Q&A: Health Professionals Answer Readers' Questions

Herbal medicine may offer some hope to cancer patients.
—Chanchal Cabrera, ­herbalist

In every issue of Herbs for Health, professionals from a variety of health-care fields will answer selected reader questions about using medicinal herbs. Herbalist Chanchal Cabrera and medical doctor D. Paul Barney responded for this issue.

Cancer Support

Q. My father-in-law has cancer of the gallbladder and now has an ulcer. He went through chemotherapy and was taking a radiation medicine. This seemed to help a bit, but now he is interested in Chinese medicine, especially mushrooms. I would like to know what other herbs can help fight this type of cancer. The doctors aren’t really into herbal treatment. I read your article “Aging healthfully” (Sep­tember/October 1997, page 40) and thought I should write you. Also, do you know of any correspondence school from which I could take a course in herbology, both in growing and medicine use?
M. B.
Aomori, Japan

A. Herbal medicine may offer some hope to cancer patients, especially when combined with strict dietary therapy and a holistic approach. Because of the severe nature of the disease, these treatments are best done under the supervision of a qualified and experienced health professional.

The Gerson Institute, PO Box 430, Bonita, California 92002, offers a detailed video and workbook to guide you through a detoxification and cleansing program. Because you live in Japan, I would suggest that you seek out a practitioner of traditional Japanese kampo medicine to assist and guide you.

For information on education in herbal medicine, I would suggest that you write to the American Herbalists Guild, PO Box 746555 Arvada, CO 80006, and request a copy of the Herbal Education Directory, which lists schools and the various programs they offer.

—Chanchal Cabrera, herbalist

A. When treating cancer, herbs that stimulate the immune system are important, including the adaptogenic mushrooms reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and maitake (Grifola frondosa)—they can be used in combination or by themselves. If used by themselves, I would use a combination of maitake whole mushroom as well as a D-fraction maitake extract.

Other herbs that I would use are astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa), ginseng (Panax ginseng), and hoelen (Poria cocos). Also, take a good multivitamin with 5,000 to 8,000 mg of vitamin C a day and 400 mcg [micrograms] of selenium a day. Use ginger for any nausea and fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) to help with recovery.

—D. Paul Barney, M.D.