Introduction:
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women worldwide. While modern treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are common, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a natural, complementary approach to support recovery and manage symptoms. The ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica) outlines several herbs that have been used for centuries to promote health, reduce inflammation, and combat cancer. In this article, we explore key TCM herbs for managing breast cancer, their dosages, and how they work to improve health and support cancer treatment.
Natural Remedies for Breast Cancer in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Insights from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Breast Cancer
- Red Sage (Dan Shen – 丹参)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Red Sage is known for its ability to promote blood circulation and reduce blood stasis, which is essential in inhibiting tumor growth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help support breast health.
- How to Use: Red Sage can be brewed into a tea or taken as part of a decoction to help inhibit tumor growth and support cancer treatment.
- Astragalus (Huang Qi – 黄芪)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Astragalus is a powerful immune booster that enhances the body’s natural defenses against cancer. It helps reduce inflammation and supports recovery from breast cancer treatments.
- How to Use: Astragalus can be consumed as a tea, in capsule form, or as part of a herbal decoction to strengthen the immune system and reduce cancer progression.
- Hedyotis (Bai Hua She She Cao – 白花蛇舌草)
- Dosage: 15-30 grams
- Properties: Hedyotis is widely used in TCM to treat cancers due to its strong anti-tumor properties. It clears heat and detoxifies the body, helping to reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of cancer cells.
- How to Use: Hedyotis is typically brewed as a tea or included in a decoction to help reduce inflammation and fight cancer cells.
- Scutellaria (Huang Qin – 黄芩)
- Dosage: 6-12 grams
- Properties: Scutellaria has strong anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating breast cancer. It is particularly useful for clearing heat and reducing inflammation in the body.
- How to Use: Scutellaria can be taken as part of a decoction or brewed as a tea to help reduce inflammation and support cancer treatment.
Herbal Formula for Breast Cancer 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 breast cancer treatment and overall immune health.
External Application for Breast Health
For external application, create an herbal poultice with Hedyotis and Red Sage. Crush the herbs and apply the mixture to the breast area to reduce inflammation and support healing. This external treatment helps soothe the skin and promote breast health.
Why TCM is Effective for Breast Cancer
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats breast cancer by focusing on reducing inflammation, clearing heat, and promoting blood circulation. Herbs like Red Sage and Astragalus work together to inhibit tumor growth, boost immunity, and improve overall health. TCM’s holistic approach offers natural support that can complement modern cancer treatments, improving recovery and helping to manage symptoms.
Conclusion:
The remedies found in ‘Bencao Gangmu’ provide a natural and effective way to manage breast cancer. By strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving blood circulation, these herbal treatments can help support cancer recovery and long-term breast health. For those seeking a holistic approach to cancer treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers time-tested solutions that can complement conventional therapies.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.