Types of Tumors Treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine
In addition to surgery and chemotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine plays a crucial role in assisting the quick recovery of tumor patients. However, it is important for tumor patients to know which Chinese herbal medicines are effective. It is not advisable to seek treatment blindly and take random medications. So, which Chinese herbal medicines are suitable for tumor patients who want to recover quickly? Let's discuss some of the Chinese herbal medicines that are suitable for tumor patients.
Traditional Chinese medicine offers a wide range of treatments for cancer. According to Chinese medicine, the formation of tumors is related to stagnation, congestion, heat, toxins, and deficiencies. Therefore, methods such as supporting the upright Qi, regulating Qi and promoting blood circulation, invigorating the spleen and nourishing the kidneys, clearing heat and detoxification, nourishing Yin and clearing heat, resolving phlegm and eliminating dampness, and warming Yang and invigorating Qi are commonly used in the treatment of tumors. However, it is worth noting that it is impossible to have a single treatment that can cure all types of cancer. Different types of cancer require different medications and treatment plans.
Common Types of Tumors:
Lung Cancer - Warming Yang and Invigorating Qi
The main cause of lung cancer is deficiency of upright Qi, accumulation of phlegm and toxins, and imbalance of Yin and Yang in the organs. Most lung cancer patients experience symptoms such as pale complexion, fatigue, and lethargy. Therefore, the method of "warming Yang and invigorating Qi" should be applied throughout the treatment of lung cancer.
A commonly used prescription is Baihe Gujin Tang. Lily in this prescription has the functions of invigorating Qi, calming the mind, nourishing the lungs, and relieving cough. It contains colchicine, which can inhibit the division of tumor cells. Carotene and vitamin C in Lily are also associated with tumor inhibition. Ophiopogon can nourish Yin, generate body fluids, and calm cough and bleeding. Therefore, this prescription often yields significant results. In addition, for lung cancer patients with symptoms such as cough with phlegm, red tongue, and greasy coating, Fangji Renshen Tang, consisting of Fangji, Ginseng, Ziwan, Banxia, and Zhebeimu, can be used.
Breast Cancer - Clearing Heat and Detoxification
In the early stages of breast cancer, liver Qi stagnation is common, followed by symptoms of Qi stagnation and blood stasis. Prolonged stagnation of Qi and blood leads to heat accumulation, resulting in excessive Yin and toxins. Therefore, the main treatment should reduce the use of warm Yang drugs and dosage and increase the use of heat-clearing and detoxifying drugs such as Dandelion, Half Lotus, and Chrysanthemum. However, it is important not to focus solely on clearing heat, as this may have unintended consequences. If the patient experiences severe pain, Frankincense and Sanqi Powder (taken orally) can be added. If there is redness and swelling, Herba Hedyotis and Herba Polygoni Avicularis can be added. If the patient feels cold and chills, has a weak waist and legs, and has a pale tongue, Shudi, Cinnamon powder, Ephedra, and Raw Licorice can be used to make Yanghe Tang Plus Mutang, which has a good effect.
Colon Cancer - Strengthening the Spleen and Regulating Qi
Yang deficiency is the root cause of colorectal cancer. Dampness, heat toxins, and stasis are the manifestations of the disease. Therefore, the prescription should reflect the fundamental principles of warming Yang and invigorating the kidneys, strengthening the spleen and regulating Qi. The methods of clearing dampness and heat, purging heat and fire, and clearing heat and detoxification should be adjusted according to the symptoms. Additionally, medications should be selected based on the various symptoms associated with colorectal cancer. For example, if there is pus and blood in the stool, Herba Sanguisorbae and Pagoda Tree Flower can be added. If urgency and tenesmus are present, Moschus and Lindera can be added. If constipation occurs, Rhubarb and Peach Kernel can be added.
Liver Cancer - Nourishing Yin and Invigorating Qi
As more than 80% of liver cancer cases are in the advanced stage, traditional Chinese medicine has become the basic treatment for liver cancer. The principles of regulating the liver and invigorating the spleen, nourishing Yin and invigorating Qi, clearing heat and detoxification, resolving phlegm and softening hardness, and regulating Qi and promoting blood circulation can stabilize the condition of most patients. The basic prescription is Chaihu Biejia Tang, which is commonly used to treat liver cancer symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, dry throat, and tinnitus.
In addition, tumor patients can choose dietary therapies such as Yiren Porridge and Biejia Tang. It is important to note that the mechanism of tumor development is complex, and when using Chinese medicine, it is necessary to follow the doctor's advice. Improper use of Chinese herbal medicine can also have adverse effects on patients. For example, the use of blood-activating drugs requires monitoring of the patient's coagulation function, and heat-clearing drugs should not harm the patient's spleen and stomach. The use of tonifying drugs for patients with excess syndrome should also be carefully considered. Otherwise, improper use of medication may promote tumor growth.
