Lung cancer treatment with Chinese herbal medicine

Condition analysis:
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. Your lungs are two spongy organs in your chest that take in oxygen when you inhale and release carbon dioxide when you exhale.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women. Lung cancer claims more lives each year than do colon, prostate, ovarian and breast cancers combined.

People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you've smoked. If you quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer.

Instruction:
Astragalus: One of the most widely used herbs in TCM, astragalus root is a proven immune booster. Astragalus inhibits tumor growth, thwarts tumor spreading, reduces the immune-suppressing effects of chemotherapy, and may enhance the effects of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin.

Nan Sha Shen: Also known as American silvertop root, it acts as an antibiotic and is prescribed for a dry cough with little phlegm. One study injected the herb into the peritoneum and reported a reduction in inflammation, vascular permeability and cancer-promoting compounds.

Gan Cao: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gan cao, also known as licorice root, is a clinically proven expectorant that accelerates mucus secretion. TCM doctors prescribe the herb to relieve cough and shortness of breath.

Poria: Patients experiencing edema (fluid retention beneath the skin) can turn to poria, also known as fu ling. The herb is an effective diuretic, can reduce production of phlegm, and can help insomnia patients sleep better.

Oldenlandia diffusa: This herb has demonstrated anticancer and chemopreventative effects in laboratory and animal studies. The herb causes cancer cells to die (apoptosis) and it stimulates the immune system to hunt out and destroy tumor cells. One study also reported anti-inflammatory effects through the reduced production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and prostaglandin-2, all of which are commonly overexpressed in mesothelioma cancer.