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Researchers in China have used traditional Chinese medicine involving plant-based medications for years in lung cancer clinical trials. Results of these studies suggest that Chinese herbs help some lung cancer patients cope with the side effects of cancer treatment.
Written by Michelle Whitmer | Medically Reviewed By Tejal Parekh | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: June 3, 2024
U.S. clinical trials have not studied traditional Chinese herbs in lung cancer care to justify their use yet. Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer, no clinical trials on Chinese herbs for mesothelioma have occurred.
Chinese researchers have conducted such clinical trials for decades. They believe the evidence supports the use of Chinese herbs in cancer care. The use of medicinal herbs is an integral part of Chinese culture and treatment.
I tell my patients to check with their physician before starting any new medication. This is to make sure that one treatment (particularly Chinese herbs) does not interfere with another. While Chinese medicine continues to be researched, certain therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure could provide benefits in managing the myriad side effects that can occur with treatment such as chemotherapy.
Certain herbs may be helpful for mesothelioma patients. But there is no scientific evidence on the value of Chinese herbs in mesothelioma. No studies have investigated the potential risks and side effects.
Mesothelioma patients should discuss any herb or natural remedy with their doctor prior to using it to make sure it is safe.
Approximately 133 Chinese herbs have been historically used in the treatment of lung cancer. The herbs used most frequently might have healing effects on lung tissue and may boost the immune system.
In 2013, PLoS One published a review of 24 Chinese clinical trials on non-small cell lung cancer and listed the most commonly used herbs.
Common Chinese Herbs
Many Chinese cancer patients begin taking astragalus before they receive chemotherapy. It often improves survival and lessens side effects. No high-quality studies of astragalus use in cancer patients have been conducted in the U.S.
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Get Your Free GuideClinical trials on herbal medicine in cancer care are uncommon in the U.S, and this contributes to a lack of scientific consensus in America.
For example, a 2022 study conducted in China compared the effects of combining traditional Chinese medicine herbal remedies with chemotherapy in cervical cancer patients. A control group received only chemotherapy, while an observation group received both chemotherapy and herbal remedies.
The observation group that received herbal remedies had better immune system cell counts and experienced fewer adverse reactions to chemotherapy. These kinds of studies have yet to be conducted in the United States.
In 2013, BioMed Central Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a British medical journal, published a review of nearly 3,000 Chinese clinical trials on cancer dating back to 1911 and reported that 72% of the studies combined conventional cancer treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. The review reported on the benefits and risks of Chinese medicine in these cancer studies.
Benefits | Risks |
---|---|
Biomarker level improvement (42%) | Allergic reactions |
Clinical symptom improvement (56%) | Genetic damage |
Quality of life improvement (38%) | Herb-drug interactions |
Reduced tumor size (29%) | Genetic damage |
Reduction of treatment side effects (37%) | Poisoning from improperly prepared herbs |
Until the U.S. invests in clinical trials on the effects of Chinese medicine in cancer care, the scientific consensus will remain unclear. For now, most U.S. doctors refrain from recommending herbs to cancer patients because of a lack of research on proper dosing, drugs interactions and potential side effects.
Before working with a Chinese medicine practitioner, cancer patients need to know that most Chinese medicine practitioners are not licensed medical doctors in the U.S. They may be referred to as traditional Chinese medicine doctors, but unless they went through conventional medical school, training and licensing in the U.S., they are not considered a licensed medical doctor in the United States.
Because most Chinese medicine practitioners do not have a formal medical background, they haven’t received the in-depth training that an oncologist has received to diagnose and treat cancer patients. For this reason, it is important for cancer patients considering herbal medicine to discuss it with their oncologist first. Your oncologist can warn you of potential drug interactions or unwanted side effects of herbal medicine. Print out any research you found on the herbs you’d like to take and bring them to your oncologist to review.
Do your research and consult with the medical staff treating you. It may also be helpful to talk to a dietitian. Bear in mind that too much of anything, even a good thing, can be bad for you, so don’t overdo it on the vitamins and supplements and always inform your physician.
For patients who do choose to learn more about Chinese medicine after consulting with their oncologist, working with a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner can make the process of obtaining and taking Chinese herbs easier for patients. Experienced practitioners not only know the best sources for Chinese herbs, but they can also blend each patient’s unique prescription of various herbs into one capsule to simplify administration.
The intricacies of Chinese herbal medicine and how specific herbs are prescribed to each patient are highly personalized. The Chinese medicine practitioner considers many individual aspects of each patient before prescribing herbs. They conduct a complete medical history of the patient and a full assessment of their current state of health. They may examine your tongue or the outside of your ear. The latter is a part of acupuncture philosophy.
Many details about your health will be collected and considered when deciding which herbs to prescribe. As a result, it isn’t highly recommended for someone to start taking Chinese herbs without consulting an experienced practitioner.
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Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
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My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2024, June 3). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com, 3 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lung Cancer." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 3, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/alternative/traditional-chinese-medicine/.
A medical doctor who specializes in mesothelioma or cancer treatment reviewed the content on this page to ensure it meets current medical standards and accuracy.
Please read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our content creation and review process.
Tejal Parekh is a registered and licensed dietitian in Florida. As a writer for The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, the nation's most trusted mesothelioma resource, she uses her knowledge of nutrition to help mesothelioma cancer patients.
A medical doctor who specializes in mesothelioma or cancer treatment reviewed the content on this page to ensure it meets current medical standards and accuracy.
Please read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our content creation and review process.
Tejal Parekh is a registered and licensed dietitian in Florida. As a writer for The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, the nation's most trusted mesothelioma resource, she uses her knowledge of nutrition to help mesothelioma cancer patients.
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