Are there any herbal recipes that could help cancer?
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.
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.
Tags: Cancer, Cancer, cancer herbs, Herbal Medicine, herbal remedies
Hi, I'm Christine Hasinger, DOM. I’m an Oriental Medicine Practitioner of which a large part is utilizing natural herbal medicine. You see, we're Master Herbalists as well as Acupuncturists. A large part of our extensive training focuses on the preparation, making, use and prescribing of herbs and herbal formulas for a wide variety of health disorders and problems.