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.

In any case, should you stumble forward anyway . . make sure that you check with your fathers doctor before giving him anything. Some of these ‘alternative’ herbals are actually counter productive and can interfere with regular treatments . . some of the herbals can unintentionally cause the cancer to grow or become stronger and more resistant. So go with caution.

Memorial Sloan Kettering: About herbals
MD Anderson: Complementary/Integrative medicine
Quackwatch: A Special Message for Cancer Patients Seeking “Alternative” Treatments

SkepCrock says: Not so much herbal recipes as regular supplements. Chemotherapy “treatments” cause extensive damage to the liver, so to offset that, one should take dandelion, artichoke or milk thistle supplements. The latter has been used to treat people whose livers have been nearly destroyed by consumption of deadly amanita mushrooms. Chemotherapy does not eliminate or alleviate cancer, but the supplements should offer some protection to the liver.

Also one might be a little wary about paying heed to the Quackwatch website, the creation of a pharmaceutical industry insider. Naturally that enterprise would object to any competitive therapy that cuts into its profits. And any harm caused to cancer patients is the result of chemo treatments, not herbal supplements.

My answer:

I would recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified herbalist. Most acupuncturists are also Board Certified in Herbology and have years of post-graduate training. Just ask about their training when you talk to them.

In consultation, they would do a diagnostic work-up on your father to determine what could help him. They would also consider all current Western diagnoses, prescriptive medications and treatments as well to make sure nothing was contra-indicated.

Trying something just because you heard it might help could be harmful. There are many nuances to determining the best herbal medicines. When someone is receiving chemotherapy or even radiation, you need to know the effects it has on the body and how the body eliminates the drugs.

Making a medicinal tea is not the same as brewing a cup of Lipton’s tea. It’s a long and involved process at home and today is the most expensive way to do this. It’s much easier to buy them already made. This will also ensure you’re receiving the correct dosage.

Most medicinal herbal teas today are pre-made under strict standards to ensure you receive the highest quality. Your acupuncturist will know which manufacturers meet the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP standards) – which often are far more rigorous than the FDA’s.

One of the biggest benefits to seeking an Oriental Medical Practitioners advice is that you’ll find out what could make a positive difference. They’ll not only provide herbal medicine recommendations, but also educate you on foods and supplements that can help heal. They should also be able to estimate how long it might take to start seeing some improvement.

Hope this helps.

Overview of herbal remedies

In the fast paced world, we hardly get the time for ourselves during which we take a great care of us. Different daily hassles, hard competition and life style affect our diet very profoundly, which results our dependency over fast foods, snack and junk foods. The ultimate outcome leads to experiencing obesity, increasing blood cholesterol level, cardiac problems and other difficulties.

Apart from the health issue, obesity is directly linked up with social stigma. It affects everyone, especially women. Its effect is so profuse in one’s life, that an individual suffering from obesity may take any drastic step to reduce her weight. It may range from having hotchpotch diet to non-verifiable artificial weight loss supplements as well. This may, in turn, result to severe side-effects by disputing metabolic system, while apparently resulting in temporary weight loss.

Herbal weight loss supplements in association with herbal weight loss programs are considered to be the most effective solution for acquiring a perfect health. It is particularly beneficial for those who want to be aligned with Mother Nature. However, there are great varieties in herbal weight loss products, and there is no specific guarantee of its effectiveness. The efficiency also largely depends on the type of the product chosen and on its specific requirement for its user. The consumers must be gather sufficient knowledge regarding possible side-effects regarding the product both in short term and long term.

Weight loss mechanism

Essentially, the herbal weight loss supplements work best following three mechanisms.
1. The product increases the amount of the discharge of urine and stool, thus, helps cleansing the body by protecting against the accumulation of bodily waste in the colon.
2. It also enhances and rejuvenates central nervous system and helps promoting homeostasis through holistic approach.
3. It also increases the serotonin level in the body, which eventually makes an individual more vigorous and serene in mind and health.

Variety of herbs used:
A great variety of herbs are used in the weight loss programs. All for different reasons. However, there are few that we should mention. Let’s discuss a few of them here.

Ma-huang: This is also known as ephedra. This is one of the most common ingredients used in the various weight loss supplements, however, it has been banned. Medical practitioners highly discourage its prolonged usages by putting a special emphasis of its harmful side effects on health.

Chris’ side-note on ephedra: In Traditional Chinese medicine, weight loss is not an indication for this herb. It makes you sweat and lose essential body fluids – it doesn’t help with fat loss. Many people with undiagnosed kidney disease died as a result of using products that contain it. I personally do not recommend you use any product that contains ephedra!

Cascara: It holds a significant place in most of the herbal weight loss supplements. It is generally used as an internal cleanser. However, it has side-effect as well. It imay create disturbances in electrolytic balance.

Chris’ side-note on cascara: Cascara is a strong purgative. If you carry a lot of fecal matter in your bowels, this will help clean you out making it seem as if you’ve lost weight.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is well-respected among the mass for its versatile qualities. It is commonly found as an important ingredient of weight loss supplement. It also helps cleansing body. However, there is no clinical evidence found yet to ascertain long term benefits of weight loss from Aloe Vera.

Chris’ side-note on aloe vera: Aloe vera also helps to improve elimination except it also aides with internal healing. It may help improve your bodies ability to absorb nutrients.

Glocomannan: This helps absorbing glucose from intestine, hence creating a feeling of fullness in an individual. Quite obviously, it results in less intake of food. It is effective in reducing weight effectively; however, the impact of this herb is not free from side-effects. It may create gastrointestinal complications in long run.

Dandelion: It works as an effective natural diuretic as it helps releasing water from body. But one needs to be very careful about drinking a plentiful amount of water while taking this herb. If the amount of water intake is insufficient, the individual is on high risk of having dehydration and allergic reactions.

Thanks to
Pharmacy Online for sharing this information on herbs.

Worldwide, an estimated 88.2 people with this disease have been infected. With such a large number it is essential that a solution be found.

There are some natural cures that seem to help.

Multiple vitamins have shown promise in several studies, focusing on early symptoms in patients. These studies looked at Vitamin B, C and E and their role in helping the immune system function better. Although these additions don’t cure the disease, it offers hope for AIDS patients, in that you could maintain a better quality of life in this battle.

Another new study that may keep your infection at bay is selenium. Selenium seems to “tame” the Virus while strengthening the immune system.

David Pauza at the Institute, of Virology in Baltimore recommended that patients add Selenium as an additional part of their daily vitamin supplements.

In a study at the University of Miami 262 patients were divided into two groups, one was given 200 micrograms of selenium daily and the control group was given a sugar pill or placebo. After 9 months the two groups had a significant difference which the selenium group reporting better health than the placebo group.

Although it is not understood how it works, selenium appears to allow antioxidants to repair the immune system. Plus, selenium seems able to ward off viruses.

Other studies have shown that this virus may be zapped by traditional Chinese herbs. There are several good potential herbs and herbal formulas available.

Natural remedies may be employed to keep the disease in check. Talk to your health care practitioner before taking any herbal supplements and contact an appropriate herbal practitioner to determine which herbal preparations are best for you.

Thanks to: the Low White Blood Cells website for this informative article.