Herbs approach — principles
TheTole’s herbal practice emphasises individualised formulations: combinations of medicinal herbs selected to address treatment side effects, strengthen digestion and energy, support respiratory function, and promote recovery. Practitioners consider the patient’s cancer treatment, blood counts, liver and kidney function, and any concurrent medications before prescribing.
Common therapeutic goals
- Reduce treatment-related nausea, vomiting and poor appetite.
- Support immune resilience and energy (fatigue management).
- Relieve cough, phlegm and breathlessness symptoms.
- Manage insomnia, anxiety and general wellbeing.
Examples of formula types used (illustrative)
The following are categories of formulas commonly adapted by TheTole practitioners. Exact prescriptions are customised and may vary substantially between patients.
| Formula category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Spleen‑Qi tonics | Improve appetite, digestion and treatment tolerance. |
| Yin/nourishing formulas | Address dryness, weight loss and treatment-induced depletion. |
| Phlegm‑resolving formulas | Reduce productive cough and chest congestion. |
| Anti‑nausea blends | Alleviate chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. |
| Calming formulas | Support sleep and reduce anxiety during treatment. |
Safety & drug interactions
Herbal medicines can interact with chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapies, immunotherapies and anticoagulants. TheTole states that they request a full medication list, coordinate with oncology teams when possible, and adjust herbs based on lab tests (e.g., liver function tests, blood counts).
Practical considerations
- Herbs are dispensed as decoctions (liquid), granules/powders, or tablets; patient taste and swallowing ability are considered.
- Formulas are typically adjusted every 2–6 weeks or as clinical needs change.
- Monitoring of blood tests and symptoms is recommended while taking herbal therapy.