Introduction:
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues that affects the body’s ability to fight infections and produce healthy blood cells. Modern treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are common, but Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a natural, complementary approach to manage symptoms, boost immunity, and improve blood health. The ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica) contains a wealth of information on herbal remedies that can help support the treatment of leukemia. This article explores key herbs, their dosages, and how they promote overall health and recovery.
Natural Remedies for Leukemia Using Traditional Chinese Medicine: Insights from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Leukemia
- Red Sage (Dan Shen – 丹参)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Red Sage promotes blood circulation and helps reduce blood stasis, which is critical in preventing the growth of cancerous cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall blood health.
- How to Use: Red Sage can be brewed into tea or used in decoctions to help improve blood flow and inhibit cancer growth.
- Astragalus (Huang Qi – 黄芪)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Astragalus is well-known for boosting the immune system and promoting vitality. It helps the body fight cancer cells and supports recovery, making it an important herb for treating leukemia.
- How to Use: Astragalus can be consumed as tea, in capsule form, or as part of a herbal formula to enhance immunity and support recovery.
- Hedyotis (Bai Hua She She Cao – 白花蛇舌草)
- Dosage: 15-30 grams
- Properties: Hedyotis is widely used in TCM for its anti-cancer properties. It detoxifies the body and reduces inflammation, helping to prevent the growth of leukemia cells.
- How to Use: Hedyotis can be brewed into tea or included in a decoction to help fight cancer cells and improve blood health.
- Scutellaria (Huang Qin – 黄芩)
- Dosage: 6-12 grams
- Properties: Scutellaria helps clear heat and reduce inflammation, making it effective in treating blood-related cancers like leukemia. Its anti-cancer properties further support overall blood health.
- How to Use: Scutellaria can be brewed into tea or taken as part of a decoction to help reduce inflammation and support leukemia treatment.
Herbal Formula for Leukemia Support (Based on Bencao Gangmu)
Ingredients:
- Red Sage (Dan Shen): 12 grams
- Astragalus (Huang Qi): 10 grams
- Hedyotis (Bai Hua She She Cao): 20 grams
- Scutellaria (Huang Qin): 8 grams
Preparation:
- Combine the herbs in 600ml of water.
- Boil the mixture for 20-25 minutes until the water reduces by half.
- Strain the liquid and divide it into two servings.
- Drink one serving in the morning and the other in the evening to support blood health and reduce the progression of leukemia.
External Application for Blood Health
Create an herbal compress using Red Sage and Astragalus to help reduce discomfort and support blood circulation. Crush the herbs and apply them as a warm compress to areas where circulation is poor or where there is swelling, such as lymph nodes or inflamed areas.
Why TCM is Effective for Leukemia
Traditional Chinese Medicine addresses leukemia by focusing on improving blood circulation, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. Herbs like Red Sage and Astragalus work together to enhance the body’s defenses, reduce cancer growth, and promote blood health. By complementing conventional treatments, TCM provides a holistic approach to cancer management, helping to improve recovery and overall well-being.
Conclusion:
The remedies found in ‘Bencao Gangmu’ offer natural and effective support for managing leukemia. By boosting the immune system, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation, these herbs complement modern treatments and support long-term health. For those seeking a holistic approach to leukemia treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine provides time-tested and powerful solutions.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.