Introduction:
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. While modern treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are often used, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary approach that focuses on improving lung health, boosting the immune system, and slowing the progression of cancer. The ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica) outlines numerous herbs that are beneficial for treating lung conditions, including lung cancer. This article discusses key herbs from TCM, their dosages, and how they support lung cancer treatment.
Natural Remedies for Lung Cancer Using Traditional Chinese Medicine: Insights from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Lung Cancer
- Astragalus (Huang Qi – 黄芪)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Astragalus is widely used in TCM to boost the immune system and support lung function. It helps improve energy levels, enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer cells, and reduce fatigue, making it essential in lung cancer treatment.
- How to Use: Astragalus can be brewed as a tea or taken as a decoction to support lung health and strengthen immunity.
- Red Sage (Dan Shen – 丹参)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Red Sage is known for promoting blood circulation and reducing blood stasis, which helps inhibit tumor growth. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help relieve symptoms associated with lung cancer.
- How to Use: Red Sage can be brewed as tea or included in a decoction to support healthy blood flow and lung function.
- Hedyotis (Bai Hua She She Cao – 白花蛇舌草)
- Dosage: 15-30 grams
- Properties: Hedyotis is renowned for its anti-cancer properties. It detoxifies the body and helps reduce inflammation, which can slow the progression of lung cancer and support overall lung health.
- How to Use: Hedyotis can be brewed into a tea or used in a herbal decoction to help fight cancer cells and improve lung health.
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao – 甘草)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Licorice Root helps harmonize other herbs in the formula and soothes the respiratory system. It reduces inflammation and supports lung function, making it valuable in lung cancer treatment.
- How to Use: Licorice Root can be brewed into a tea or added to a decoction to help ease respiratory symptoms and support lung function.
Herbal Formula for Lung Cancer Support (Based on Bencao Gangmu)
Ingredients:
- Astragalus (Huang Qi): 12 grams
- Red Sage (Dan Shen): 10 grams
- Hedyotis (Bai Hua She She Cao): 20 grams
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao): 6 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 lung health and reduce cancer progression.
External Application for Lung Health
Create an herbal compress with Red Sage and Licorice Root. Crush the herbs and apply them as a warm compress to the chest area to help reduce inflammation and support lung function.
Why TCM is Effective for Lung Cancer
Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches lung cancer treatment by focusing on strengthening the immune system, improving lung function, and reducing inflammation. Herbs like Astragalus and Red Sage work together to boost the body’s natural defenses and improve overall lung health. By addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of lung cancer, TCM offers a holistic approach that complements modern treatments and supports long-term health.
Conclusion:
The herbal remedies from ‘Bencao Gangmu’ provide natural and effective support for lung cancer treatment. By boosting immunity, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation, these herbs help manage cancer symptoms and promote lung health. For those seeking a complementary approach to cancer treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers time-tested and holistic solutions.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.