Herb Consults

I found this question on Yahoo Answers while browsing the other day and thought you might find it interesting. It’s currently closed, but I would have answered it differently. I’ve included my answer at the end of this post.

My father has colon cancer and has been fighting it for 5 years. He is taking strong chemotherapy treatments but they really take a toll on him. I recently watched a movie in my Medical Anthropology class about ancient Chinese herbal treatments that could help along with the chemotherapy. After researching I couldn’t find any straight foreword recipes that I could make for him. Help please?

Truthseeker says: The Chinese herbal remedy successfully used together with chemotherapy is called Chung Kuo Chung Hsi Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. Do more research now when you have the name.

Panda says: There are no herbal recipes that can ‘help’ with cancer . . if there were than they would not be considered ‘alternatives’ . . they would be used. The modern day Chinese still get just as much cancer and die from it as the rest of the world. There is no magic online hidden ‘recipe’ for cancer . . but there are plenty of websites and people willing to exploit your interest to their financial advantage. I have known many cancer patients . .most had a rare type of cancer with few treatment options . . they tried out many of those ‘alternatives’ . . their cancers progressed .. not one patient I’ve known who tried ‘herbal’ supplements or diets has ever survived.  Read more... (735 words, estimated 2:56 mins reading time)

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Cancer: Herbs in Holistic Health Care

Treating cancer with herbs is a question that I get asked a lot, so I will attempt to start addressing concerns here:

First of all, herbalists (& acupuncturists) don’t actually treat cancer, we treat the side-effects of Western medicine treatments for it.

Second, as Oriental Medicine Practitioners, we’re not allowed to say or claim that we treat cancer or cure it! As for myself, I have to testify to that for my malpractice insurance and there is some statement to that effect on our practice act here in Florida. I can only assume that it’s the same in other states.

Third, it’s my personal opinion that you should have a good medical workup if you have cancer by a qualified MD, surgeon, oncologist, and/ or radiologist. Only then can you make an informed decision on how you will deal with this diagnosis.

Now with that out of the way we can explore how herbs can help you when you have cancer.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation have fairly common side-effects. You might lose your hair. You may have nausea & vomiting. You may be easily fatigued and tired all the time with low energy. Your immunity is probably at an all time low. This is all from your cancer treatment.

Herbal medicines can help with all these side-effects:

• decrease nausea and vomiting
• improve your energy
• decrease tiredness & fatigue
• boost your immunity
• help you sleep