Introduction:
Lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, can cause serious health complications as it disrupts the body’s immune response. While modern treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are common, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a natural, complementary approach that supports immune function, reduces inflammation, and helps manage cancer symptoms. The ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica) contains key herbal remedies for treating lymphoma. In this article, we explore these herbs, their dosages, and how they help support lymphatic health and cancer management.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Lymphoma: Herbal Remedies from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Lymphoma
- Red Sage (Dan Shen – 丹参)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Red Sage promotes blood circulation and helps reduce blood stasis, which is important for preventing the growth of tumors. Its anti-inflammatory properties also support lymphatic health, making it essential in lymphoma treatment.
- How to Use: Red Sage can be brewed into tea or taken as part of a herbal decoction to support lymphatic function and inhibit tumor growth.
- Astragalus (Huang Qi – 黄芪)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Astragalus is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system, which is crucial in fighting cancer cells. It enhances overall vitality and helps improve the body’s natural defenses against lymphoma.
- How to Use: Astragalus can be consumed as tea, in capsule form, or as part of a decoction to boost 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, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent the growth of tumors, making it particularly effective in treating lymphoma.
- How to Use: Hedyotis can be brewed into tea or used in a decoction to help fight cancer cells and support lymphatic health.
- Scutellaria (Huang Qin – 黄芩)
- Dosage: 6-12 grams
- Properties: Scutellaria helps clear heat and reduce inflammation in the body, making it useful for treating cancers like lymphoma. It has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- How to Use: Scutellaria can be brewed into tea or used in a decoction to help reduce inflammation and support cancer treatment.
Herbal Formula for Lymphoma 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 lymphatic health and reduce cancer progression.
External Application for Lymphatic Health
For external use, create a herbal compress using Red Sage and Astragalus to support lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. Crush the herbs and apply them as a warm compress to areas with lymph node swelling to help relieve discomfort and improve circulation.
Why TCM is Effective for Lymphoma
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats lymphoma by improving circulation, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation. Herbs like Red Sage and Astragalus work together to support the body’s natural defenses, reduce tumor growth, and promote lymphatic health. TCM provides a holistic approach that complements conventional cancer treatments, helping to manage symptoms and improve recovery.
Conclusion:
The herbal remedies from ‘Bencao Gangmu’ provide natural and effective support for treating lymphoma. By strengthening the immune system, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation, these herbs complement modern cancer treatments and support long-term health. For those seeking a holistic approach to cancer treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers powerful and time-tested solutions.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.