Three Proven Cancer-Treating Formulas of Dr. Gao Guilin

Dr. Gao Guilin was a student of Mr. Shi Jinmo, one of the four famous traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the old capital in modern times, and he was among the first group of TCM physicians in China after the founding of the People's Republic to be awarded the TCM physician qualification certificate. He was born in Haidian District, Beijing, and practiced medicine in the Beijing area for more than 60 years, with rich clinical experience.

The book Gao Guilin's Medical Cases, Clinical Discussions and Proven Formulas (compiled by Dr. Gao Guilin's son Gao Zhenying and published by Xueyuan Press) records three of Dr. Gao Guilin's experience formulas for treating cancer.

The first is "Zheshi Fuhua Decoction" (Hematite and Inula Decoction) for treating dysphagia (esophageal cancer and cardiac cancer). Its composition is: raw Hematitum (Sheng Zheshi) one liang, Inulae Flos (Xuan Fuhua) two qian, cleaned Pinelliae Rhizoma (Qing Banxia) four qian, raw Hirudo (Shui Zhi) two qian, large Scolopendra (Wu Gong) eight pieces, raw Ostreae Concha (Sheng Muli) one liang, pumice-like Bryozoarum Lapidis (Haifushi) five pieces, wild Codonopsis (Ye Dangshen) eight qian, Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum (Ji Neijin) three qian, raw Hordei Fructus Germinatus (Sheng Maiya) three qian, Perillae Fructus (Nan Suzi) three qian, bamboo shavings (Qing Zhuru) five qian, fresh Rhizoma Phragmitis (Xian Weigen) one liang.

The above is the daily dose, decocted in water and taken in three divided doses, one dose every 1 hour. After taking 5-6 doses continuously, certain therapeutic effects can be seen.

This formula has a certain effect on early-stage esophageal cancer and cardiac cancer. Dr. Gao Guilin noted that after taking this formula, patients may experience dizziness, vertigo and gastric discomfort; these are normal side effects of the medicine and there is no need to panic.

The second is Wulingzhi Huangbai Decoction (Trogopterus and Phellodendron Decoction) for treating uterine cancer. Its composition is: Trogopterorum Faeces (Wulingzhi) three qian, Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai) three qian, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu) five qian, Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen) five qian, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum (Chenxiang) two qian, Poria cum Pini Radix (Fushen) three qian, raw Gypsum (Sheng Shigao) four qian, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang) four qian, Astragali Radix (Huangqi) three qian, Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng) three qian, Crataegi Fructus (Shanzha) three qian, Clematidis Radix (Weilingxian) two qian, Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu) three qian, Sennae Folium (Fanxieye) two qian. The above is the daily dose, decocted in water, one dose per day. The original book does not specify the method of administration; the author suggests following the conventional method, taking it two or three times a day, about half an hour after meals.

Dr. Gao Guilin used this formula to treat 15 cases of uterine cancer, with certain therapeutic effects.

The third is Danggui Erchuan Pills (Angelica and Two Chuanxiong Pills) for treating uterine cancer. Its composition is: Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Chishao), Carthami Flos (Honghua), Persicae Semen (Taoren), Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), Corydalis Rhizoma (Yuanhu), Trogopterorum Faeces (Wulingzhi), processed Manis Squama (Pao Shanjia, now prohibited from use), and Sappan Lignum (Sumu).

This is a pill formula. The preparation method is to powder the above herbs together and refine them with honey into pills, each pill weighing three qian. The original book does not specify the dosage of each herb or the method of administration; clinicians may determine the dosage and administration method according to the patient's condition.

In addition, Dr. Gao Guilin also recorded a folk remedy for uterine cancer using umbilical cord powder: ligate both ends of a fresh healthy umbilical cord so that no blood flows out, wash the umbilical cord clean with physiological saline, slowly dry it over a low heat and grind it into a fine powder for use.

Dr. Gao Guilin used this method to treat one patient with cervical cancer; after 20 days of medication, most of the patient's symptoms were resolved.

The above formulas are all experience formulas used by Dr. Gao Guilin during his lifetime, with certain clinical efficacy. However, the efficacy of any formula against cancer is uncertain; there is no cancer-treating formula in the world that is guaranteed to work, and if such a formula existed, cancer would have been conquered long ago. The author reprints these proven formulas for the reference of TCM physicians and readers.

Everyone should exercise caution when using them and have a clear understanding of the uncertainty of efficacy. If there is no effect after using them for a period of time, do not continue; instead, seek other treatment methods as soon as possible so as not to delay treatment.

In addition, because Dr. Gao Guilin was a contemporary figure, he used modern weights and measures. In his book, one liang of medicinal dosage can be converted to 50 g, and one qian to 5 g.