Herbs for Eyes

Herbs for Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Eye Problems

• Herbs and Chinese Medicine for Glaucoma
• Herbs and Chinese Medicine for Cataracts
• Herbs and Chinese Medicine for Retina Problems
• Herbs and Chinese Medicine for Dry Eyes and Watery Eyes
• Herbs and Chinese Medicine for Red Eye, Eye Pain, and Pink Eye (conjunctivitis)

Chinese Herbs for Glaucoma

Since measuring eye pressure is a modern day invention, there is word for glaucoma in Chinese medical literature. However, modern day practitioners of Chinese medicine have defined the cause of eye pressure in the terms of Chinese medicine. Though eye problems may vary according to the age and condition of the glaucoma patient, the most prevalent cause of glaucoma is “excess damp forced upward by rising heat (energy)”. A common source of this “heat” is a deficiency of Yin, causing and upward rising of Liver Yang. Treatment of glaucoma usually consists of subduing the rising heat, and tonifying the underlying deficiencies if they are present. If anger or emotional excess is the cause of the rising heat, these issues must also be addressed.

There is no single Chinese medicine to treat glaucoma. Each person may be treated differently. We strongly suggest that you seek professional help for this condition rather than attempt self treatment. Failure to check glaucoma can result in blindness. Modern medicines can be extremely effective in this treatment. See an opthimologist. Often Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be used together with Western medicine to improve the outcome.

Chinese medicines such as Tian Ma Gouteng Yin have been used to subdue rising liver yang along with Ming Mu Di Huang Wan to benefit the liver yin and the eyes.

Chinese Medicine Theory and Eye Problems

According to theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the eyes are related to the organ system known as the Liver. This does not mean that eye problems such as nearsightedness, cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disorders are any indication of liver disease in the way we understand it. The Liver system in Chinese medicine is a complex accumulation of seemingly unrelated functions. These include the regulation of flow, the joints and tendons, and the sensitivity to the emotional environment, particularly of anger. Every organ system is related to a body portal, or opening. The liver is thus related to the eyes. Herbs and acupuncture points selected to treat the eyes are usually related to the liver channel or its partner, the gallbladder channel which begins just lateral to the eye.

Chinese Herbs for Cataracts

Cataracts, or clouding of the lens, is usually associated with aging. Severe cases are treated by surgery in Western medicine. Though there are several diagnostic possibilities from the point of view of Chinese medicine, by far the most common is a deficiency of liver yin. Quite frequently, in mild cases of cateracts, taking Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (also known as lycii and crysanthemum pills) as a regular supplement is helpful in preventing the progression of this condition. Ming Mu Di Huang Wan is also commonly used for cataracts. Both of these medicines are safe and can be used by most people.

A Chinese medicine used by practitioners to treat cateracts and retina problems are Seven Forest’s

Chinese Herbs for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes and watery eyes are also usually considered signs of liver yin deficiency and can be effectively treated with the same Chinese medicine used to treat cataracts. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (also known as lycii and crysanthemum pills) or Ming Mu Di Huang Wan taken as a regular supplement can cure this condition. Regular use can prevent its reocurrance.Single Chinese herbs used for dry eyes include lycii (gou qi zi), chrysanthmum (ju hua), and vitex (man jing zi).

Herbs and Herbal Medicine for Red Eye, Eye Pain, or Pink Eye

These are indications of inflammatory eye conditions, which may be caused by an invasive bacterial organism, allergic irritant, or internal liver heat, often caused by alcohol or drug toxicity. An herbal medicine often used for red eye, pink eye, or eye pain is Ming Mu Shang Ching Pills.

Information on this site is provided for educational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or another medical professional. We make no claim as to efficacy or safety of herbs or herbal medicine appearing on this site. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.