For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used herbs in conjunction with other alternative therapies, such as massage and acupuncture, to treat cancer, as well as other conditions. According to Cancer Research UK, those who practice TCM use herbs to generate a response in certain areas, or energy channels, of the body. Some herbs are used alone, or in combination with other herbs and food. While there are numerous herbs used in TCM to treat a variety of ailments, there are a few that are specifically used to treat cancer.
Scutellaria Barbata
Scutellaria barbata is an herb that is native to Korea and China. Often combined with other herbs, it is used in TCM as an antibiotic and diuretic, but one of its most popular uses is as an anticancer agent. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, scutellaria is antimutagenic, which means it prevents cells from mutating and turning into cancer cells, and it also slows and can stop the growth of cancerous tumors.
Oldenlandia
Oldenlandia diffusa is a very common herb that is used in TCM for cancer treatment. It can be used alone, or in combination with other herbs, such as scutellaria, mentioned above. A study in the 2004 issue of the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy reports that oldenlandia stops the growth of numerous cancer cells, and even promotes apoptosis, or cell death. It is also noted that it has no negative side effects.
Astragalus
Astragalus has long been used as an immune system booster, and to treat fatigue and asthma caused by allergic reactions. It is also a powerful anti-cancer herb used in TCM. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that astragalus slows the growth of tumors, enhances the effects of chemotherapy, and yet can counter the negative effects of chemotherapy by keeping the immune system strong.
Curcuma
There are two types of the herb curcuma that are used in TCM. Curcuma longa is also known as turmeric, the common yellow spice, and curcuma zedoaria is known as white turmeric. Both are known for their anticancer activity, as well as being anti-inflammatory agents. The January 2009 issue of the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology reports that studies have proven the effectiveness of curcuma zedoaria as an anticancer agent, and a September 2001 issue of Alternative Medicine Review states that along with its anticancer benefits, curcuma longa is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the liver and help prevent inflammation in the body.
Green Tea
Green tea is known worldwide for its health properties, but has been used for years in TCM for its anticancer benefits. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that green tea is used to treat, and prevent, numerous types of cancer. Its benefits include the fact that it can prevent cancerous cells from developing, as well as slow and stop tumor growth. It also states, however, that green tea can make a patient not as responsive to chemotherapy agents, so if one is undergoing chemotherapy he should not consume green tea.
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