What Are the Three Most Effective Traditional Chinese Medicines for Liver Cancer?

Generally, traditional Chinese medicines such as Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Turmeric (Yu Jin), Oldenlandia diffusa (Bai Hua She She Cao), Astragalus (Huang Qi), and Leech (Shui Zhi) can be used to help improve symptoms in patients with liver cancer. However, it is recommended to consult a qualified physician before use. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Bupleurum (Chai Hu)

Bupleurum has the function of soothing the liver and regulating qi, which can help relieve symptoms of liver qi stagnation. Liver cancer patients may experience liver qi stagnation, and Bupleurum can help alleviate these symptoms to some extent. It is usually used in combination with other Chinese herbs and administered orally as a decoction.

2. Turmeric (Yu Jin)

Turmeric also has the effects of regulating liver qi, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain. It can help alleviate pain caused by liver qi stagnation in patients with liver cancer. It can be taken orally as a decoction or applied externally as a powder mixed with liquid.

3. Oldenlandia diffusa (Bai Hua She She Cao)

Oldenlandia diffusa has the functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, removing dampness, and reducing jaundice. It can help eliminate damp-heat toxins from the body and may improve jaundice and other symptoms caused by damp-heat accumulation in liver cancer patients. It is commonly administered orally as a decoction or used in tablet or injectable forms.

4. Astragalus (Huang Qi)

Astragalus has the effects of tonifying qi, strengthening the body's defenses, promoting diuresis to remove toxins, and promoting tissue regeneration. Astragalus can help enhance the immune function and physical condition of liver cancer patients, aiding in the resistance against cancer cell invasion. It can be used orally as a decoction or formulated into pills, powders, or other preparations.

5. Leech (Shui Zhi)

Leech has the functions of breaking up blood stasis, promoting circulation of blood, and eliminating masses. It may help remove blood stasis and reduce cancerous tumors. It can alleviate symptoms such as pain and masses caused by blood stasis in liver cancer patients. It is usually used in combination with other Chinese herbs, administered orally as a decoction, or formulated into pills or powders.

The above-mentioned Chinese herbs may serve as adjunctive treatments for liver cancer to some extent, but they cannot completely replace Western medical treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. When using TCM therapies, it is important to follow professional medical guidance, ensure appropriate herb combinations, and avoid drug interactions and adverse reactions. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, a positive mindset, and actively cooperating with treatment can help improve quality of life.