Although many herbs from around the world have the potency to treat cancer, the Chinese herbs have the best reputation based on proven empirical results, rather than on anecdotal reports. These herbs are relatively inexpensive in comparison to standard medical costs for cancer treatment. In addition, they don’t provoke any of the side effects associated with conventional treatments for cancer.
While the information in this article should not be considered medical advice, but only offered for information purposes, it will serve to offer alternative ideas on how to fight the battle against cancer and win. Moreover, it should be noted that these herbs should only be taken under expert medical consultation because they can counteract with drugs and cause adverse reactions.
The five herbs, then, that can treat cancer from Chinese medicine are Dong Ling Cao, Yi Yi Ren, Tu Fu Ling, Ling Zhi, and Ren Shen.
Information about Dong Ling Cao only became available in 1972, and it was never listed in the herbal books of early Chinese dynasties. This herb clears both heat and toxins, nourishes the yin energy in the body, removes blood stasis, and relieves pain and swelling. It has been shown to be especially effective for epithelial hyperplasia of the esophagus and is commonly prescribed for stomach aches due to internal heat, throat inflammation, coughing, mammary abscess, bronchitis and inflammation of the pelvis. In China, it is often used in rural areas for treating insect and snake bites, as well as tonsil and throat inflammation. In relation to cancer, it has been used to treat cancer in the esophagus, in the heart region, in the breast area, and in the liver.
Chinese herbalists favor Yi Yi Ren, also called “semen coicis,” when it comes to treating spleen problems and dealing with arthritic pain and swelling. They also apply it to relieve diarrhea, drain pus, and reduce internal heat. In relation to cancer treatment, it is used for cancer of the spleen or the liver. Yi Yi Ren has several qualities that make it a potent cancer cure. Administered as an oil, it has been shown to have sedative, antipyretic, and analgesic qualities. Pregnant women have used it to stimulate birth contractions. Those having problems breathing can use it to stimulate deeper breathing. However, it is only effective in this way, if a small amount is used. A large amount will actually suppress breathing. It has been used for effective treatment of Ehrlich ascites sarcoma because of the anti carcinogenic ingredient called coixenolide.
The herb Tu Fu Ling has the properties of clearing internal heat, eliminating internal damp, and flushing away chemical toxins. It is popular in Chinese medicine to help remove fungal infection, psoriasis, mercury poisoning, kidney inflammation, dysentery, leptospirosis, syphilis, joint pain, and skin ulcers. In relation, to cancer, it is used for cancer of the bladder and of the liver.
Ling Zhi, an extract from the mushroom ganoderma lucidum, is an immune builder because it increases a wide range of white blood cells. In the treatment of cancer, it is not specific to any region of the body or any particular form of cancer. Instead it rebuilds the body’s own immune system. The word itself means the herb of spiritual power. It has been in use for over 4,000 years and is considered the mushroom of immortality.
Finally, there is Ren Shen, another immune building herb. It has been most commonly used to reduce the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. It relieves aches and pains, reduces fevers and sweating, and eliminates excessive body fluids like phlegm.