Health Concerns Marrow Plus Capsules

This formula is based on the clinical experience of Misha Cohen, OMD, L.Ac., in treating persons with AIDS and cancer and who are receiving chemotherapeutic agents that suppress bone marrow function. It was originally designed based on raw herb formulas used to support people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. This formula is often used in HIV-positive persons, as well as people with other immune disorders. It was researched at UCSF supported by a grant from the NIH Office of Alternative Medicine and Health Concerns. The chief herb, spatholobus (ji xue teng), both vitalizes and tonifies blood. In China, this herb is commonly used during cancer therapy to stimulate bone marrow function when it is suppressed by radiation or chemotherapy. Ho-shou-wu nourishes the blood and replenishes liver and kidney essence. Salvia (dan shen) moves blood and eliminates blood stasis in addition to promoting the repair and regeneration of tissues. Codonopsis (dang shen) and astragalus (huang qi) replenish Qi, and strengthen spleen and stomach function, which is necessary for the production of blood. Both herbs are used in China to increase white blood cell count. Codonopsis, in particular, is used in China to treat patients with low WBCs due to radiation or chemotherapy, and is also administered to increase RBCs. The rehmannias (shu & sheng di huang) nourish essence and strengthen the kidney, so that blood is regenerated. Tang kuei (dang gui) is a strong blood tonic, and helps increase the body’s folic acid and vitamin B-12 levels, so that anemia is alleviated in many cases. Lycium (gou qi zi) nourishes the blood. Lotus seed (lian zi), citrus (chen pi), red date (da zao), and oryza (gu ya) strengthen the spleen and aid in the digestion of the formula's herbs. Gelatinum (e jiao) strengthens the blood and essence and has been shown to increase RBCs and hemoglobin.