In my practice as a naturopathic integrative oncologist, I’m always looking for simple, natural ways to strengthen the body’s defenses—especially for those healing after cancer. One of the most powerful tools I recommend for my patients is green tea.
Research shows a strong, protective relationship between daily green tea consumption and a reduced risk of several cancers, including colorectal, bladder, stomach, pancreatic, esophageal, and lung cancers. For anyone navigating life after a diagnosis, or working toward preventing cancer recurrence, green tea can be an important part of a holistic daily routine.
One of green tea’s most important compounds is epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. This plant-based antioxidant helps to:
Reduce food intake and body weight
Lower blood levels of excess hormones like testosterone, estradiol, leptin, insulin, and glucose
Improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Calm inflammation in the prostate, uterus, and ovaries
There are two main types of green tea you’ll often hear me talk about: sencha and matcha.
Matcha contains more caffeine and can offer an energizing lift.
Sencha has higher antioxidant levels, making it slightly better for deep cellular protection.
Both types stimulate your immune system’s natural killer (NK) cells, which patrol the body to detect and destroy abnormal cells. Green tea also reduces inflammation by blocking a chemical called NF-κB—a known driver of cancer growth. Supporting the immune system while calming inflammation is central to the work I do in integrative oncology and naturopathic medicine here at Deep Roots.
To use green tea therapeutically, I usually suggest:
Drinking 2–3 cups daily using ¼–½ teaspoon of powdered green tea per cup
Or, for a more concentrated option, using a green tea extract standardized to a high percentage of catechins
Simple daily choices like drinking green tea can make a powerful difference in your long-term health and vitality. If you’re seeking a naturopathic doctor in Corvallis who offers holistic cancer support and natural therapies for cancer recovery, I would be honored to be part of your healing journey.
🌿 In Health,
Dr. Amy