Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Clinically, hepatocellular carcinoma corresponds to traditional Chinese medicine conditions such as “jaundice,” “distention and fullness,” and “acute accumulation.” The Shengji Zonglu (Compendium of Medical Treatises) describes jaundice as “restlessness in the chest, a mass in the abdomen, pain like being bitten by worms, vomiting and shortness of breath—this is blood jaundice.” The Suwen (Plain Questions) poses: “A disease causing fullness in the chest and abdomen, eating in the morning but unable to eat in the evening—what disease is this?” Answer: “It is called distention and fullness.” The Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot) states: “What is distention?... Abdominal distension with body swelling, similar to skin distention, skin color dark yellow, prominent abdominal veins—this is the sign.” Tang Dynasty’s Wang Tao in Wai Zhi Mi Yao (Secrets of External Treatment) described “acute accumulation” as: “A hard mass in the abdomen like stone, stabbing pain, continuous crying day and night—untreated, death within 100 days.” The four main symptoms of liver cancer are abdominal mass, liver pain, fatigue, and weight loss; once malignant progression occurs, treatment becomes extremely difficult.
Applicable Formulas 【Prescription One】
Presenting with a palpable abdominal mass accompanied by sharp pain, fatigue, pale complexion, poor appetite, abdominal distension, palpable hard liver edge with distinct nodules, red-purple tongue with little or patchy coating, wiry, fine, rapid pulse. Ginseng 30 grams, Atractylodes 12 grams, Astragalus 30 grams, Bupleurum 9 grams, Poria 21 grams, Manchurian Aralia Root 12 grams, Peach Kernel 9 grams, Salvia 30 grams, Cyperus 9 grams, Belamcanda 9 grams, Oyster Shell 30 grams, Earthworm (Ditouhua) 9 grams. Usage: Take 1 to 2 doses daily, decocted and divided into 2–4 servings.
【Prescription Two】
Can be used concurrently with radiotherapy, yielding good results. White flower snake tongue grass 150 grams, White hairy root 120 grams, appropriate amount of sugar. Usage: Decoct and take orally, one dose daily.
【Prescription Three】
Zhengqi Ping'ai Wan (Righteous Qi Resists Cancer Pill): Ginseng 9 grams, Amber 6 grams, Corydalis 6 grams, Horse Pearl 6 grams, Angelica 6 grams, Musk 6 grams, Sandalwood 9 grams, Agarwood 6 grams, Aconite 3 grams, Realgar 6 grams, Poria 9 grams, Cinnamon Oil 1.5 grams, Monkey Jade 1.5 grams, Turmeric 12 grams, Rhizoma Sparganii 12 grams, Atractylodes 9 grams, Manchurian Aralia Root 9 grams, Ligusticum 6 grams, Frankincense 9 grams, Myrrh 9 grams, Purple Stone 12 grams, Green Salt 6 grams. Grind into fine powder, mix with honey to make small pills. Usage: Take 6 grams each time, morning, noon, and evening.
This formula's only drawback is its high cost—beyond reach for ordinary families.
【Prescription Four】
Angelica 15 grams, Astragalus 24 grams, Honeysuckle 9 grams, Half Branch Lotus 30 grams, White Flower Snake Tongue Grass 60 grams, Zhengmahu 12 grams, Rhubarb 9 grams, Scutellaria 9 grams, Fried Gardenia 15 grams, Raw Xixi Grass 90 grams. Usage: One dose daily, decocted and taken orally.
【Prescription Five】 White Peony 21 grams, Toasted Gardenia 9 grams, Dandelion 6 grams, Green Tangerine Peel 6 grams, Licorice 15 grams, Fritillary Bulb 9 grams, Poria 12 grams. Usage: Simmer 3 large bowls of water down to 8/10, take once in the morning and once in the evening. One dose can be decocted three times. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and anger.