C/R Support™

TCM herbal formula for chemotherapy and radiation support — chemoprotective and radioprotective; immunostimulant; hematopoietic; tonifies Spleen and Stomach; tonifies yin and moistens dryness; tonifies wei (defensive) qi; harmonizes the middle jiao

⚠️ Not designed to treat cancer or replace chemotherapy and radiation — its purpose is to complement these treatments by strengthening the overall constitution and minimizing side effects. Contraindicated in cases of excessive heat, damp-heat, infection, or inflammation. Contains Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) — patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use with caution or not at all due to higher risk of bleeding and bruising. The safety of Dang Gui in patients with hormone-dependent cancer is unclear — use with caution pending further study.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Chemotherapy/radiation support: side effects and adverse reactions including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, weakness, fatigue, and bone marrow suppression

* Myasthenia gravis

* Chronic fatigue syndrome

* Prolapse of organs: stomach, rectum, uterus, and bladder

* Anorexia and wasting syndrome

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death (CDC, 2012). Western treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Though effective, these treatments are invasive and often cause severe damage to many organs and cells — destroying fast-growing healthy cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the digestive tract. C/R Support complements chemotherapy and radiation by enhancing the immune system, reducing side effects, inhibiting cancer cell growth, and boosting energy and vitality. Serious bone marrow suppression often necessitates termination of chemotherapy and radiation — herbs help patients tolerate and complete the entire course of therapy.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Huang Qi (Radix Astragali / Astragalus Membranaceus): chief herb; replenishes vital qi; consolidates wei (defensive) qi; anticancer — increases cAMP and inhibits tumor cell growth; immunostimulant — repeatedly shown to increase both specific and non-specific immunity; cardioprotection — significantly attenuates daunorubicin (Cerubidine) cardiotoxicity by decreasing free radical release and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes; restores depressed immune functions in Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)-treated subjects; promotes myelopoiesis and enhances hematopoiesis in myelosuppression caused by Cytoxan; increases production and maturity of blood cells from bone marrow

— Ling Zhi (Ganoderma / Ganoderma Lucidum / Reishi Mushroom): tonifies blood and vital energy; increases white blood cell count; inhibits viruses and bacteria; treats leukopenia; prevents cisplatin (Platinol) nephrotoxicity — reverses increases in urea, creatinine, and ALP activity and maintains renal antioxidant defense; alleviates Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)-induced toxicities including decreased body weight, NK activity, interferon-gamma production, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity; enhances immune system — increases monocytes, macrophages, T lymphocytes, cytokines, interleukin, TNF, and interferon

— Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps / Cordyceps Sinensis / Caterpillar Fungus): essential for rebuilding constitution in chronically debilitated patients; alleviates Taxol (paclitaxel)-induced leukopenia by protecting hematopoietic progenitor cells and bone marrow stem cell niche through osteoblast differentiation; immunomodulatory — enhances overall immunity by increasing lymphocytes, natural killer cells, interleukin, interferon, and TNF; cordysinocan (polysaccharide) activates immune responses in T-lymphocytes and macrophages to signal cytokine cascade

— Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng / Panax Ginseng): tonifies Spleen qi; increases energy and appetite during radiation; significantly protects the gastrointestinal tract of cancer patients receiving radiation; protects the hematopoietic system — increases bone marrow cells and spleen cells; immune-enhancing — increases function of reticuloendothelial system and total IgM count

— Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae / White Atractylodes): tonifies Spleen qi; increases energy and appetite; immunostimulant — increases activity of macrophages and reticuloendothelial system; elevates white blood cells, lymphocytes, and IgG

— Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii / Goji Berry / Wolfberry / Lycium): increases non-specific immunity; boosts phagocytic activity of macrophages and total T cell count; hematopoietic — increases red blood cells and white blood cells; protects against Adriamycin (doxorubicin)-induced cardiotoxicity through antioxidant-mediated mechanisms; treats myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy or radiation

— Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae / Rehmannia Root): tonifies yin; replenishes body fluids; treats thirst and dryness

— Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis / Ophiopogon Tuber): tonifies yin; replenishes body fluids; treats thirst and dryness

— Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis / Angelica Sinensis / Dong Quai): augments yin and blood; relieves thirst and dryness; hematopoietic — marked effect to increase red blood cells for treatment of anemia via colony-stimulating factors (CSF)

— Shi Di (Calyx Kaki / Persimmon Calyx): tonifies Spleen and Stomach; harmonizes middle jiao; prevents nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort

— Zhu Ru (Caulis Bambusae in Taenia / Bamboo Shavings): tonifies Spleen and Stomach; harmonizes middle jiao; prevents nausea and vomiting

— Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle / Honey-Prepared Licorice): tonifies Spleen and Stomach; harmonizes the formula; prevents nausea

— Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae / Tangerine Peel / Citrus): strengthens Spleen; dispels phlegm; regulates qi

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Chemoprotective / radioprotective — Dong Chong Xia Cao (Taxol leukopenia, hematopoietic progenitor cells, bone marrow); Gou Qi Zi (doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, myelosuppression); Ling Zhi (cisplatin nephrotoxicity, cyclophosphamide toxicities); Ren Shen (radiation GI protection, hematopoietic); Huang Qi (daunorubicin cardiotoxicity, cyclophosphamide immune restoration, myelopoiesis)

* Immunostimulant / immunomodulatory — Huang Qi (specific and non-specific immunity); Bai Zhu (macrophages, WBC, lymphocytes, IgG); Gou Qi Zi (macrophages, T cells); Ren Shen (reticuloendothelial system, IgM); Dong Chong Xia Cao (NK cells, lymphocytes, interleukin, interferon, TNF, cordysinocan); Ling Zhi (monocytes, macrophages, T lymphocytes, cytokines, interleukin, TNF, interferon, leukopenia)

* Hematopoietic — Gou Qi Zi (RBC↑, WBC↑); Huang Qi (bone marrow production and maturity↑); Dang Gui (RBC↑, anemia, CSF); Ling Zhi (leukopenia treatment)

* Antiemetic / gastroprotective — Shi Di, Zhu Ru, Zhi Gan Cao (nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort); Ren Shen (radiation GI protection)

* Anticancer — Huang Qi (cAMP↑, tumor cell growth inhibition); Ling Zhi (cytokine-mediated antitumor, wide range of cancer effects)

* Yin tonic / fluid replenishment — Di Huang, Mai Dong, Dang Gui (thirst, dryness, yin deficiency from radiation)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Tonifies Spleen and Stomach; harmonizes middle jiao (Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Shi Di, Zhu Ru, Zhi Gan Cao, Chen Pi)

* Tonifies yin and moistens dryness (Di Huang, Mai Dong, Dang Gui, Gou Qi Zi)

* Tonifies wei (defensive) qi; consolidates exterior (Huang Qi)

* Rebuilds constitution; tonifies vital energy (Dong Chong Xia Cao, Ling Zhi)

* Tonifies qi; ascends yang; raises prolapse of internal organs (Huang Qi, Ling Zhi, Ren Shen, Bai Zhu)

DOSAGE

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily as a maintenance dose. For cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation, increase to 5–6 capsules three times daily. Take on an empty stomach with warm water for maximum effectiveness. Honey may be added to enhance taste, tonify qi, and harmonize the middle jiao.

Supplementary formulas: Extreme weakness and deficiency unable to tolerate chemo/radiation — use CA Support. Enhance immune system during or after chemo/radiation — add Immune +. Lung and reproductive system cancers — add Cordyceps 3 to strengthen constitution. Hair loss during chemo/radiation — combine with Polygonum 14 to nourish qi and blood. Maintenance after conclusion of chemo/radiation — take Cordyceps 3, Imperial Tonic, and Immune + long-term. Poor appetite and loose stools from Spleen deficiency — add GI Tonic. Kidney yin deficiency — add Kidney Tonic (Yin). Kidney yang deficiency — add Kidney Tonic (Yang). Constipation — add Gentle Lax (Deficient). Cancer pain — add Herbal ANG. Stress and anxiety — use Calm. Stress, anxiety, and insomnia — use Calm ZZZ. Quick boost of energy and vitality — use Vibrant.

Nutrition: Eat a variety of fresh organic fruits and vegetables of all colors. Incorporate high-fiber whole grains and nuts. Drink warm or hot liquids with meals — cold drinks hinder natural peristaltic movements. Eat antioxidant-rich foods (vitamin A, C, E): citrus fruits, carrots, green leafy vegetables, green tea. Chew food completely and thoroughly. Always eat breakfast — optimal digestive time is 8–10 a.m. per the TCM clock. Allow 2–3 hours between last meal and bedtime. For breast cancer patients, especially beneficial foods include: all mushrooms, whole grains, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, yellow/orange vegetables (carrots, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes), fresh garlic, onions, fresh berries, apples, cherries, grapes, and plums. Ginger relieves nausea — boil 10 slices for 5 minutes with brown sugar; or chew/suck fresh ginger slices for immediate effect. Avoid all sugar (cake, dessert, candy, chocolate, canned juice, soft drinks, stevia, agave, xylitol, corn syrup). Avoid raw/uncooked meats (sashimi, sushi). Minimize cooling foods: tofu, tomato, celery, cucumber, eggplant, watermelon, citrus, banana — cooling property neutralized by cooking or adding 20 pieces of Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii). Avoid carbohydrates like white rice and bread (produce dampness). No shellfish (enter the yangming Stomach channel). Avoid fermented foods, dairy, lamb, beef, goose, duck, fried or greasy foods. Avoid mango, durian, coffee, alcohol, energy drinks, and spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables (pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, wasabi). Avoid artificial coloring. Minimize meat; avoid processed meats (nitrites associated with inflammation). Avoid fast food, processed foods, junk food, artificial sugars, carbonated drinks, tap water, iron supplements, and pesticide-sprayed produce.

Tao of Nutrition (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease): Blend shiitake or ganoderma mushrooms and white fungus, boil and drink the soup three times a day. Boil together mung beans, pearl barley, azuki beans, and figs — a delicious dessert that aids appetite and sustains energy. Avoid meat, chicken, coffee, cinnamon, anise, pepper, dairy products, spicy foods (except garlic), high-fat foods, cooked oils, chemical additives, moldy foods, smoking, constipation, stress, and all irritations.

Lifestyle: Avoid radiation from microwaves and limit prolonged exposure to high electromagnetic output appliances (television, computer monitors, electric stoves, cellular phones). Exercise regularly — tai chi chuan (tai ji quan), qi gong, or yoga. Maintain a positive outlook on life. Avoid alcohol and tobacco or nicotine in any form. Avoid stress and anxiety — they suppress the immune system, slow metabolic processes, and foster cancer development. Avoid wearing tight bras, which can cut off lymphatic flow, obstruct toxin elimination, and increase risk of tumor growth. Sleep by 10:00 p.m. — in TCM, 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. is when yin shifts to yang; the body must be at rest during this time for optimal health.

CASE STUDIES

— 47-year-old female (E.F.): Uterine cancer, 10 months of chemotherapy; numbness of mouth and jaw, loss of taste and smell; Kidney and Spleen qi deficiencies. C/R Support. Result: pain resolved when taking herbs consistently; appetite increased — Western doctor noted improvement; very important during chemotherapy.

— 66-year-old retired businesswoman: Severe chronic anorexia triggered by intolerance to chemotherapy following radiation and surgery for vocal cord cancer; 5'4", 85 lbs., fetal position, cold, lethargic, nauseous, exceedingly anxious; felt she was dying from the treatment. C/R Support granules in warm water (only liquids tolerated), continued ~8 months. Result at 3 weeks: resumed eating small meals of well-cooked foods. Result at 2 months: gaining weight noticeably, regaining color. Gradually transitioned to half C/R Support + additional herbs for Lung heat, Heart fire, dryness, and phlegm. At ~24 months: discontinued C/R Support; regained normal weight and vitality; returned to active home and social life. As of January 2002: continuing to receive "cancer free" reports from oncologist and surgeon; gradual improvement in voice, thirst, and phlegm.

— 69-year-old male (entertainment professional): Advanced multiple myeloma, brittle bones, chronic intense back and hip pain, digestive difficulties, deficient constipation, hair loss; blood cancer count high. C/R Support at normal dosage + Nourish / Shou Wu Pian / You Gui Wan (rotated per symptoms) + weekly acupuncture. Result: maintained 80% of hairline; continued working professionally. Blood cancer count in December 2001: below 300 (from high levels in 1999). States he continues to feel he is improving.

— 45-year-old female (K.E.): Ovarian cancer; C/R Support 2g 3x/day (4g 3x/day when WBC count low) + acupuncture. Result: felt okay during chemotherapy; stayed relatively healthy; maintained healthy white blood cell count.

Related Reading

Also see: CA Support – for extreme weakness unable to tolerate chemo/radiation | Immune + – to enhance immunity during or after treatment | Cordyceps 3 – for lung and reproductive system cancers and post-treatment maintenance | Polygonum 14 – for hair loss during chemotherapy | Imperial Tonic – for post-treatment maintenance | GI Tonic – for Spleen deficiency with poor appetite | Herbal ANG – for cancer pain | Calm – for stress and anxiety | Immune Support Collection.