My Self-Formulated Wei Jian Sheng Xue Tang to Support Cancer Patients Through Chemoradiotherapy
Cancer patients often develop all kinds of side effects during radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In most cancer patients, the side effects of chemoradiotherapy mainly manifest as gastrointestinal irritation and bone marrow suppression; some patients also experience hair loss. These side effects affect the patient quality of life and, in severe cases, may even prevent the patient from completing chemoradiotherapy, causing treatment to fail on the verge of success.
Therefore, if cancer patients can use some Chinese herbs that reduce side effects during chemoradiotherapy, it will help them complete the course smoothly.
Based on many years of clinical experience, I have worked out a Chinese herbal formula effective against the main side effects during chemoradiotherapy. After several improvements and trials on many patients, it has shown good results. I now name this formula Wei Jian Sheng Xue Tang (Stomach-Healthing and Blood-Generating Decoction) and make it public for readers reference.
Renshen (Ginseng) 6g, raw Huangqi (Astragalus) 30g, Danggui (Angelica sinensis) 6g, Baizhu (Atractylodes) 6g, Fuling (Poria) 6g, Zhi Gancao (honey-fried Licorice) 6g, Chenpi (tangerine peel) 6g, Fabanxia (processed Pinellia) 6g, Zhuru (Bamboo shavings) 6g, Foshou (Buddha hand) 6g, Sharen (Amomum) 3g, Huoxiang (Agastache) 3g, Peilan (Eupatorium) 3g, Cangzhu (Atractylodes lancea) 6g, Houpo (Magnolia bark) 6g, Mohanlian (Eclipta) 6g, Nuzhenzi (Ligustrum) 6g, Shayuanzi (Astragalus complanatus seed) 6g, Tusizi (Cuscuta seed) 6g, Dingxiang (Clove) 6g, Shidi (Persimmon calyx) 6g, Huashengyi (peanut coat) 6g, Fengweicao (Pteris) 15g, Xianhecao (Agrimonia) 30g, Jiaogulan (Gynostemma) 10g, Huangjing (Polygonatum) 10g, Jiao Maiya (charred Malt) 10g, Jiao Shanzha (charred Hawthorn) 10g, Jiao Shenqu (charred Medicated Leaven) 10g, Chao Jineijin (fried Chicken gizzard lining) 10g.
The above is the adult daily dose. Children over 14 may also use this dose; children aged 8 to 14 may use two-thirds; children aged 4 to 8 may use half; infants under 4 may use one-third. Elderly patients may reduce the dose according to their strength. This formula has very few side effects and can be used by both children and adults.
It is best to decoct the herbs in a chemically stable clay pot using purified water or drinkable water. Add water to about 1 to 2 cm above the herbs; combine the herbs, soak for 30 minutes, bring to a boil over high flame, then simmer over low heat for about half an hour. Renshen (Ginseng) should be decocted separately and mixed into the finished decoction. Take 2 to 3 times a day, about half an hour after meals. Those with severe vomiting may take it before meals.
This formula is a comprehensive prescription formed by combining several famous TCM formulas, namely Pingwei Wan, Xiangsha Liujun Wan, Erchen Wan, Jupi Zhuru Tang, Dingxiang Shidi San, Danggui Buxue Tang, and the Four Kidney Herbs, with additions. It has a strong action of downbearing counterflow and stopping vomiting, supplementing qi and blood, filling essence and boosting marrow, promoting hair growth and darkening hair, and fortifying the spleen and stopping diarrhea. It can raise the patient white blood cell and red blood cell counts, improve appetite, boost immunity, and help patients complete chemoradiotherapy smoothly.
This formula is suitable for patients with nausea and vomiting due to chemoradiotherapy, poor appetite, falling white and red blood cell counts, low immunity, spleen-deficiency diarrhea, a pale complexion, fatigue and lassitude, and severe hair loss.
If the patient also has diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, or other uncommon underlying diseases, or has other relatively serious complications and symptoms, then before using this formula one should consult a clinical TCM physician in person, who may make additions or subtractions on top of this formula as appropriate.