Chinese traditional medicine can help ease some side effects experienced by people undergoing chemotherapy, shows a new animal study. Tests in mice, the scientists found that certain herbal remedies can help replace healthy bowel cells and in turn, fight intestinal problems associated with chemotherapy.
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The study included a Tang of Qin Huang, a formula of herbs that contain licorice, Peony, skullcap, Hawthorn tree fruit laboratory preparation. In traditional medicine China, this formula is normally used to treat diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and other intestinal disorders. In his research, the study authors found that treatment with this formula helped heal the damaged by chemotherapy cancer ridden mice. The formula intestinal linings also appeared reduce inflammation and stopping inflammatory cells come into the intestine.
Past research, natural remedies such as ginger and milk thistle have also found to help relieve the side effects of chemotherapy.
Cartoon by Bob Moran
