Introduction:
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, affecting the colon and rectum. While modern treatments like chemotherapy and surgery are widely used, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary approach to managing colorectal cancer by strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall gut health. ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica) outlines various herbs that have been used for centuries to treat digestive disorders, inflammation, and cancer. This article highlights key herbs for colorectal cancer treatment, their dosages, and how they work to support health and recovery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Colorectal Cancer: Healing Insights from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Colorectal Cancer
- Red Sage (Dan Shen – 丹参)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Red Sage is a powerful herb for promoting blood circulation and reducing blood stasis. It helps inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors and supports the overall health of the digestive system, making it effective in colorectal cancer treatment.
- How to Use: Red Sage can be brewed into a tea or used in a decoction to support colon health and prevent the spread of cancer.
- Astragalus (Huang Qi – 黄芪)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Astragalus is widely known for its ability to strengthen the immune system, improve energy levels, and enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer cells. It is a key herb in TCM for supporting cancer treatment and promoting long-term health.
- How to Use: Astragalus can be taken as tea or in capsule form to help reduce the progression of cancer and improve immune function.
- Hedyotis (Bai Hua She She Cao – 白花蛇舌草)
- Dosage: 15-30 grams
- Properties: Hedyotis is known for its strong anti-cancer properties, particularly in digestive cancers such as colorectal cancer. It clears heat, detoxifies the body, and reduces tumor growth.
- How to Use: Hedyotis is commonly used in decoctions or teas to help reduce inflammation and fight cancer cells in the digestive tract.
- Scutellaria (Huang Qin – 黄芩)
- Dosage: 6-12 grams
- Properties: Scutellaria helps clear heat and reduce inflammation in the digestive system, making it useful for treating cancers that affect the colon and rectum. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties make it a valuable addition to cancer treatment formulas.
- How to Use: Scutellaria can be brewed into a tea or used in a decoction to help reduce inflammation and support cancer treatment.
Herbal Formula for Colorectal 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 cancer treatment and overall digestive health.
External Application for Digestive Health
For external support, create an herbal compress using Red Sage and Hedyotis. Crush the herbs and apply the mixture to the lower abdomen. This external treatment can help reduce inflammation, soothe pain, and support the digestive system.
Why TCM is Effective for Colorectal Cancer
Traditional Chinese Medicine addresses colorectal cancer by treating the underlying causes of disease, such as inflammation, blood stasis, and weakened immunity. Herbs like Red Sage and Astragalus help enhance the body’s natural defenses while reducing tumor growth and supporting overall gut health. By focusing on both the symptoms and root causes of colorectal cancer, TCM provides a holistic and natural approach to treatment.
Conclusion:
The remedies found in ‘Bencao Gangmu’ offer a natural way to support the treatment of colorectal cancer. By strengthening the immune system, improving digestion, and reducing tumor growth, these herbs help complement modern cancer treatments and support long-term recovery. For those seeking an alternative or complementary approach, Traditional Chinese Medicine provides effective and time-tested solutions.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.