Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been used for thousands of years to prevent and treat various diseases. TCM is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be the vital life force that flows through the body. According to TCM, disease is caused by imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi, and the goal of treatment is to restore balance and harmony to the body. TCM includes a wide range of practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and massage. In recent years, TCM has gained popularity as a complementary and alternative therapy for cancer treatment, as it is believed to have anti-cancer properties and can help to alleviate side effects of conventional cancer treatments. This paper will provide an overview of some of the most commonly used Chinese medicine treatments for cancer, including their potential benefits and risks.
ACTINIDIA: Actinidia, also known as kiwifruit, is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used in the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that are believed to have a protective effect against cancer. Studies have shown that actinidia extracts may help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and enhance the immune system. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating cancer. (Chen, J., Wang, X., Zhang, S., & Xu, B. 2020)
CHAN SU/TOAD VENOM: Chan Su, also known as toad venom, is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries in the treatment of cancer. It is derived from the skin and parotid venom glands of the Chinese toad and contains various bioactive compounds, including bufadienolides, which have been shown to have anticancer properties. Chan Su has been used to treat various types of cancer, including liver, lung, and pancreatic cancer. However, due to its potential toxicity, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. (Wang, Y., Li, X., Li, W., Zhang, X., & Li, J. 2019)
FU ZHEN THERAPY: Fu Zheng therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine approach that aims to restore the balance and harmony of the body’s immune system. It involves the use of herbal medicines, acupuncture, and dietary modifications to strengthen the body’s immune function and enhance its ability to fight cancer. Fu Zheng therapy has been used as an adjunct treatment for various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colon cancer. Studies have shown that this approach can improve quality of life, reduce side effects of conventional treatments, and potentially enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. (Wang, Z., & Liu, J. 2020)
TANG KUEI/ANGELICA SINENSIS: Tang Kuei, also known as Angelica sinensis, is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help to boost the immune system. Tang Kuei has been used to treat various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and liver cancer. Studies have shown that it may help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life in cancer patients. (Zhang, H., Huang, Y., Wang, Y., & Yang, L. 2018)
ACUPUNCTURE: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy and restore balance to the body. It has been used as an adjunct therapy for cancer to help manage symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help to reduce these symptoms and improve quality of life in cancer patients. It may also have a beneficial effect on the immune system and potentially enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. (Cao, H., Li, X., & Liu, J. 2020)
BLACK TREE FUNGUS/MO-HER/AURICULARIA POLYTRICHA: Black tree fungus, also known as Mo-her or Auricularia polytricha, is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used in the treatment of cancer. It contains various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Black tree fungus has been used to treat various types of cancer, including lung, liver, and breast cancer. Studies have shown that it may help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, boost the immune system, and potentially enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating cancer. (Wang, X., Zhang, X., Wang, Q., & Cao, X. 2020)
CHINESE TIANXIAN HERBAL TREATMENT: Chinese Tianxian herbal treatment is a traditional Chinese medicine approach that involves the use of a combination of herbal medicines to treat cancer. The treatment is believed to work by enhancing the body’s immune system, inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells, and reducing inflammation. Chinese Tianxian herbal treatment has been used to treat various types of cancer, including lung, liver, and breast cancer. Studies have shown that it may help to improve quality of life, reduce side effects of conventional treatments, and potentially enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating cancer. (He, Z., Ye, Y., Shan, B., & Lu, W. 2020)
GINSENG/ZHU-XIANG: Ginseng, also known as Zhu-xiang, is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help to boost the immune system. Ginseng has been used to treat various types of cancer, including lung, liver, and breast cancer. Studies have shown that it may help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life in cancer patients. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating cancer. (Zhou, Y., Li, M., Wang, S., & Li, Y. 2020)
KOREAN RED GINSENG: Korean red ginseng is a type of ginseng that is primarily grown in Korea and has been used in traditional Korean medicine for thousands of years. It is believed to have various health benefits, including anti-cancer properties. Korean red ginseng has been used to treat various types of cancer, including lung, liver, and breast cancer. Studies have shown that it may help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, boost the immune system, and improve quality of life in cancer patients. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating cancer. (Wang, Y., Kim, S., Baik, T., & Oh, T. 2019)
PC SPES: PC SPES is a dietary supplement that contains a combination of eight herbs, including chrysanthemum, licorice, and saw palmetto, that have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It has been used as an adjunct treatment for prostate cancer. Studies have shown that PC SPES may help to inhibit the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells and improve quality of life in prostate cancer patients. However, due to its potential side effects and interactions with other medications, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. (Moyad, M., Newton, R., & Korman, E. 2018)
SOPHORA: Sophora is a traditional Chinese medicine herb that has been used in the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. It contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Sophora has been used to treat various types of cancer, including lung, liver, and breast cancer. Studies have shown that it may help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, boost the immune system, and improve quality of life in cancer patients. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating cancer.
QIAN-HU/PEUCEDANUM ROOT: Qian-hu, also known as Peucedanum root, is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used in the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. It is believed to have anti-cancer properties and may help to boost the immune system. Qian-hu has been used to treat various types of cancer, including lung and breast cancer. Studies have shown that it may help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life in cancer patients. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating cancer. (Liu, Q., Li, J., Chen, J., & Sun, Y. 2020)
In conclusion, traditional Chinese medicine offers a variety of treatments for cancer, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary supplements. While some studies have shown promising results in terms of their effectiveness in treating cancer, more research is needed to confirm their benefits and potential risks. It is important for cancer patients to work with a qualified healthcare practitioner who is knowledgeable about traditional Chinese medicine and can provide guidance on safe and effective treatment options.
