Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1906-10-18
Violet Leaves as Cancer Cure.


Lady Margaret Marsham was sinking
from a serious affection of the throat
which no treatment relieved and
which her physicians diagnosed as
cancer. A specialist removed part
of the growth and the experts at the
Clinical Research Association, to whom
it was submitted for analysis, pro-
nounced it to be without doubt can
Ger.
All hope of recovery had been
abandoned, swallowing being impos-
sible. A friend proposed an applica-
ton of hot infusion of green violet
leaves, not with any idea of curing,
but to relieve the pain. The patient
reluctantly consented, and the relief
was sufficient to induce a continuance.
Within fortnight from the commence
ment of the treatment every trace OF
the swelling had disappeared.
This remarkable case of recovery
by their use drew public attention to
violet leaves as OF possible value in
the treatment of cancer. In the
spring Of this year this was revived
by the publication in the newspapers
of case reported in the Lancet of
March Is by DR.. William Gordon,
physician to the Devon and Exeter
Hospital.
In this case man aged So had con-
suited DR.. Gordon on November 8,
1904, for very painful and serious
affection of the tongue which had
been developing for the last six months.
and which DR.. Gordon and four eur
geons, all men well qualified to Judge,
from their extensive experience In
consulting work, pronounced to be
cancer. Immediate and extensive
operation was recommended.
This the patient refused and treat.
ed himself at home by taking and
applying fresh infusion of violet
leaves. On January %, 1905, he
was 80 much better that his employers
sent him to DR.. Gordon to show him
self. Almost ell the symptoms had
disappeared and he had gained two
stone four pounds in weight. On
February 20 but little remained OF
the deep, ragged, indurated ulcer e1-
Dept hard scar.
Personally" said DR.. Gordon, II
am now advising the trial of this vio-
let treatment in all cases of undoubt-
ed cancer which are inoperable.'
Perhaps the most remarkable prop
erty of violet leaves is the anodyne
action they exert in cases of cancer.
So great is this as, apart from any
question of cure, to more than justify
their employment as the most valua-
bic treatment at present known for
cancer.
The writer then gives details Of a
number of cases in which the violet
treatment was employed with results
which, according to the reports, were
quite extraordinary.
"In view of the painful increase of
cancer" he continues, land the fact
that the medical faculty has nothing
but operation to offer, the foregoing
cases constitute a consensus OF strong
evidence that the violet treatment is
of more value than any at present
employed in the disease.
"That the absolute cures as yet re-
corded are few is no serious impeaoh-
ment of its value, for, as an experience
ed doctor remarked to me, patients
are 30 afraid of being told that their
symptoms are cancer that they often
delay seeking medical advice until
they are practically past help.
Further, the violet treatment is
mild and slow in action, and in all re-
corded cases cure has resulted from its
unremitting and continued use. Not
only do patients try it in ftful and
half.hearted manner, but they seldom
resort to it to even that extent until
every other resource has failed them.
and they are almost in extremis.
Moreover, the local symptoms OF
cancer do not appear until the NOR
bid causes of which they are the index
have reached such serious stage that
| it is difficult to arrest them and bring
the constitution back into healthy
orbit.
"lf, then, the violet leaf treatment
can effect 90 much in the relief and
cure of cancer under the unfavorable
and irregular conditions. such as its