Miracle in the Arkhangelsk Region: How herbs helped a man combat cancer

Joseph Shiroky, 80, from Russia’s city of Kotlas in the Arkhangelsk Region was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1992.

Joseph Shiroky, 80, from Russia’s city of Kotlas in the Arkhangelsk Region was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1992.

Anna Shulyateva
25 years ago an herbalist from northwestern Russian discovered the power of herbs when they helped him battle cancer. Today he lives life to the fullest, writing books and helping people with his knowledge of medicinal herbs.
After refusing to go through medical treatment Shiroky secretly ordered a tombstone and a fence for his future grave.
After that he started to seriously study the power of herbs and made several potions using recipes that he learned from the elders in his region.
Even though there are no confirmed cases of phytotherapy curing oncological diseases, Shiroky still decided to give it a try.
A year later, the cancer retreated.
“I did not become an absolutely healthy person, but the illness is not controlling me and does not impede my ability to live life to the fullest,” he says.
Shiroky takes care of his household, writes books, goes on long hikes in search of herbs, gives free consultations to the public, and helps everyone who seeks his advice.
“A potion can combat any sickness. It only needs to be properly collected, prepared and used,” an old Russian saying goes.
Shiroky finds herbs in the forests and fields of the Krasnobor district of the Arkhangelsk Region and grows more rare ones that can only be found in the north in his garden.
“I don’t cure people and do not consider myself a healer or a medicine-man,” Shiroky points out. “I only advise people on how to use medicinal plants and I am always happy when my advice helps.”
Shiroky highly values life and the time he has left.
He wakes up at 6 a.m. every day and starts working straight away.
Every year he tries to learn and create something new.
This year he learned to make stools from vines and birch bark. Last year he built small houses for children. In his free time he writes books and poems. Here is one poem that he wants to use as his epitaph. “You are a passer-by, but you will lie down like I do // Sit down, rest on a stone near me. // Tear off a blade of grass – remember me // I’m at home, and you are a visitor, // Think about yourself!”

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