Mesothelioma Circle

Mesothelioma Information and Help - Mesothelioma CircleMesothelioma Circle

  • Search

(855) 866-MESO (6376)

  • Mesothelioma Facts
    • Mesothelioma Symptoms
    • Mesothelioma Diagnosis
    • Mesothelioma Prognosis
    • Mesothelioma Types
      • Mesothelioma Cell Types
    • Mesothelioma Stages
    • Mesothelioma Causes
  • Treatment Guide
    • Mesothelioma Surgery
    • Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
    • Mesothelioma Radiation
    • Multimodal Treatment
      • Mesothelioma Photodynamic Therapy
    • Mesothelioma Palliative Care
    • Treatment Side Effects
    • Ask Your Doctor
    • Find a Doctor
    • Mesothelioma Glossary
  • Clinical Trials
    • FREE Clinical Trial Matching Service
    • Mesothelioma Immunotherapy
      • Keytruda Mesothelioma Immunotherapy
      • Opdivo Mesothelioma Immunotherapy
      • Tremelimumab Mesothelioma Immunotherapy
      • Tecentriq Mesothelioma Immunotherapy
    • Clinical Trials and Insurance Coverage
    • iMig Videos
  • Legal Help
    • Common Legal Questions
    • Choosing a Firm
    • Kazan Law
    • Settlements & Verdicts
    • Mesothelioma Settlements and Trials
    • Mesothelioma Settlement Amounts
    • Reasons to Hire Kazan Law
    • History of Asbestos Litigation
    • Taking Care of Personal Matters
    • Unscrupulous Lawyers
  • Veterans & Mesothelioma
    • Navy Veterans
    • Army Veterans
    • Air Force Veterans
    • Marine Corps Veterans
    • Coast Guard Veterans
    • Vietnam Veterans
    • Iraq Veterans
    • Legal Support
    • Health Care Benefits
  • Blog
  • Contact

Can Chinese Herbs Help Cancer Patients?

March 21, 2013  

mesothelioma treatmentWhen it comes to complementary approaches to malignant mesothelioma care, Chinese herbal medicine is a popular option, but how helpful are these regimens? And are they safe?

At Mesothelioma Circle, we know well that the definitive answer to these questions may still be years away. However, an article published in the journal PLOS ONE can help us understand things a little easier.

Chinese herbal medicine has been around for two millennia
One reason why Chinese herbal medicine is so fascinating is that it has been around for more than 2,000 years. Experts from the American Cancer Society say that this system was first established by the year 200 BC. However, it wasn’t until the Ming Dynasty (between the 1100s and 1500s) that the formulations were compiled into a book. The information entailed almost 2,000 herbs and extracts.

Western medicine became more widespread during the 20th century, and beginning in 1949, the Chinese government allowed for the use of both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. The latter started to become more popular in the U.S. in the 1970s.

How do Chinese herbs help cancer patients?
The underlying principles of traditional Chinese medicine are different from those of Western medicine because they are rooted in the idea that the human body has opposing forces of energy that need to be kept in balance. This system holds that disease is the result of this energy being thrown out of balance, and tools such as acupuncture and herbs can help correct the problem.

Reputable Chinese herbalists would not tell you that herbs alone can cure cancer. However, they may suggest that, when combined with Western treatments, herbs can strengthen the immune system, alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation, and improve overall quality of life.

Recently, a team of scientists wanted to review the evidence supporting the use of Chinese herbal medicine as a complementary therapy for non-small cell lung cancer patients. They reviewed 24 clinical trials, which included a combined 2,109 patients. While some had conventional chemotherapy only, others also received herbs such as astragalus or Chinese liquorice.

The authors of the review found that, when compared to patients who had only chemotherapy, those who also had Chinese herbal medicine has increased rates of survival at one year and fewer problems with nausea and vomiting.

However, they also said that larger clinical trials are needed to verify these results.

Consult your doctor first
Although this review sounds favorable, it is important to remember that Chinese herbs may contain substances that can react negatively in combination with your other medications. Never start a Chinese herb regimen without talking to your healthcare team first, and always remember that this approach is meant to complement standard Western medicine rather than replace it altogether.

There have also been other concerns that products on the market are tainted with harmful chemicals, such as mercury, lead and arsenic. Herbalists are more likely to be aware of product safety if they are licensed by a state board. However, the licensing procedures for traditional Chinese medicine may differ from state to state.

In case you need help looking for a reputable herbalist, try to make sure someone has been certified to practice by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, or NCCAOM. Alternatively, you can ask your healthcare team if they can provide a referral.

Filed Under: Mesothelioma Treatment, Treatment News Tagged With: chinese herbs, complementary mesothelioma treatment

Click here to use our FREE clinical trial matching tool

mesothelioma clinical trials

Get Help Finding the Right Clinical Trial

  • Which of the following best describes you?*
  • Disclaimer: The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Categories

  • Asbestos Exposure
  • Caregiver Support
  • Clinical Trials
  • Financial Help
  • Foundation
  • Inspiration
  • Legal Assistance
  • Mesothelioma Research
  • Mesothelioma Treatment
  • Nutrition + Exercise
  • Treatment News
  • Uncategorized
  • Videos

Recent Posts

  • Immunotherapy Gene Editing Breakthrough Electrifies the Scientific Community
  • Lung Cancer Specialist Nurses Increase Patient Survival
  • Potential Mesothelioma Metastasis Treatment Goes to Clinical Trial
  • Mesothelioma Pain Management Guide
  • Clinical Trial of Olaparib for Mesothelioma

Questions about mesothelioma? Call (855) 866-MESO (6376) now

Thank you for visiting Mesothelioma Circle

This website is sponsored by the law firm Kazan McClain Satterley & Greenwood, A Professional Law Corporation (also referred to on this site as “Kazan Law”). We are a nationwide law firm that focuses on representing the victims of asbestos exposure.

We sponsor this site in order to provide resources and information about mesothelioma, its treatment and causes as well as how to pursue legal remedies. For more information about our firm, please click here.


  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 Mesothelioma Circle. All Rights Reserved.