Introduction:
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can significantly impact a person’s digestive system and overall well-being. While conventional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy are commonly used, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a complementary approach to support digestive health, boost immunity, and reduce tumor growth. ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica) outlines key herbal treatments that can aid in stomach cancer management. This article explores the best herbs for stomach cancer, their dosages, and how they work to support the digestive system and overall recovery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Stomach Cancer: Healing Remedies from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Stomach 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 can help inhibit tumor growth in the stomach. Its anti-inflammatory properties also support digestive health.
- How to Use: Red Sage can be brewed as tea or included in herbal decoctions to help improve blood flow and prevent tumor growth.
- Astragalus (Huang Qi – 黄芪)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Astragalus is a powerful herb for boosting the immune system and promoting overall vitality. It strengthens the body’s natural defenses against cancer cells and aids in recovery from stomach cancer treatments.
- How to Use: Astragalus can be consumed as tea, in capsule form, or as part of a decoction to enhance immunity and support recovery.
- Hedyotis (Bai Hua She She Cao – 白花蛇舌草)
- Dosage: 15-30 grams
- Properties: Hedyotis is a popular herb in TCM for its anti-cancer properties. It detoxifies the body, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent tumor growth, making it particularly effective for stomach cancer.
- How to Use: Hedyotis can be brewed into a tea or taken as part of a herbal formula to fight cancer cells and improve digestive health.
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao – 甘草)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Licorice Root helps harmonize other herbs and soothes the digestive system. It reduces inflammation, helps alleviate digestive discomfort, and supports the overall treatment of stomach cancer.
- How to Use: Licorice Root can be brewed into tea or used in a decoction to improve digestive health and support stomach cancer treatment.
Herbal Formula for Stomach 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
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao): 5 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 stomach health and reduce cancer progression.
External Application for Digestive Health
To soothe discomfort associated with stomach cancer, create a compress using Red Sage and Licorice Root. Crush the herbs and apply them as a warm compress to the abdominal area to relieve pain and support digestion.
Why TCM is Effective for Stomach Cancer
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats stomach cancer by addressing inflammation, blood stasis, and weakened immunity. Herbs like Red Sage and Astragalus work to boost the body’s immune response, reduce inflammation, and inhibit tumor growth. TCM takes a holistic approach to cancer treatment by supporting the body’s natural healing processes while complementing conventional therapies.
Conclusion:
The herbal remedies outlined in ‘Bencao Gangmu’ provide natural support for managing stomach cancer. By improving blood flow, boosting the immune system, and promoting digestive health, these herbs complement modern cancer treatments and support recovery. For those seeking a holistic approach to stomach cancer treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers powerful, time-tested solutions.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.