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TCM Physicians Clinic



Herbal derived conventional medicines and TCM in treating cancer:

Many conventional drugs derive directly from herbs. Some examples of herbal derived drugs commonly used in cancer treatments are: Vincristine and Vinblastine (derived from chang chun hua, catharanthus roseus), Taxol (derived from hong dou shan, taxuz sinensis), Etoposide and Teniposide (derived from gui jiu xiao hua, podophyllum peltatum), and Irinotecan (derived from xishu, canpotheca acuminata). Lots of herbal remedies with evidence of antitumor action are also commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Here are some examples: Han Lian Cao (herba eclipta prostratae), Ban Lan Gen and Da Qing Ye (isatis tintorio), Lei Gong Teng (tripterygium wilfordii), Dong Ling Cao (rabdosia rubescens), Jiang Huang (curcuma longa), Hong Ling Zhi (red ganoderma lucidum), Huang Qi (astragalus membranaceus), and many more.  

From TCM also derives ATRA (the use of trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide), a treatment first developed and used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and now a standard cancer treatment that has saved the lives of many people in the world. More info on the history of ATRA therapy ➣

TCM herbal remedies are typically available in formulas containing multiple ingredients and sometimes as a single herb. TCM herbal products are used in the form of infusions (decoctions), pills, tablets, capsules, granule powders, oral liquids, injections, enemas, and topical creams. Some products of oral administration are available in the form of 5:1 concentrated extracts, and infusions of herbal medicines for intravenous administration are commonly used in TCM hospitals. 

Note: To avoid using ineffective products and inappropriate use of herbs, herbal remedies should be used under professional guidance

. The professional indication and administration of some herbal products may require a prescription from a licensed practitioner. Consulting a licensed health care provider with knowledge of herbal medicine is strongly recommended, before using any herbal product.

 

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    ONLINE INFORMATION ON CAM:
     

    The National Cancer Institute

    The U.S. National Library of Medicine 

    National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

     Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, ABC of Herbal Medicine and CAM  

    World Health Organization Traditional, CAM and integrative medicine

    Journals & Pubs on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrated Medicine
      


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    Information on this website is provided for informational purpose only and is no intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your health care provider. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating an illness or health condition, or prescribing any medication, herbal remedy, or other form of therapy. Any third party offering or advertising on this website does not constitute an endorsement by Dr. Marcelo Lam or TCM Physicians Clinic.

    It is highly recommended to seek advice from a licensed health care provider knowledgeable in the use of herbal medicine, before using any herbal product for health care.

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