Xiangbei Yangrong Decoction: A Classic Formula for Advanced Cancer — Usage Guide

Xiangbei Yangrong Decoction originates from the Yizong Jinjian (Golden Mirror of Medicine) and was used for upper-stone-gumbo (shiju) of the qi-blood dual deficiency type. It is basically formed by adding Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), Fritillaria (Beimu), tangerine peel (Chenpi), and Platycodon (Jiegeng) to the basis of the Eight-Treasure Decoction (Bazhen Tang). Xiangbei Yangrong Decoction can be used as adjunctive therapy for various late-stage cancers, such as lymphoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and others. This formula primarily supplements and boosts qi and blood, while also attending to the spreading of qi movement and the resolution of phlegm nodules; it can improve the quality of life of weak, late-stage cancer patients and modestly prolong their survival.

The original Xiangbei Yangrong Decoction consists of: stir-fried Atractylodes (Baizhu), two qian; ginseng (Renshen), Poria (Fuling), tangerine peel (Chenpi), prepared Rehmannia (Shudi), Ligusticum (Chuanxiong), Angelica (Danggui), Fritillaria (Beimu, cored), Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), and white Peony (Baishao), one qian each; Platycodon (Jiegeng) and raw Licorice (Gancao), five fen each. When decocting, add 3 slices of ginger and 2 jujubes; taking it on an empty stomach gives better results. Converting the Qing-dynasty qian to modern grams, roughly count one qian as 3–4 g and five fen as 1.5–2 g.

Xiangbei Yangrong Decoction is especially suitable for late-stage breast cancer and lymphoma patients. During a patient's radiotherapy or chemotherapy, using Xiangbei Yangrong Decoction as the base and adding or subtracting a few herbs according to the patient's symptoms can immediately relieve various distressing symptoms, improve quality of life, boost the patient's strength and immunity, and help the patient complete the corresponding dose of chemoradiotherapy.

Generally speaking: if the patient has stuffiness and fullness in the chest and diaphragm, add Aurantium fruit (Zhiqiao) and Costus root (Muxiang); if appetite is poor, add Magnolia bark (Houpo) and Atractylodes (Cangzhu); if there are intermittent low fevers alternating with cold and heat, add Bupleurum (Chaihu) and Lycium bark (Digupi); if the tumor has ulcerated and the deficiency causes thirst, double the ginseng, Angelica, and Atractylodes, and add Astragalus (Huangqi); if the mouth and tongue are dry, add Ophiopogon (Maidong) and Schisandra (Wuweizi); for fever add Bupleurum (Chaihu) and Scutellaria (Huangqin); if, due to warm-damage internal injury, thirst is unrelenting, add Anemarrhena (Zhimu) and Phaseolus calcaratus (Chixiaodou); if pain after tumor ulceration is of the cold type, add blast-fried Aconite (Pao Fuzi) and Aquilaria (Chenxiang); if pus discharges without ceasing, double the ginseng and Angelica and add Astragalus; if the patient is vexed and sleepless due to deficiency, double the prepared Rehmannia and ginseng, and add Polygala (Yuanzhi) and sour jujube seed (Suanzaoren) to calm the spirit; if there is abundant pus or clear pus at the ulcerated tumor site, double the Angelica and Ligusticum; if the patient has nausea and vomiting from radiotherapy, add processed Pinellia (Fa Banxia), tangerine red (Huajuhong), and Inula (Xuanfuhua); if the patient has pleural or ascites, according to the specific situation add the appropriate water-expelling herbs—Polyporus (Zhuling), Descurainia seed (Tinglizi), Plantago seed (Cheqianzi), wax gourd peel (Dongguapi), Poria peel (Fulingpi), and so on.