Canceraccording to TCM
Symptom family: Neoplasms, Tumors and Cancer
Sub-symptom(s): Lung Cancer Esophageal Cancer Throat Cancer Stomach Cancer Early Stages Esophageal Cancer
What is Cancer?
Cancer represents a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If not managed, it can result in death. Cancer affects people at all ages and can manifest in various forms, such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and more.
The term encapsulates a wide range of conditions that can affect any part of the body, highlighting the disease's complexity and the importance of early detection and comprehensive treatment strategies.
How does TCM view Cancer?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on cancer, viewing it not just as a set of tumor cells but as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system. TCM practitioners believe that cancer results from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy), Blood Stagnation, accumulation of Toxins, Heat or Dampness, and imbalances between the body's fundamental substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang).
By identifying and correcting these disharmonies, TCM aims to restore the body's natural balance and health, supporting the body's ability to fight the disease.
Causes of Cancer According to TCM
Two primary patterns often discussed in the context of cancer development include the Stagnation of Qi and Blood, which can create an environment conducive to tumor growth, and the accumulation of Dampness and Heat, leading to Toxic conditions. These underlying patterns reflect the TCM belief that cancer stems from the body's imbalances rather than being merely a localized problem.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Cancer
TCM utilizes a wide array of herbs to combat cancer, focusing on those that can clear Heat, relieve Toxicity and purge Fire. Key herbs include the Chinese Lobelia (Ban Bian Lian) and Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao), known for their ability to address toxic heat and Damp-Heat conditions, making them particularly valuable in treating cancers associated with these patterns.
Another important herb is the Barbat Skullcap (Ban Zhi Lian), which is effective against Heat in the Blood, Blood Stagnation, and Toxic Heat.
These herbs are selected based on their properties and the specific TCM diagnosis, underscoring the personalized approach TCM takes in treating cancer and supporting the body's healing processes.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cancer, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that promote qi movement
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Cancer can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
Cancer can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by the disruption of Qi flow, that causes the normal movement of body processes to go the wrong way.
One such formula is Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang, with inula flower as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
Cancer can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Cancer can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Qi Ge San, with glehnia root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Cancer
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address cancer, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Cancer can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Chinese Lobelia Herbs (Ban Bian Lian), which is directly recommended for cancer.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for cancer
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Lobelia Herbs (Ban Bian Lian) | Not applicable |
| Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao) | Not applicable |
| Bushy Sophora Roots (Shan Dou Gen) | Not applicable |
| Catclaw Buttercup Roots (Mao Zhao Cao) | Not applicable |
| Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Cancer can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Barbat Skullcap Herb (Ban Zhi Lian), which is directly recommended for cancer.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Cancer can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cancer, like Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Cancer can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cancer, like Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Cancer can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cancer, like Wei Ling Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Cancer can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cancer, like Wei Ling Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Cancer can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cancer, like Qi Ge San.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Cancer can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cancer, like Qi Ge San.