Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Eye Disorders and Symptoms, Conjunctival Disorders
What is Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis?
Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is an eye condition characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the conjunctiva, the delicate membrane covering the white part of the eye. This condition manifests through symptoms like redness, swelling, and ocular discharge, often accompanied by pain and discomfort. The presence of bleeding makes it a particularly alarming condition for those affected.
How does TCM view Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches hemorrhagic conjunctivitis by looking at the body's overall balance and harmony. In TCM, eye health is not seen in isolation but as a part of the body's systemic health.
Particularly, this condition is linked to the body's Qi and Blood balance and the health of the Liver, which in TCM is closely related to eye health. TCM identifies two key patterns related to this condition: Toxic Heat and Wind-Heat with Phlegm, emphasizing the need to correct these imbalances for treatment.
Causes of Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis according to TCM
In TCM, hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is primarily associated with two patterns: Toxic-Heat and Wind-Heat with Phlegm. The Toxic-Heat pattern suggests an accumulation of Heat and Toxins in the body, manifesting as inflammation and bleeding in the eyes. This pattern is often accompanied by symptoms indicative of internal Heat.
The Wind-Heat with Phlegm pattern combines an external pathogenic factor with internal disharmony. This pattern may present additional symptoms such as a sensation of heaviness, blurred vision, and discharge, indicating the presence of Phlegm in addition to Heat.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis
In TCM, the treatment strategy for hemorrhagic conjunctivitis involves selecting formulas and herbs that address the underlying patterns. For combating the Toxic-Heat pattern, practitioners may recommend formulas that focus on clearing Heat and resolving Toxicity.
A typical choice for this pattern is Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, enriched with Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), which are known for their Heat-clearing abilities. For the Wind-Heat with Phlegm pattern, the treatment aims at expelling Wind, clearing Heat, and resolving Phlegm. The choice of herbs in this scenario works towards reducing inflammation and clearing the conjunctiva to restore the health of the eyes, in line with TCM's holistic approach to healing.
See more details below about Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, a herbal formula used to address hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, like Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |