Q: I realize, even according to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN that polycythemia vera is an incurable metabolic anomaly (note the omission of “disease”). I also realize that there are at least several different scenarios in which polycythemia vera can manifest symptoms. However, is there anything that can be done in the realm of natural remedies that can possibly alleviate the symptoms so that the patient can live a more comfortable life and reduce the frequency of doctor visits as well as allopathic interventions?

The best I have found by my research is to exercise, drink green tea, supplement with milk thistle and cat’s claw. I believe that in addition to milk thistle, astralagus would also help, since both help the liver to remove toxins from the blood and lymph. Both may also help improve the strength of the immune system and also may help the bone marrow to properly maintain a proper balance of red blood cells and T lymphocytes, in which the liver plays a major. I also believe that taking probiotics naturally (i.e.: kefir) would also help since about 70-80% of the strength of the immune system is dependent on a proper microbial balance in one’s digestive tract.

Thanks for your input.