Quick Read:
- Since the dawn of time, people have been using spices for specific healing purposes, and now science is catching up.
- The top ten breast cancer healing spices are: ginger, rosemary, garlic, cloves, olive oil, oregano, curcumin, coconut oil, cayenne pepper, and fermented foods.
- This is not an exhaustive list, and there may be additional spices that can enhance your healing journey. As always, please check in with your coach and medical team.
Spices add nature’s flavor and joy to your meals—and your healing journey. Specific spices can help heal cancer, alleviate the miserable side effects of treatments, elevate your immune system, reduce inflammation, energize your days, and empower you to blossom through this season of your life.
For centuries, cultures around the world have used spices as both medicine and nourishment, and modern science is now confirming what ancient traditions always knew: the right spices can support your healing journey.
Whether you are undergoing active treatment and choosing an integrative path or building a lifestyle of prevention, these top 10 spices for breast cancer healing should have a place in your kitchen and heart!
1. Ginger
It’s known as the “super spice” because:
- Destroys breast cancer stem cells: The compound 6-shogaol, found in ginger, has been shown to target and kill breast cancer stem cells.
- Packed with anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and pain. Also, inflammation creates an inviting environment for cancer (and most major dis-eases) to develop and grow due to immunosuppression. Therefore, be lavish in your enjoyment of ginger!
- Helps prevent chemo-related nausea: Many of our women do a ginger protocol 3 days before each treatment.
- Gut healer: Helps ease stomach issues and promotes digestion.
- Kencur (Kaempferia galanga), a topical plant in the ginger family, has significant anti-cancer properties. Research conducted by Osaka Metropolitan University has demonstrated that kencur extract can suppress cancer cell growth at both the cellular and animal levels. (Study) Stay tuned for human trials!
Recipes we love:
If you don’t care for the taste of ginger, you can also take it in supplement form.
2. Curcumin + Black Pepper
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is one of the most extensively studied natural compounds for cancer prevention and reducing inflammation. It is especially known for:
- Cuts inflammation, the root cause of most chronic dis-eases.
- Killing breast cancer cells while protecting healthy ones.
- Supporting mood and joint health, but can present extra challenges during treatment and healing journeys.
However, curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own. That’s why pairing it with black pepper (piperine) increases bioavailability by up to 2,000%! (Study)
For some, taking Optimal Curcumin daily may be helpful. It’s a bioavailable blend of curcuminoids, turmeric oil, vitamin E, and MCT oil for optimal healing potential.
Recipes we love:
3. Garlic
Garlic is another potent anti-cancer spice and is well known for its positive impacts on fungal and viral infections.
The star compound, allicin, may:
- Inhibit free radical damage.
- Activate detox enzymes.
- Induce apoptosis (cancer cell death).
- Block angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors).
- Strengthen your immune system.
- Protect your liver from tamoxifen-induced damage.
Recipes we love:
Pro tip: Crush or chop garlic and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before eating. This allows allicin to fully develop. Eat it raw whenever possible, or take a supplement (we recommend this one) if the flavor isn’t for you.
4. Cloves
Cloves are rich in eugenol, a natural anesthetic and potent antioxidant. They’ve long been used to relieve toothaches (some people use cloves instead of Benzocaine), but their healing power goes much deeper.
Scientific studies show cloves can (study):
- Inhibit cancer cell growth (including both ER-positive and triple-negative breast cancer).
- Trigger apoptosis by activating cancer-killing proteins.
- Suppress metastasis by blocking cancer cell migration.
- Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Recipes we love:
You can also take cloves in supplement and oil form. Click here to learn more about essential oils and their many uses.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper brings the heat—both in your mouth and against cancer cells. Its compound capsaicin and its beta-carotene content have been shown to (study):
- Trigger cancer cell death.
- Slow tumor growth.
- Improve circulation and metabolism.
Bonus: Cayenne is fantastic for boosting energy, easing congestion, and adding vibrancy to otherwise bland healing foods.
Recipes we love:
6. Oregano
This aromatic kitchen herb packs one of the highest antioxidant contents of all herbs, so be lavish with it!
Oregano’s healing properties include:
- Prevent tumor growth and metastasis from the rosmarinic acid. It can also enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.
- Promote apoptosis in breast cancer cells due to the carvacrol and thymol compounds.
- Fight bacterial and fungal infections. Add it to coconut oil when doing oil pulling.
- Boost immunity and support gut health.
Click here for a fascinating study on low-dose oregano therapy.
Recipes we love:
- Marinated Sun-Dried Tomato Chickpea Salad
- Anti-Inflammatory Chicken & Veggie Soup
- Tzatziki Cruciferous Bowl
7. Rosemary
Rosemary has been used for centuries in Mediterranean cooking, but its healing power is only now being fully appreciated.
Research suggests rosemary extracts may help fight aggressive breast cancers like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). While human clinical trials are still needed, animal and lab studies show promise.
Additionally, rosemary enhances circulation, improves memory, and lends a delicious, earthy flavor to breads, roasted vegetables, and even tea.
Recipes we love:
We also suggest this powerful supplement, Vitanox, which includes rosemary, green tea, turmeric, and grape seed.
8. Coconut Oil
While not technically a spice, coconut oil deserves a spot on this healing list. Its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) offer quick energy, while compounds like lauric acid show anti-cancer potential.
- Stop breast cancer tumor growth. (Study)
- Reduce chemo side effects such as fatigue and loss of appetite. It may also protect organs from chemotherapy toxicity. (Study)
- Improve cognitive function. It provides “clean” fuel for your brain, unlike sugar, which causes oxidative stress and free radicals. (Study)
- Support vaginal health as a natural moisturizer. Review this blog for more tips for reclaiming intimacy during treatment, and this one for insight into natural menopause remedies.
Oil Pulling
The antibacterial properties in coconut oil pull harmful microorganisms out of deep pockets between teeth and gums. It’s an almost free and simple solution to heal gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and naturally whiten teeth. For more details and Dr. V’s routine, please review this blog post.
Nourishing, Nontoxic Cooking Oil
Many health experts claim that seed oils (Soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, etc.) are worse than cigarettes because of their potent amounts of chemicals, toxins, and omega-6 fatty acids (the bad type of omegas). Coconut oil is an affordable, nourishing, and perfect option for high-heat cooking. For a deeper dive, please review this blog post.
9. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir are loaded with probiotics and prebiotics that strengthen your gut. Since 80% of your immune system lives in your gut, this directly impacts your ability to heal and prevent disease.
Benefits include: 
- Balancing gut bacteria. Click here for more insight into gut health and bacteria.
- Supporting serotonin production for a better mood. Gain deeper insight into the Gut-Brain Axis here.
- Reducing inflammation and digestive issues. Click here for the breast cancer and inflammation connection.
Recipes we love:
- Homemade Sauerkraut so you don’t have to worry about toxic additives!
- Galbi: Korean Short Rib Lettuce Wraps and Kimchi.
10. Olive Oil
Another highly effective cancer-healing oil is extra-virgin olive oil. Tap here to unearth why it can lower breast cancer risk by 68% and several more benefits that are not mentioned below.
Here’s how olive oil may drizzle cancer out of your body:
- Monounsaturated fat: Studies have shown that it could reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Oleocanthal: Studies found that this compound ruptures a part of the cancer cell wall, thus killing cancer cells.
- Luteolin: An antioxidant that protects you against breast tumors and reduces the risk of triple-negative breast cancer. (Learn about more natural support options for TNBC here.)
- Anti-angiogenic: A natural source that stops tumors from growing their own blood vessels, which can slow the growth of cancer. Matcha tea, red grapes, kale, and artichokes are also anti-angiogenic foods..
Recipes we love:
Spice Up Your Healing!
Spices are more than culinary extras—as you can see, they’re powerful tools for healing! Be lavish in your spice use and enjoy all the vibrancy they bring to your meals and well-being.
For more insights into how to eat for healing and practical ways to harmoniously blend natural medicine with conventional care, start our online, go at your own pace, course now: Conquering Breast Cancer Together.
It’s time to thrive and never fear breast cancer again! You got this, just take it one bite at a time.