Marriage of Western and Eastern Medicine May Lead To Cure of Cancer
Posted: Friday, August 20, 2010
by Dr. Carla Goddard
Haung Qin Tang found to boost cancer treatment effects while reducing the toxic side effects of chemotherapy in recent studies published. A potential win win natural formula in the battle on cancer. This ancient Chinese herbal remedy has been used in China for literally hundreds of years for nausea relief and diarrhea. The mix of plant extracts, roots, and fruits has been studied by researchers at Yale University in conjunction with colon and rectal cancer in rats.
In the research studies a formula of extracts from peonies, skullcap, liquorice and fruit of a buckthorn tree were given to mice that were undergoing colon and rectal cancer chemotherapy. It was found that the mixture increased the effectiveness of the chemotherapy to reduce the tumors while protecting the intestinal lining and actually resoring the damage of the lining caused by the chemotherapy. It took only a few days of treatment with the formula to see drastic results in the rats. Further studies are currently being done to see long term effects of the herbal formula; however, the preliminary studies are exciting.
A lead researcher, Professor Yung-Chi Cheng, calls the formula "a marriage of Western and Eastern approaches to the treatment of cancer". In revisiting the ancient therapies of Eastern herbal medicine, it may in fact lead to discovering cures from nature.
It is important to note that at this time the FDA does not approve the use of Haung Qin Tang formulas. Many formulas currently available in the United States are filled with subsitute herbal extracts such as KPC or Min Tong. As with all herbal remedies, it is vital to work with a Master herbalist or certified Traditional Chinese Medicine practioner.
A lead researcher, Professor Yung-Chi Cheng, calls the formula "a marriage of Western and Eastern approaches to the treatment of cancer". In revisiting the ancient therapies of Eastern herbal medicine, it may in fact lead to discovering cures from nature.
It is important to note that at this time the FDA does not approve the use of Haung Qin Tang formulas. Many formulas currently available in the United States are filled with subsitute herbal extracts such as KPC or Min Tong. As with all herbal remedies, it is vital to work with a Master herbalist or certified Traditional Chinese Medicine practioner.
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Once again, the practice of herbal treatments can give those who suffer positive benefits. I hope the research continues to be positive.GraceGraceI would prefer if the research were not on animals but I do hope it continues as well.mwah
I'm surprised that intensive research isn't funded for learning more about Eastern medicines and taking them seriously. I'm sure Western medicine could gain immensely.JenniferI am too. I am sure that if there were a true marriage of the two venues much would be learned by both.mwah
This is not one of my favorite subjects. I'm just not a believer, but I guess if I had chemo I would try the formula, even if I didn't know what I was taking.Good luckRobertI think that when a person is faced with a serious or chronic dis-ease, it is true that they will try most anything. However, I can honestly say that I have never taken any formula that I did not know exactly what I was taking. Great point that should be made is that anyone considering the idea of taking a herbal formula needs to do their own research and work with a reputable TCM or herbalist. Never wise to take something just because someone suggests it.mwah
It's about time, Western culture finally gained a few brain cell's, and isn't totally numb to what's been happening over the last century. It only took what 300 years to discover..?RobinRediscover ... let's hope it does not slow and it continues.Thank you for stopping bymwah
For many years I have had a lot of respect for Eastern medicine and I have heard it is in many ways more advanced than the treatments we have come up with here in the states. I hope USA learns more about herbs and natural healing processes because this is something in which I have always been a fan. For now, we can help ourselves by consuming natural food products and attending farmer's markets... not only cheap, but delicious.
For many years I have had a lot of respect for Eastern medicine and I have heard it is in many ways more advanced than the treatments we have come up with here in the states. I hope USA learns more about herbs and natural healing processes because this is something in which I have always been a fan. For now, we can help ourselves by consuming natural food products and attending farmer's markets... not only cheap, but delicious.BrombergaThank you for stopping by. I am not sure that I would use the words more advanced; however Eastern Medicine takes a holistic approach rather than simply looking at the physically body. I had a mentor once tell me that it is what I was not doing as much as it was what I was doing that embodies the true philosophy of Eastern Medicine. Makes sense to me.mwahCarla
FDA usually doesn't approve of anything that makes the drug companies frown.... when will we learn? Bery well written and informative article! Thanks!MarijoThank you for stopping by and I have no idea when a shift will happen with the FDA. It first has to happen with the general people in realizing that alternatives are a viable option and not some "hokey pokey" as one reader that emailed me wrote.mwahCarlaSome ARE hokey-pokey (snake oil) BUT so is some of the junk "modern Western Medicine" does - I know as I have been an RN for 41 years now and have seen what comes and goes (and some that should go and doesn't). Thanks again,
MarijoIs so unexplainable how things work. A local doctor read the article and I got a chance to speak with in great detail this morning about the possibility of working with some of his clients on alternative therapies that are non intrusive. My middle daughter volunteers at a local hospital and part of what she does is volunteer to pray with patients. It is amazing the reactions of some patients. They immediately have an overwhelming calmness that happens making the lives of the nurses much simpler.thanks for stopping by. Mwah
MarijoIs so unexplainable how things work. A local doctor read the article and I got a chance to speak with in great detail this morning about the possibility of working with some of his clients on alternative therapies that are non intrusive. My middle daughter volunteers at a local hospital and part of what she does is volunteer to pray with patients. It is amazing the reactions of some patients. They immediately have an overwhelming calmness that happens making the lives of the nurses much simpler.thanks for stopping by. Mwah
MarijoIs so unexplainable how things work. A local doctor read the article and I got a chance to speak with in great detail this morning about the possibility of working with some of his clients on alternative therapies that are non intrusive. My middle daughter volunteers at a local hospital and part of what she does is volunteer to pray with patients. It is amazing the reactions of some patients. They immediately have an overwhelming calmness that happens making the lives of the nurses much simpler.thanks for stopping by. Mwah
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