Jilly, Hard to tell if its PS by the pics but it certainly bears some resemblance. The 10 cm height ( ~ 3 inches) seems short but, you’re right, some PS does have dwarf genes. I’ve grown a few that never got more than 5 inches full grown. As for the red/purple stem, that tends to be more evident on mature plants and I don’t know how old yours are. The genus name for petty spurge is Euphorbia Peplus. This page has pictures of the Israeli variety which is probably local to you. It seems to flourish there: http://flora.huji.ac.il/browse.asp?action=specie&specie=EUPPEP&fileid=6795
All varieties of spurge/milkweed produce milky sap and all of it is caustic on your skin. However, only petty spurge has the specific chemotherapeutic properties against skin cancer, we know that for sure. In your case, it looks like it nuked the nodule pretty well and excavated down into the dermis, which is consistent with the action of PS as I’ve experienced it. By the way I never got pain or any particular response until the third day. The first day it just acted like I had squeezed some inert milky substance on it which produced no reaction. Certainly by day 3 I saw major combat going on. PS does not "burn" away the cancer, it induces the cancer cells to destroy themselves, so its a messy process.
I’ve always seen no downside in stopping treatment, letting it heal up, then evaluating results. It’s *really* hard to tell what you’ve got until you do that as the caustic properties of PS may continue to cause inflammation and keep the wound open as long as you keep relentlessly applying it. This may create the impression there’s still active BCC present, when actually what you’re seeing is reaction to the caustic action of the PS. After it heals up a little, the use of orange oil as mentioned by others is a good test to see if any residual BCC remains. If it turns out there are still some hot spots -- as was my experience -- you can always hit it with another round as a mop up action. It seems to function just as well the second time around.
Hi Waverider, thanks for your input. The plants are only a few weeks old, most of the year its dry here and the gardner comes every few months and cleans up the building area so there is never really any growth except in winter. Its quite extraordinary if it is PS as I did try to look far and wide here though Herbalists and Nurseries to no avail, and voila, its right under my nose. I will post more photos today. The scab is now off and I can see that it did exactly as you say, nodule is gone and it looks as if it stopped at the dermis. I can see the remnants of the tumor below as one white mass probably 4mm in diameter (not scar tissue) so I will need to reapply. I will start next week once the skin is a bit more healed. I thought that might be the case as when the first scab fell off I did not see a "pit". Will keep posting photos Thanks again for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it.
quote:Originally posted by waverider
Jilly, Hard to tell if its PS by the pics but it certainly bears some resemblance. The 10 cm height ( ~ 3 inches) seems short but, you’re right, some PS does have dwarf genes. I’ve grown a few that never got more than 5 inches full grown. As for the red/purple stem, that tends to be more evident on mature plants and I don’t know how old yours are. The genus name for petty spurge is Euphorbia Peplus. This page has pictures of the Israeli variety which is probably local to you. It seems to flourish there: http://flora.huji.ac.il/browse.asp?action=specie&specie=EUPPEP&fileid=6795
All varieties of spurge/milkweed produce milky sap and all of it is caustic on your skin. However, only petty spurge has the specific chemotherapeutic properties against skin cancer, we know that for sure. In your case, it looks like it nuked the nodule pretty well and excavated down into the dermis, which is consistent with the action of PS as I’ve experienced it. By the way I never got pain or any particular response until the third day. The first day it just acted like I had squeezed some inert milky substance on it which produced no reaction. Certainly by day 3 I saw major combat going on. PS does not "burn" away the cancer, it induces the cancer cells to destroy themselves, so its a messy process.
I’ve always seen no downside in stopping treatment, letting it heal up, then evaluating results. It’s *really* hard to tell what you’ve got until you do that as the caustic properties of PS may continue to cause inflammation and keep the wound open as long as you keep relentlessly applying it. This may create the impression there’s still active BCC present, when actually what you’re seeing is reaction to the caustic action of the PS. After it heals up a little, the use of orange oil as mentioned by others is a good test to see if any residual BCC remains. If it turns out there are still some hot spots -- as was my experience -- you can always hit it with another round as a mop up action. It seems to function just as well the second time around.
Following on from my plant verification thread, im posting some much clearer photos of what I think is PS. I'm also posting days five and six (no treatment since day three)
Looks like a pretty close match with this: http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/pettyspurge.html Amazing to have them in your own backyard, so to speak. They look very sap-worthy. You should go into the seed business. Remember to wash your hands after even handling these plants like that as they exude sap residue without even cutting them. Definitely don't rub your eyes accidentally afterwards, like I did.
Yup truly amazing, there just happen to be loads, though it will no doubt be short lived. I may have to dig some up and try to replant in a planter box in my apartment before the gardner comes to clean it all up. I did get a confirmation today from a botanist dr. from the link you posted so thanks for that. Serendipity, Gods will, plain ole good luck, it seems my meeting with PS was meant to be. I didn't include this in the original post but in between going to the dermo and MOHS dr's I also had the good fortune to consult with a Dermo/Surgeon from OZ who just happened to be holidaying in Israel...after doing some due diligence before meeting him it turns out that he ran some of the trials for Peplin before it was bought and was the FDA liaison. Small world really.
quote:Originally posted by waverider
Looks like a pretty close match with this: http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/pettyspurge.html Amazing to have them in your own backyard, so to speak. They look very sap-worthy. You should go into the seed business. Remember to wash your hands after even handling these plants like that as they exude sap residue without even cutting them. Definitely don't rub your eyes accidentally afterwards, like I did.
Hello Jill, I had a similar experience wth finding PS growing in the back yard. Since becoming more experienced with recognising the plant I have been amazed to find that the plant is available virtually all year round. In the hotter months if u look for the more sheltered locations with a little more water u may find the plant growing locally even in the off season. regards David
Hi there, yes I have found it in other places, actually little forests of it, pic to follow. I just wish I could somehow send it to other people who need it. I just started the 3rd application to the same spot and hope this will get to the root of it. One thing is certain it DEFINITELY works, no doubt. Interestingly I stumbled across this today,
The price tag is ridiculous but I wonder how effective it is.
Cheers,
Jilly
quote:Originally posted by BigD
Hello Jill, I had a similar experience wth finding PS growing in the back yard. Since becoming more experienced with recognising the plant I have been amazed to find that the plant is available virtually all year round. In the hotter months if u look for the more sheltered locations with a little more water u may find the plant growing locally even in the off season. regards David
Those prices are downright criminal, especially considering the Euphorbia Peplus. I found some growing wild around a house here in downtown Seattle, though would not have know it was the correct one unless I had grown it first from seeds from Beautanicals.
Jilly- When you say you are starting your third application do you mean of your second treatment round or is this actually a third round of treating the same spot? I had to delay re-treatment as I got sick and didn't want to treat when my immunity was low. I am wondering how your retreatment has been going,how many applications you did the second time around and how you are determining the need to treat a third time (if this is your third round) Thanks and wishing you all the best with your treatment!
Yes I meant my 3rd round. Each round I waited until the skin healed enough before starting, that is now open wound or scabbing. I kept retreating because even though the external part of the tumor fell off, it is still there underneath the skin. I can see it, its white and is directly under where the external part fell off. My skin is now healed again and I see that unfortunately it is still there. I was told that there are three types of carcinomas that require MOHS, where nothing will work. The Dr. who told me this happened to run part of the Australian trials of Peplin. As I haven't had a biopsy yet of the tumor I don't know for sure which one i have. I just know its still there underneath. I did the applications once a day for three days. I tried this last 3rd time to sleep with it one night. I stop usually when I see the area become extremely inflamed. (immune response maybe) I'll post photos tomorrow. Hope that answers your questions.
quote:Originally posted by BBirdz
Jilly- When you say you are starting your third application do you mean of your second treatment round or is this actually a third round of treating the same spot? I had to delay re-treatment as I got sick and didn't want to treat when my immunity was low. I am wondering how your retreatment has been going,how many applications you did the second time around and how you are determining the need to treat a third time (if this is your third round) Thanks and wishing you all the best with your treatment!
Jilly-Thanks for clarifying. Did the doctor you met tell you anything about how to use the PS? When I used the sap I covered it with a bandaid so a scab wouldn't form which I don't think they did in the peplin trials. I did have an open pit form where the nodule had been but by the next morning it had filled in with white. I wonder now if that was the core of the cancer I was seeing. Do you know the names of the types of cancer that don't respond? I thought they were mostly testing it on superficial basal cell. The one I have is most likely nodular.
quote:Originally posted by Jilly
Hi there,
Yes I meant my 3rd round. Each round I waited until the skin healed enough before starting, that is now open wound or scabbing. I kept retreating because even though the external part of the tumor fell off, it is still there underneath the skin. I can see it, its white and is directly under where the external part fell off. My skin is now healed again and I see that unfortunately it is still there. I was told that there are three types of carcinomas that require MOHS, where nothing will work. The Dr. who told me this happened to run part of the Australian trials of Peplin. As I haven't had a biopsy yet of the tumor I don't know for sure which one i have. I just know its still there underneath. I did the applications once a day for three days. I tried this last 3rd time to sleep with it one night. I stop usually when I see the area become extremely inflamed. (immune response maybe) I'll post photos tomorrow. Hope that answers your questions.
quote:Originally posted by BBirdz
Jilly- When you say you are starting your third application do you mean of your second treatment round or is this actually a third round of treating the same spot? I had to delay re-treatment as I got sick and didn't want to treat when my immunity was low. I am wondering how your retreatment has been going,how many applications you did the second time around and how you are determining the need to treat a third time (if this is your third round) Thanks and wishing you all the best with your treatment!
No unfortunately he didn't and in fact he said that while the trials were successful he wouldn't recommend that I go pluck a plant and use the sap. I did not cover with a bandaid but maybe I should have. My scab formed immediately upon application and I too most likely had a nodular BCC. I do have the three types written down somewhere so I'll try to find them and post in addition to the photo of my current state. Cheers.
quote:Originally posted by BBirdz
Jilly-Thanks for clarifying. Did the doctor you met tell you anything about how to use the PS? When I used the sap I covered it with a bandaid so a scab wouldn't form which I don't think they did in the peplin trials. I did have an open pit form where the nodule had been but by the next morning it had filled in with white. I wonder now if that was the core of the cancer I was seeing. Do you know the names of the types of cancer that don't respond? I thought they were mostly testing it on superficial basal cell. The one I have is most likely nodular.
quote:Originally posted by Jilly
Hi there,
Yes I meant my 3rd round. Each round I waited until the skin healed enough before starting, that is now open wound or scabbing. I kept retreating because even though the external part of the tumor fell off, it is still there underneath the skin. I can see it, its white and is directly under where the external part fell off. My skin is now healed again and I see that unfortunately it is still there. I was told that there are three types of carcinomas that require MOHS, where nothing will work. The Dr. who told me this happened to run part of the Australian trials of Peplin. As I haven't had a biopsy yet of the tumor I don't know for sure which one i have. I just know its still there underneath. I did the applications once a day for three days. I tried this last 3rd time to sleep with it one night. I stop usually when I see the area become extremely inflamed. (immune response maybe) I'll post photos tomorrow. Hope that answers your questions.
quote:Originally posted by BBirdz
Jilly- When you say you are starting your third application do you mean of your second treatment round or is this actually a third round of treating the same spot? I had to delay re-treatment as I got sick and didn't want to treat when my immunity was low. I am wondering how your retreatment has been going,how many applications you did the second time around and how you are determining the need to treat a third time (if this is your third round) Thanks and wishing you all the best with your treatment!
News flash!!! LEO Pharma which acquired Peplin Biotech several months ago has just obtained FDA approval to market a new product called Picato. The active ingredient in this product is Ingenol Mebutate which is the same ingredient found in the sap of the petty spurge weed. The product should be out by late March. Unfortunately, they only got approval of the product as a quick and effective treatment for actinic keratosis and not for superficial basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers for which we all know petty spurge successfully treats as well. Picato comes in two strengths 0.015% Ingenol Mebutate for facial application and 0.05% for other body areas. Time will tell to see if any brave dermatologists will write prescriptions for the higher strength Picato and tell their patients to try it on their facial basal or squamous cell cancers. At the very least the FDA approval is a start and it validates the effectiveness that most people in this forum (including myself) have experienced using the sap from the Petty Spurge weed. Here is the link to the announcement:
Thanks to this forum and especially the entries by SoFl and Waverider for giving me the courage and knowledge to try the sap from the Petty Spurge weed which I serendipitously had been removing from my back yard the day before I discovered the forum. Fortunately, I had not removed all of it and am now treating it like the gold that it is. Starting in March of 2011, I successfully treated both a diagnosed basal cell carcinoma on my forehead and a squamous cell carcinoma on my scalp both of which my doctor wanted to remove via MOHS surgery. Had I had the MOHS surgery on my forehead, it would have easily left a scar the size of a US quarter. Within 4 months of using the petty spurge sap (1 application daily for 3 days on my forehead and 1 application daily for 5 days on my scalp), you could not tell there was ever any cancer. The skin erupted pretty violently in both locations, but now looks and feels completely normal.
That's good news. I wonder, however, why indications for this useful, naturally-occurring substance are being limited only to AK -- and not extended to BCC? I have grown cynical enough to wonder if the dermatologist industry will embrace a natural product which could put a huge hit on profitable cash cows like Mohs, etc.
It will be interesting to discover, also, what the cost of an Rx will be for this less-potent, big-pharma version. Given that most anyone can obtain unlimited, full-strength amounts at home from a 3-buck bag of seeds!
I began growing PS about 3-4 weeks ago, and they now look like this (about 2-3" each). They are getting longer every day, but some of them are starting to fade/dry, and they look like sprouts rather than developing a proper stem. They seem to be growing higher but not deepening their roots, and I am not sure if that's normal, or maybe my soil is too tight and they grow outwards (?)
I wonder if that how it looked when you start growing yours? Any advise is welcomed.
I just want to post a message on this site in acknowledgement that if it weren't for this site my face would be a subject to a horror film. I ordered my seeds (Radium Weed) from Australia to treat my bcc on my nose and right temple and they were spreading fast. THANK GOD for these little miracle plants. Took about 4 months for the little fellers to sprout and produce sap. I want to thank you all for your postings and providing me with comfort in knowing that I wasn't alone in this path down fright night. Clear as a babies butt now. God Bless Jack from Georgia
Well I just got back from my Dermo who examined my BCC post PS applications and while she said it is still important to do a biopsy (punch) she did say that it looked like the only thing remaining was a scar. Not counting my chickens before they hatch but I was pleased. Meanwhile the MOHS surgeon (I delayed the biopsy/surgery until May 1st) will only give me a biopsy of the area on the day of the surgery. (that one was with private insurance)
I am posting current photos now. I am contemplating doing one last treatment now that the area is recovered to see the reaction.
Also decided to harvest the MASSIVE forest of PS that exists all over here. Anybody have any experience with making tinctures and collecting seeds?
I am new here to this website. I have found an incredible amount of information since I began reading about a week ago. I posted a question over on the Vit. C board yesterday. Anyway, I have a potentially diagnosed SCC on my forehead. My alternative care doc said that's what she thinks it is and she made me an appt. with a dermotologist for March 27. I am not much one for doctors (not "regular" ones anyway) and so I already was not sure I wanted to do that. After reading all of these posts here, I am now sure that I do not want to go that route.
So, I am definitely sold on Petty Spurge. I have contacted my local County Extension office about locating this plant here in Alabama, but did not get a reply back yet. I am currently treating the SCC with vit c powder and aloe vera gel. The scab came off last night and I retreated again last night and this morning. I am not really sure what to do at this point. It has kind of dried over again, swollen and red around the perimeter. Today is day 4 of treatment. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Jilly, your lip looks very nice. Looks like Petty did a good job, and that is a good report from the doc. Hope it all continues to go well. In reading through this entire thread, I did notice that SoFl did a lot of talking about collecting the seeds, etc., of the plants. Also Irene. I think they both mentioned that the seeds fall very far away from the plant as the pods project them out. I think it was SoFl that mentioned that he crawls around on his hands and knees collecting them. Maybe you can read back and find their postings to get more detail.
Also, Jilly, I am wondering if you would be interested in mailing me some seeds. I'd be glad to pay you, and especially for shipping. I live in Alabama. As I mentioned, I am hoping to find the plant here because I want to go ahead and possibly retreat the area that I have been treating with vit. c powder. However, I want to plant my own plants and get them going. Then I'll be able to share as well.
Thanks so much to everyone who has posted here and shared your lives and your stories.
I too read far and wide and I must say that out of all I was drawn most to PS, mainly because of the Australian scientist who set out to commercialize the enzyme and then sold the company for millions. This for me was validation plus meeting one of the Dr.s who ran the trial in OZ who emphatically said it does work for non-melanomas.
Over here there are literally forests of PS everywhere so I just pick the plants right out of the ground and take them home. I'd be happy to send you seeds, Im assuming the seeds are the little ones to the left and that they fall out of the PODS. I wasn't actually able to find any photos on the internet, just of the pods. You can email me at jillyrubenstein (at) gmail (dot) com
I would definitely try alternatives first, but keep your appointment with the Dermo in order to verify which type it is.
Cheers,
Jilly
quote:Originally posted by busymom
Hi All,
I am new here to this website. I have found an incredible amount of information since I began reading about a week ago. I posted a question over on the Vit. C board yesterday. Anyway, I have a potentially diagnosed SCC on my forehead. My alternative care doc said that's what she thinks it is and she made me an appt. with a dermotologist for March 27. I am not much one for doctors (not "regular" ones anyway) and so I already was not sure I wanted to do that. After reading all of these posts here, I am now sure that I do not want to go that route.
So, I am definitely sold on Petty Spurge. I have contacted my local County Extension office about locating this plant here in Alabama, but did not get a reply back yet. I am currently treating the SCC with vit c powder and aloe vera gel. The scab came off last night and I retreated again last night and this morning. I am not really sure what to do at this point. It has kind of dried over again, swollen and red around the perimeter. Today is day 4 of treatment. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Jilly, your lip looks very nice. Looks like Petty did a good job, and that is a good report from the doc. Hope it all continues to go well. In reading through this entire thread, I did notice that SoFl did a lot of talking about collecting the seeds, etc., of the plants. Also Irene. I think they both mentioned that the seeds fall very far away from the plant as the pods project them out. I think it was SoFl that mentioned that he crawls around on his hands and knees collecting them. Maybe you can read back and find their postings to get more detail.
Also, Jilly, I am wondering if you would be interested in mailing me some seeds. I'd be glad to pay you, and especially for shipping. I live in Alabama. As I mentioned, I am hoping to find the plant here because I want to go ahead and possibly retreat the area that I have been treating with vit. c powder. However, I want to plant my own plants and get them going. Then I'll be able to share as well.
Thanks so much to everyone who has posted here and shared your lives and your stories.
Jilly: Great pics, great results. So good to see all these positive outcomes. I still see good use for high-potency vitamin C in some small cases of BCC and maybe black salve (though I haven't tried it.) Aside from that, it's becoming abundantly clear that petty spurge is the best treatment for basal cell carcinoma in most cases. Just a pain to have to get seeds, wait for it to grow, etc.
I've been hoping for someone with experience to give us some guidance re whether a tincture in alcohol or some other preservative could be made and stored in the refrigerator. Of course, the only way one could test the efficacy of this is on some existing BCC and (fortunately) I am clear at the moment. But it would be an interesting experiment.
Re your seeds picture. Yes, the seeds are the tiny gray/black objects on the left. Under magnification, they look sort of like very small grenades. The pods are on the right. Of course, the pods contain the green seeds and eject them when the seeds are mature. Congrats on a good crop. My plants from new seeds this year didn't do well -- most of them keeled over from some sort of mold or something. But the ones that grew from last year's seeds are springing up all over the place and look healthy.
Yes so far so good. I started another round today and will post after. Regarding the tincture. I did make one with alcohol and crushed leaves and lots of droplets of sap (too many to count). Its a painstakingly long process! Now that I am in harvest mode I intend to add more sap to the original mixture which I have kept in the fridge.
Thanks for the info regarding the seeds. I did figure it out, boy do those seeds fly when ejected. It's absolutely amazing. I now figured out that the only way to go about it is to place the branches in sealed paper bags. Today I had the pods together with the seeds in an envelope and I could actually hear the pods when they release the seeds.
If anybody is in need of seeds let me know.
Cheers,
quote:Originally posted by waverider
Jilly: Great pics, great results. So good to see all these positive outcomes. I still see good use for high-potency vitamin C in some small cases of BCC and maybe black salve (though I haven't tried it.) Aside from that, it's becoming abundantly clear that petty spurge is the best treatment for basal cell carcinoma in most cases. Just a pain to have to get seeds, wait for it to grow, etc.
I've been hoping for someone with experience to give us some guidance re whether a tincture in alcohol or some other preservative could be made and stored in the refrigerator. Of course, the only way one could test the efficacy of this is on some existing BCC and (fortunately) I am clear at the moment. But it would be an interesting experiment.
Re your seeds picture. Yes, the seeds are the tiny gray/black objects on the left. Under magnification, they look sort of like very small grenades. The pods are on the right. Of course, the pods contain the green seeds and eject them when the seeds are mature. Congrats on a good crop. My plants from new seeds this year didn't do well -- most of them keeled over from some sort of mold or something. But the ones that grew from last year's seeds are springing up all over the place and look healthy.
Hello everyone, my name is Anka I live in Poland in Europe. I need Your help. My grandmather is sick she has skin cancer. She is 94 old so the doctor say that she is too old to surgey. Her cancer is growing and look very bad.... this plant is my last hope If anyone could me help and send me spurge seed or told me how i got it. I will be very grateful. If you applied a Erivedge? it is efficacy? it is available in drug stor? Please answer me if you could help me. my e-mail krolanka@wp.pl Anka
Anka, As far as I know, Beautanicals in Australia remains the only reliable source for Petty Spurge seeds (unless you can find it growing wild.) However, it is inexpensive from them and they do ship internationally. Here's the link: http://www.beautanicals.com.au/RadiumWeed.html
Anka, As far as I know, Beautanicals in Australia remains the only reliable source for Petty Spurge seeds (unless you can find it growing wild.) However, it is inexpensive from them and they do ship internationally. Here's the link: http://www.beautanicals.com.au/RadiumWeed.html
Still using petty purge? What kind of brush do you use?
quote:Originally posted by SoFl
I have some updated information based on my continuing research.
- I was initially cutting off a branch and sticking a small paintbrush against the plant side of the branch to extract the sap. I have since found that all I have to do is to cut off a leaf at its base and that is much more efficient and much better. The sap is white but it is fairly viscous. It isn't thick like latex. It's watery like mineral spirits. It absorbs into a brush in an instant. I have also found that the leaves contain the active ingredient and if I don't have enough sap I can mash up a leaf in a teaspoon and add a drop of water and that appears to me to have the same therapeutic effect.
- I have been in contact with someone from Australia who has used it on many occasions, and he told me he used it in a way such that he applied it once a day until the suspect area scabbed over and healed. In other words he used it until there was no more reaction.For me that was important information since I stopped my head treatment after only 3 treatments.
- I have finished off the biopsied bcc on the head. This treatment has had the benefit of removing the biopsy scar and although the area is still peeling (not completely healed) it looks all brand new like nothing ever happened at the site. At this point it looks like an abraision happened. My head seems to heal very fast so I expect within a week there will be no visible evidence of any prior treatment...we'll see.
- I am now using it on what I suspect to be a slow growing SCC on my lower leg. My suspicion is based on having biopsied confirmed ones before. The leg is much less reactive. I have been using it for about a week so far and it has eaten a large crater within the treatment area that now appears to be improving (becoming less reactive). On this one I plan to keep using until there is no more reaction but based on the reaction so far, it has already eaten deeper than my (now ex) dermatologist would have cut out with a knife. It has swollen very slightly but so far it has been completely painless although it looks pretty ugly right now.
-summary...I am ecstatic about this plant. I have at this point abandoned all other treatments and experiments because for me, I believe this is a cure, I just need to do more work to figure out the optimum way to extract and use it. I will continue to post my experience with it.
I also have been using PS for a SCC on my scalp. My last visit to the Derm showed the lesion is much better. I have also been following the 3 day application and cutting the base of the leaf. The now available Picato is a deriviative of PS and was recommended by my derm. Has anyone tried it? It is very expensive ($600) after discount but might be more controllable and standardized. Any thoughts/opinions?
quote]Originally posted by BasalBoy
Still using petty purge? What kind of brush do you use?
quote:Originally posted by SoFl
I have some updated information based on my continuing research.
- I was initially cutting off a branch and sticking a small paintbrush against the plant side of the branch to extract the sap. I have since found that all I have to do is to cut off a leaf at its base and that is much more efficient and much better. The sap is white but it is fairly viscous. It isn't thick like latex. It's watery like mineral spirits. It absorbs into a brush in an instant. I have also found that the leaves contain the active ingredient and if I don't have enough sap I can mash up a leaf in a teaspoon and add a drop of water and that appears to me to have the same therapeutic effect.
- I have been in contact with someone from Australia who has used it on many occasions, and he told me he used it in a way such that he applied it once a day until the suspect area scabbed over and healed. In other words he used it until there was no more reaction.For me that was important information since I stopped my head treatment after only 3 treatments.
- I have finished off the biopsied bcc on the head. This treatment has had the benefit of removing the biopsy scar and although the area is still peeling (not completely healed) it looks all brand new like nothing ever happened at the site. At this point it looks like an abraision happened. My head seems to heal very fast so I expect within a week there will be no visible evidence of any prior treatment...we'll see.
- I am now using it on what I suspect to be a slow growing SCC on my lower leg. My suspicion is based on having biopsied confirmed ones before. The leg is much less reactive. I have been using it for about a week so far and it has eaten a large crater within the treatment area that now appears to be improving (becoming less reactive). On this one I plan to keep using until there is no more reaction but based on the reaction so far, it has already eaten deeper than my (now ex) dermatologist would have cut out with a knife. It has swollen very slightly but so far it has been completely painless although it looks pretty ugly right now.
-summary...I am ecstatic about this plant. I have at this point abandoned all other treatments and experiments because for me, I believe this is a cure, I just need to do more work to figure out the optimum way to extract and use it. I will continue to post my experience with it.
Hi, I am new to this forum. I have a bcc that was biopsied with clear margins in 2007 and it grew back. The dermatologist is recommending mohs. I really don't want mohs! I know a lady who's face is disfigured because of mohs. From the info I read several weeks ago, I bought seeds for petty spurge from AU and planted them, but unfortunately, I am green-thumbless! It was more than 3 weeks ago and I watered the pot regularly, but nada. I kinda skimmed through the posts and saw there are some people who were able to grow it and/or found it growing wild. I live in NY. Does anyone know if it grows wild around here? If not I'm willing to travel to buy a plant. Will someone sell me one? I'm really scared of mohs...
Hi Evie... A quick search shows that Petty Spurge does grow in New York just not everywhere..http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=New%20York&statefips=36&symbol=EUPE6 Not sure where you are in NY but take a look at the map and maybe take a weekend field trip / hunt for the stuff growing wild.maybe Right now is a perfect time of the year to find it. I have some growing in my back yard in California bit not sure it would fare well shipping it to New York. Get real familiar with what you are looking for and do the field trip. If you are unsuccessful hopefully some here on the BBS can help you out.
Hi Evie... A quick search shows that Petty Spurge does grow in New York just not everywhere..http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=New%20York&statefips=36&symbol=EUPE6 Not sure where you are in NY but take a look at the map and maybe take a weekend field trip / hunt for the stuff growing wild.maybe Right now is a perfect time of the year to find it. I have some growing in my back yard in California bit not sure it would fare well shipping it to New York. Get real familiar with what you are looking for and do the field trip. If you are unsuccessful hopefully some here on the BBS can help you out.
Hi Anivoc, Thanks so much! I'm not in the area that's on the map, but it says it's not fully documented, so I think I will go for a hike and look. I actually checked my pot of seeds that I'd given up on earlier and I saw the tiniest little sprout! Still, I don't want to wait if possible...I'll keep you posted.
I would love to have one of your plants! Any chance you come towards NY ever? If not, I may come up to you. I am a little anxious to get my treatment started since Dr Hacker is pushing mohs at me and my plants are almost microscopic. How fast do these grow, anyway? Anyone have tips? I'm not the green thumb type. I have them in a pot outside. They get the morning sun and I water them everyday...
The only part of NY I ever get to is Albany - expect to try to get out there within the next 3 weeks (I hope)
I started these in December this was my third attempt A few of the keys I think made a difference Temperatures - 75 day - 55-60 at night (one problem with most home grown plants is temp never fluxuates much - most plants in natural enviroment would have day/night temps - triggers growth mechanisms Grown in 100% organic professional growing media (not in potting soil) Bought a good high quality grow light - on timers 14 hrs light per day Plants never dry out completely (bottom watering once established) Two rounds of pinching - that probably delayed them being ready for use a bit - but I believe it produced a nice bushy plant
Hi Steve NH, I tried to email, but the thing wouldn't let me... I would come up to Albany to get one of your plants, if you could give me a couple of days notice. I'd be so grateful, I'm really bad at growing plants! Thanks, Eve
Could you possibly ask your doctor which the 3 types of skin cancer are that don't respond to petty spurge? I have squamous cell carcinoma and invasive basal cell carcinoma, and so far after 3 or 4 treatments, it has not disappeared. For a number of months the original tumor site just above upper lips is less puffy after my treating it, but eventually I get itching and redness around my nostrils, a sign that it's still there.
Thanks!
quote:Originally posted by Jilly
Hi there,
Yes I meant my 3rd round. Each round I waited until the skin healed enough before starting, that is now open wound or scabbing. I kept retreating because even though the external part of the tumor fell off, it is still there underneath the skin. I can see it, its white and is directly under where the external part fell off. My skin is now healed again and I see that unfortunately it is still there. I was told that there are three types of carcinomas that require MOHS, where nothing will work. The Dr. who told me this happened to run part of the Australian trials of Peplin. As I haven't had a biopsy yet of the tumor I don't know for sure which one i have. I just know its still there underneath. I did the applications once a day for three days. I tried this last 3rd time to sleep with it one night. I stop usually when I see the area become extremely inflamed. (immune response maybe) I'll post photos tomorrow. Hope that answers your questions.
quote:Originally posted by BBirdz
Jilly- When you say you are starting your third application do you mean of your second treatment round or is this actually a third round of treating the same spot? I had to delay re-treatment as I got sick and didn't want to treat when my immunity was low. I am wondering how your retreatment has been going,how many applications you did the second time around and how you are determining the need to treat a third time (if this is your third round) Thanks and wishing you all the best with your treatment!
Are you talking to me, Brigid? I have some seeds and plants you can have. I live in MA. You can try sending me an email thru this forum, I don't know if it will work, or you can send me your contact info and I'll get in touch with you. What kind of cancer do you have and has it been biopsied? Petty spurge does not work on all skin cancers.
quote:Originally posted by willwill
Steve NH
Just saw your post about PS plants. If you still have them available I will drive there almost immediately. Please let me know. Thank you in advance.
Are you talking to me, Brigid? I have some seeds and plants you can have. I live in MA. You can try sending me an email thru this forum, I don't know if it will work, or you can send me your contact info and I'll get in touch with you. What kind of cancer do you have and has it been biopsied? Petty spurge does not work on all skin cancers.
quote:Originally posted by willwill
Steve NH
Just saw your post about PS plants. If you still have them available I will drive there almost immediately. Please let me know. Thank you in advance.
Hi, I am also looking for a plant or seeds, I am not having any luck sourcing it in WI. I had MOH's 3 years ago and left with a large scar,,, :( on my face. Now have several spots showing up,,, Thanks!
BCC,,, Have two spots on my face. Had MOH's three years ago,,,:( new spots on other side of face, if anyone has seeds please contact me. I don't want to do the surgery again.
CMunz: If none of the posters above who had plants last spring can help you, the more conventional way of getting the seeds (which many of us have used successfully) is from Beautanicals in Australia. You can order it online and it takes ~ 2 weeks to arrive to most locations in the states. Petty spurge (formal name: Euphorbia Peblus) is also called Radium Weed in Australia. Here's the link to Beautanicals: http://www.beautanicals.com.au/RadiumWeed.html
Many of us have looked for a stateside commercial source for the seeds but as far as I know nobody has ever found one.
If I was going to try to grow PS in the summer—at least here in the S. Calif heat—I think I'd try to grow it indoors in A/C and pre-germinate the seeds. I don't think PS likes hot weather, at least that's my experience. But I'm sure it's cooler in WI. Also, if you read thru this lengthy thread you may find additional planting/growing advice. Good luck.
Did you receive my emails? I had said I have seedlings which I could try sending you if you let me know the details of how you'd like me to package and ship them. You would need to reimburse me for overnight shipping, if you want that, or priority. I would think the less time in transit the better. We also have UPS nearby. I also have a few seeds from a year and a half ago or so, not sure exactly. You might want to find out how long theyre viable before I send them.
Brigid
quote:Originally posted by CMunz
BCC,,, Have two spots on my face. Had MOH's three years ago,,,:( new spots on other side of face, if anyone has seeds please contact me. I don't want to do the surgery again.
Has anyone here tried both Cymilium and Petty Spurge? I have been reading through these boards and so far deduced that they both worked for more people than the other things posted here and/or they had less risk of pain and/or scaring and/or recurrence.
I have a bcc on the side of my nose that is recurring after it was biopsied 5 years ago with "clear margins". I really don't want to have Mohs as the dermatologist is recommending. So I grew some Petty Spurge which now has little plants that are about 5 inches tall. Is that big enough? I don't want to break the stem of one only to find it's too small for sap. I have about 7 little plants...
While I was waiting for the Petty Spurge to grow, I bought some Cymilium.
Which should I try first? Any recommendations? Which has the shortest recovery?
I haven't used Cymillium. For Petty Spurge you don't cut the main stem, you snip the little stems the leaves grow out of. Or you can snip a bigger branch if you have them---not likely on a 5" plant. Most people find 1 drop per spot is enough, once or possibly 2X a day for several days or up to a week. So you probably have enough leaves. I use the smooth tip of a metal nail file to get the bead of sap off the plant and onto my face. Recovery time depends on how long you treat it. Looking at some of the photos people have posted will give you an idea. I think it was a couple of weeks until the scabs fell off but more like a month until it looked pink but mostly normal.
Hi, I'm new here. I bought a petty spurge plant on ebay and it was just big enough to treat a very small spot on my face.. and it did work well. I have a spot on the left side of my face about the size of a dime. I really need to treat this quickly. I have some seeds but fear it will take to long to grow and use. Is there "anywhere at all" that I could buy and get shipped to South Texas ASAP? I just need to buy a bigger plant if anyone has one since the ones from Ebay are so small and don't survive the trip well. I feel a large plant will stand a chance. Please help!!
Disclaimer: The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While melanoma is the most dangerous type, keep in mind that any cancer and potentially some cancer treatments can cause injury or death. The various views expressed in these public forums should not be considered as medical advice. See your qualified health-care professional for medical attention, advice, diagnosis, and treatments.
Petty Spurge Herb sap for skin cancers
Posted - 01/19/2012 : 18:51:19
