Viral Conjunctivitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different viral conjunctivitis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. This condition is often caused by viral infections and is characterized by redness, itching, and a watery discharge from the eyes.
Highly contagious, it can spread easily, particularly in crowded environments. While uncomfortable, viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own without causing any serious harm to the eyes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views viral conjunctivitis through a different lens compared to Western medicine. In TCM, this condition is seen as a manifestation of imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy) and is often related to external pathogenic factors like Wind, Heat, or Dampness invading the eye.
TCM emphasizes understanding the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms, as different patterns require different treatment approaches. This holistic perspective seeks to restore balance and health to the entire body, not just the eyes.
Herbal Formulas for Viral Conjunctivitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address viral conjunctivitis
Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Releases pathogenic evils from the muscle layer
- Clears Interior Heat
- Dispels Wind-Cold
Da Huang Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Warms the Interior
- Disperses Cold
- Unblocks the bowels
- Alleviates pain
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines
- Reduces swelling and disperses lumps
Da Qing Long Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Promotes sweating
- Releases the Exterior
- Clears Interior Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Releases the Exterior
- Drains Heat
- Unblocks the bowels
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Clears toxic-Heat
- Disperses Stagnation
Liang Ge San
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Unblocks the bowels by clearing the Upper Burner
- Draining the Middle Burner
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Sang Ju Yin
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Dispels Heat and
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation
Wu Ling San
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Promotes urination,
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Qi transformation function
- Drains Dampness
- Clears edema
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
- Cools the Blood
- Reduces swelling
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
- Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
- Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Warms the Lungs
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Xie Bai San
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Drains Heat from the Lungs
- Calms wheezing
Xie Xin Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
- Dries Dampness
Zhi Zi Chi Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Alleviates restlessness and irritability
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Traditional formula for viral conjunctivitis
Main Actions
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness