used medicinally for centuries and was a mainstream antimicrobial treatment before the advent of antibiotics. Modern research has revisited silver nanoparticles for their antimicrobial and potential anti-cancer properties. I used Sovereign Silver®, one of the most reputable brands, at 10 PPM.
Form
Sovereign Silver® brand 10 PPM Liquid Drops
Dose
1 full dropperful once daily
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
I used this conservatively — one dropperful daily. Colloidal silver should not be taken in excessive amounts. I chose Sovereign Silver for its quality and consistency.
Research Summary
Silver nanoparticles have been studied for anti-cancer activity in preclinical research. Studies published in Nanomedicine and the International Journal of Nanomedicine have shown that silver nanoparticles can induce apoptosis, generate reactive oxygen species, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation in multiple cancer cell lines. A 2016 review in Oncotarget summarized the emerging evidence for silver nanoparticles as potential anti-cancer agents. Research has also shown synergistic effects when combined with conventional chemotherapy agents.
Traditional herbal formula
Essiac Tonic — Herbs Etc, Inc
Essiac is a traditional herbal formula originally used by the Ojibwe people of Canada and popularized in the 1920s by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse (whose name, reversed, gives "Essiac"). The formula typically contains burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm, and Indian rhubarb root. It has been used by cancer patients for nearly a century.
Form
Herbs Etc, Inc brand liquid tincture
Dose
1 full dropperful twice a day — 1 in AM, 1 in PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
Essiac has a long history of use among cancer patients. While large-scale clinical trials are limited, the individual herbs in the formula have each been studied for anti-cancer and immune-supporting properties.
Research Summary
The individual herbs in Essiac have been studied for anti-cancer activity. Burdock root contains arctigenin, which has shown anti-tumor activity in studies published in Phytomedicine. Sheep sorrel contains anthraquinones and flavonoids with documented antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. A 2004 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Essiac had antioxidant activity and inhibited cancer cell growth in vitro. A 2006 review in Integrative Cancer Therapies summarized the available evidence for Essiac in cancer care.
Systemic enzyme — take on a completely empty stomach
Serrapeptase — Doctor's Best® 120,000 SPU
Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme originally derived from the silkworm intestine and now produced through fermentation. It has been used in Europe and Asia for decades as an anti-inflammatory agent. In the context of cancer, it has been studied for its ability to break down fibrin — a protein that cancer cells use to hide from the immune system.
Form
Doctor's Best® High Potency Serrapeptase 120,000 SPU
Dose
Work up to 6 capsules — start with 1 and add another every few days. This product can cause nausea so it must be added gradually. Start with a lower SPU if necessary.
Schedule
Daily
Timing
Must be taken on a completely empty stomach. I set my alarm for 3:00 AM to take it when I know my stomach is empty.
As with everything on this list, I'm only telling you what I did. This is not medical advice and I am not prescribing anything. The gradual dose increase is important — do not start at 6 capsules.
Research Summary
Serrapeptase has been studied for its ability to break down fibrin and other non-living tissue. In the context of cancer, fibrin forms a protective coating around tumor cells that can shield them from immune detection and chemotherapy. Research published in the Journal of International Medical Research and Inflammation has shown serrapeptase's anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic properties. A 2013 review in Biotechnology Research International summarized its therapeutic applications, including potential roles in cancer-related inflammation and immune evasion.
Cellular energy & NAD+ precursor
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
NMN is a naturally occurring compound and a direct precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression. NAD+ levels decline significantly with age and during illness. Restoring NAD+ through NMN supplementation has been studied for its potential to support cellular repair mechanisms and immune function.
Form
500mg capsule
Dose
1 or 2 capsules daily — 1 in the AM, 1 in the PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
NAD+ is critical for DNA repair — a process that becomes especially important when the body is fighting cancer. NMN is one of the most direct ways to support NAD+ levels.
Research Summary
NMN's role in cancer research centers on its ability to restore NAD+ levels, which are critical for DNA repair via PARP enzymes and sirtuin activation. Research published in Cell Metabolism and Nature Communications has shown that NMN supplementation restores NAD+ levels, improves mitochondrial function, and supports DNA damage repair pathways. A 2020 study in Nature Aging demonstrated that NMN supplementation was safe and effectively raised NAD+ levels in humans. While direct anti-cancer clinical trials are limited, the underlying mechanisms — DNA repair, immune modulation, and metabolic support — are well-documented.
Traditional herbal tea
Mistletoe
Mistletoe (Viscum album) has been used in European integrative oncology for decades, particularly in Germany and Switzerland where it is prescribed alongside conventional cancer treatment. It is most commonly administered by injection in clinical settings, but mistletoe tea is a gentler, accessible form that has been used traditionally for immune support.
Form
Tea
Dose
1 to 2 cups of hot tea daily, or as desired
Schedule
As desired
Timing
Anytime
Mistletoe tea is a gentle, accessible way to incorporate this herb. The injectable form (Iscador, Helixor) is used in European oncology clinics and has been studied in clinical trials — the tea is a milder version of the same plant.
Research Summary
Mistletoe extract (Viscum album) is one of the most studied complementary cancer therapies in Europe. A 2020 systematic review published in Integrative Cancer Therapies analyzed over 30 clinical studies and found that mistletoe extract significantly improved quality of life, reduced chemotherapy side effects, and showed potential survival benefits in several cancer types. The active compounds — lectins and viscotoxins — have demonstrated immune-stimulating and apoptosis-inducing effects in laboratory studies. Research published in the European Journal of Cancer and Phytomedicine has documented its activity across breast, colorectal, and lung cancers.
Amygdalin (Vitamin B17) source
Apricot Kernels
Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, a naturally occurring compound also known as Vitamin B17 or Laetrile. It has been used in alternative cancer protocols for decades and remains one of the most controversial yet widely discussed natural compounds in cancer research. I included it in small, careful doses as part of my broader protocol.
Form
Seeds or kernels — also available in capsule form
Dose
3 to 5 kernels daily
Schedule
Chew 1 or 2 kernels at a time, throughout the day — or as directed on the bottle of capsules
Timing
With food
Apricot kernels contain small amounts of cyanogenic compounds and should not be taken in large quantities. I kept my dose conservative — 3 to 5 kernels daily, always with food. This is not a recommendation to take high doses. Please research this carefully and discuss with your doctor.
Research Summary
Amygdalin (Laetrile/Vitamin B17) has been studied since the 1950s as a potential anti-cancer compound. The proposed mechanism involves the release of hydrogen cyanide selectively in cancer cells, which lack the enzyme rhodanese that normal cells use to neutralize it. While large-scale clinical trials have not confirmed efficacy, preclinical research published in Cancer Letters and the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research has shown that amygdalin can induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell proliferation in certain cancer cell lines. Its use remains controversial and it is not FDA-approved as a cancer treatment.
Graviola herbal tea
Soursop
Soursop (Annona muricata), also known as Graviola, is a tropical fruit whose leaves have been studied extensively for anti-cancer properties. The leaves contain acetogenins — a class of compounds that have shown potent activity against cancer cells in laboratory research. I took it as a tea, and it can be blended with mistletoe for a combined brew.
Form
Tea
Dose
1 to 2 cups of hot tea daily
Schedule
As desired
Timing
Anytime — can be mixed with Mistletoe tea to make a blend of both
I often blended soursop and mistletoe teas together. Both are gentle, pleasant-tasting teas that are easy to incorporate daily. The combination felt like a natural pairing given their overlapping immune-supporting properties.
Research Summary
Soursop leaf extract has been one of the more intensively studied natural compounds in cancer research over the past two decades. Acetogenins isolated from Annona muricata have demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells in numerous studies. Research published in the Journal of Natural Products, Cancer Letters, and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has shown that soursop acetogenins can inhibit Complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in cancer cells — a mechanism that selectively targets cells with high energy demands like cancer cells. A 2011 review in the Journal of Medicinal Food summarized activity across breast, prostate, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancer cell lines.
Liquid herbal tincture
Hyssop — Herbs Etc., Inc
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an aromatic herb with a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine. It contains several bioactive compounds including rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and terpenoids that have been studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. I used the liquid tincture form by Herbs Etc., Inc for ease of dosing.
Form
Liquid tincture — Herbs Etc., Inc brand
Dose
1 dropperful twice a day — 1 in the AM, 1 in the PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
Hyssop has been used medicinally for thousands of years and is referenced in ancient texts including the Bible. Its modern research is still emerging, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties made it a natural fit for this protocol.
Research Summary
Hyssop contains rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and several flavonoids that have been studied for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Food Chemistry has shown that hyssop extracts exhibit significant antioxidant activity and can inhibit inflammatory pathways relevant to cancer progression. Ursolic acid, one of hyssop's key compounds, has been studied extensively for anti-cancer activity — a 2012 review in Molecules summarized its ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor angiogenesis, and suppress metastasis across multiple cancer types.
