Cachexia is defined as weakness and wasting associated with severe chronic disease. It is a morbid state of the body due to the body being overburdened with the chronic fight against an ongoing illness. It is primarily a disease of weakness but often with the remnants of unresolved illness. It therefore requires a mix of cleansing and tonifying. It is seen after chronic Fever or Inflammation, as well as in chronic diseases including Tuberculosis and Cancer.

In the Western Tradition, often judicial purging would be used along with preparers and medicines to strengthen. Using formulas such as Troches of Agrimony, Troches of Rhubarb orTroches of Gum Lacca or any of the related formulas in conjunction with taking a mild purgative once per week was standard treatment.

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