Hoxsey Therapy

An overview of Hoxsey Therapy, a controversial alternative cancer treatment

Hoxsey Therapy

Hoxsey Therapy promotional material

Hoxsey Therapy is an alternative medical treatment that was developed in the early 20th century by Harry Hoxsey. It is primarily used for the treatment of cancer and consists of a combination of herbal remedies and topical applications. The therapy has been the subject of significant controversy and has been criticized by the medical community for its lack of scientific evidence and potential risks.

History

The origins of Hoxsey Therapy can be traced back to the 1920s when Harry Hoxsey, a former coal miner, claimed to have inherited a secret herbal formula from his great-grandfather. Hoxsey opened clinics across the United States, promoting his treatment as a cure for cancer. Despite legal challenges and opposition from the American Medical Association, Hoxsey's clinics attracted many patients seeking alternative treatments.

Components of the Therapy

Hoxsey Therapy consists of both internal and external components:

• Internal Treatment: This involves the ingestion of a liquid herbal tonic. The tonic is composed of various herbs, including red clover, burdock root, barberry, and licorice.

• External Treatment: For skin cancers, a paste made from bloodroot and other herbs is applied directly to the affected area.

Controversy and Criticism

FDA warning against Hoxsey Therapy

Hoxsey Therapy has been criticized for its lack of scientific validation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health organizations have issued warnings about the therapy, citing concerns over its safety and efficacy. The therapy has not been proven effective in controlled clinical trials, and its use is discouraged by mainstream medical professionals.

Legal and Regulatory Actions

Throughout the mid-20th century, Hoxsey faced numerous legal battles. The FDA and other regulatory bodies sought to shut down his clinics, arguing that the therapy was unproven and potentially harmful. Despite these efforts, Hoxsey's clinics continued to operate in various locations, including Mexico, where regulatory oversight was less stringent.

Current Status

Today, Hoxsey Therapy is not widely practiced in the United States due to regulatory restrictions. However, some alternative medicine practitioners continue to offer similar treatments, often under different names. Patients seeking alternative cancer therapies may still encounter variations of Hoxsey's original formula.

Related pages

• Alternative medicine
• Cancer treatment
• Herbalism
• Quackery