Liquid herbal tincture
Montana YewTip® Tincture
Montana YewTip® is a liquid tincture made from the tips of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia). The Pacific yew is the original source of Taxol (paclitaxel), one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs in the world. YewTip tincture is a whole-plant, low-dose herbal form of the same botanical source, used by some as a gentler complementary approach.
Form
Liquid tincture
Dose
1/2 dropperful twice a day — 1 in the AM, 1 in the PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
The Pacific yew tree is the original botanical source of Taxol (paclitaxel), one of the most important chemotherapy drugs ever developed. YewTip tincture is a whole-plant herbal preparation — not a pharmaceutical — but the botanical connection is significant and worth discussing with your oncologist.
Research Summary
Taxol (paclitaxel), derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia), is one of the most successful anti-cancer drugs ever developed. It works by stabilizing microtubules and preventing cancer cell division. The discovery of Taxol, documented in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and Cancer Research, revolutionized the treatment of breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. While YewTip tincture is a whole-plant herbal preparation rather than a pharmaceutical, it contains taxane compounds from the same botanical source. Research on yew-derived compounds continues to be published in journals including the Journal of Natural Products and Phytochemistry.
Frankincense in tablet form — 450mg
Boswellia
Boswellia serrata, commonly known as frankincense, is a resin extracted from the Boswellia tree and has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for thousands of years. Its primary active compounds — boswellic acids, particularly AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) — have been studied extensively for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Form
Frankincense in tablet form — 450mg
Dose
1 tablet once or twice a day
Schedule
Daily
Timing
Take with food — this can cause nausea on an empty stomach, so use caution
Boswellia is one of the most well-researched natural anti-inflammatories. AKBA, its most active compound, has shown particularly strong activity against cancer cells in laboratory studies. Always take with food to avoid nausea.
Research Summary
Boswellic acids, particularly AKBA, have been studied extensively for anti-cancer activity. Research published in Cancer Research, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, and the International Journal of Oncology has shown that AKBA inhibits 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), a key inflammatory enzyme involved in tumor growth, and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. A 2011 study in Cancer Research found that AKBA significantly inhibited tumor growth in colorectal cancer models. Clinical research has also shown Boswellia's potential in brain tumor patients — a 2011 randomized trial published in the British Journal of Cancer found that Boswellia extract significantly reduced cerebral edema in patients with brain tumors.
Metabolic & anti-cancer support — 1200mg
Berberine
Berberine is a bioactive compound extracted from several plants including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. In modern research, berberine has emerged as one of the most studied natural compounds for metabolic health — and increasingly, for its potential anti-cancer properties.
Form
Tablet or capsule — 1200mg
Dose
Twice a day — 1 in the AM, 1 in the PM
Schedule
Daily
Timing
With food
Berberine is sometimes called "nature's metformin" because it activates AMPK — the same metabolic pathway targeted by the diabetes drug metformin, which has itself been studied for cancer prevention. The combination of metabolic and direct anti-cancer effects made it a compelling addition to the protocol.
Research Summary
Berberine has been studied extensively for anti-cancer activity. Research published in Cancer Letters, Oncotarget, and the European Journal of Pharmacology has shown that berberine activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), inhibits mTOR signaling, induces apoptosis, and suppresses tumor cell proliferation across multiple cancer types including breast, colon, lung, and prostate. A 2015 review in the American Journal of Translational Research summarized berberine's activity across more than 40 cancer cell lines. Its ability to disrupt cancer cell metabolism — particularly glucose uptake — makes it mechanistically relevant alongside fenbendazole in a protocol targeting cancer cell energy pathways.
A Few Things I Want You to Know
Tell your doctors
While I didn't inform my doctors about the fenbendazole protocol, I really wish I had! I encourage you to always inform your medical providers about everything you are contemplating, about everything you're doing. I didn't tell my doctors because I was afraid they would laugh at me or kick me out of the office or even refuse to continue to see me. By keeping these adjuncts to myself I may have prevented others from benefitting sooner and this absolutely haunts me. So please...share everything with your medical team for continued, regular monitoring throughout. It's the safest thing for you and the best thing you can do to, perhaps, help others.
Results take time
I didn't see changes overnight. I committed to the protocol for months and tracked everything carefully. Patience was part of it.
This is not a cure
I'm not claiming this cured me. I'm sharing what I did. What happened in my body is my story — yours may be different.
You deserve hope
Whatever you decide, I hope this gives you something to research, to ask your doctor about, and to feel a little less alone in.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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