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Diseases of the Eyes
Slacks Herbal, 1892
The Eyes are connected to the Liver in TCM, so many diseases of the Eyes are related to either Liver Heat / Bile Humor (acute), or deficiency of the Liver Yin (chronic).
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Western Tradition
Eye Diseases in general
Syrup of Betony (Augustana) Syrup of the Juice of Betony Honey water distilled Conserve of Eyebright Wine of Eyebright Pills to Clarify (Pilulae Lucis Majores) (Mesue) Purgatives Pills to Clarify (Pilulae Lucis Majores) (Mesue) Arabian Pills (Nicholas) Golden Pills (Pilulae Aurea) (Nicholas) Pills without which I would not be (Pil. Sine Quibus) 1. Myrobalans, Emblic, Yellow 2 drams ea. Turbith 1 dram Fennel seed, Aniseed 3 drams ea. Ginger 2 ½ drams Nutmeg 2 drams Cinnamon 1 dram Sugar weight of the rest Dissolve the Sugar in Fennel or Eyebright Water and form an Electuary. Topical Water of Emperor Constantine for the Eyes Water of Emperor Frederick for the Sight |
Primary TCM formulas for the Eyes
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Acute Wind-Heat)
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Acute, Liver Heat) Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Weakness, chronic) |
Conjunctivitis
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Western Tradition
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TCM Classification
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Topical applications:
1. A strong infusion of any of the following herbs can be used as a wash:
Barberry, Camomile, Coriander seed, Eyebright, Fumitory, Licorice, Neem, Turmeric
2. Borax, half teaspoon in half a cup of water used as a wash
Internally:
1. Turmeric, Neem, Madder (equal parts)
1. A strong infusion of any of the following herbs can be used as a wash:
Barberry, Camomile, Coriander seed, Eyebright, Fumitory, Licorice, Neem, Turmeric
2. Borax, half teaspoon in half a cup of water used as a wash
Internally:
1. Turmeric, Neem, Madder (equal parts)
Weakness and Dimness of the Sight
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Western Tradition
Visum conservat – Preserves vision
Eyebright Hyssop Visum augent – Increase vision Aloe prepared with fennel juice Hyssop Senna Opopanax Sharpen the Sight 1. Every morning chew 5 Juniper berries 2. Eat Blueberries often Vinegar of Squill Syrup of Betony (Augustana) Syrup of the Juice of Betony Distilled Water of Wild Strawberries Eyebright Wine Powder for the Eyes Chebulic Myrobalan Confected Conserve of Eyebright Confection of Montagnana for the Sight Electuary for the Eyes (Grulingus) Powder for Weakness of Sight (Nicholas) Arabian Pills (Nicholas) Golden Pills (Pilulae Aurea) (Nicholas) Pills to Clarify (Pilulae Lucis Majores) (Mesue) Visus obscuritatem purgant – Dimness of Sight 1. Drop Distilled Water of Dandelion, Chicory, Eyebright or Self Heal Water into the eyes. Sagapen Chebulic Myrobalan Confected Pills of Hiera Pilulae sine Quibus (Nicholas) Powder to Clarify the Eyes (Nicholas) Pills to Clarify (Pilulae Lucis Majores) (Mesue) Visum post purgationem deperditum recuperant–Recover lost sight after Purging Coriander Quince Aloe Bile (incl. Goat) Decoction of Wormwood Fennel juice Celandine juice Infusion of Hiera Oxymel of Squill Friction of the tibia (shin) Sleep Sight Loss due to Bilious Vapors [Liver Heat] Triphera Persica To Purge the Head and Clarify the Sight Pills of Hiera Triphera Persica Arabian Pills (Nicholas) Golden Pills (Pilulae Aurea) (Nicholas) Pills to Clarify (Pilulae Lucis Majores) (Mesue) Pills without which I would not be (Sine Quibus) (Nich.) Topical Medicines Water of Emperor Constantine for the Eyes Water of Emperor Frederick for the Sight |
TCM Classification
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
enlarge pupils, blurred vision, photophobia, tearing, light headache, vertigo, cataracts Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Ming Mu Di Huang Wan Liver Heat affecting the Eyes Red, itchy eyes, headache, red tongue, big pulse Xiao Chai Hu Tang Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San |
To Benefit the Sight and Strengthen the Eyes:
1. Fennel seed and Water and Conserve of Eyebright is especially good before and after food.
2. Also a tea of Rue taken with food.
3. Regular purging with Pil. Cochia or Stomach Pills is good (if there is excess Humors)
4. Applying Women breast milk to the eyes is very beneficial
5. Washing the face with fresh, cold water
6. Dropping Almond oil into the ears and nose is also good.
7. Leek juice mixed with Child's Urine, applied. (Syrian "Book of Medicine", trans. by Wallis Budge, 1913)
8. Goat Bile mixed with Honey and applied. (Syrian "Book of Medicine", trans. by Wallis Budge, 1913)
9. 'To Renew the Sight of Old Men': Take Honey and the Bile of Cocks, Eels, Hares and Cormorants. Mix and seal in a glass vessel. Leave in the sun 30 days, then distil. Drop into the eyes 'you shall see a marvellous effect'. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
10. Compound Wines:
i. Elecampane 4 oz.
Eyebright 4 handfuls
Fennel seed, Lovage seed 2 oz. ea.
Bruise, put into a bag and hang in Hydromel (or Wine); drink morning and evening.
ii. Eyebright 2 handfuls
Fennel seed ½ oz.
Cinnamon 3 drams
Bruise, put into a bag and hang in Rhenish wine.
11. Take Sal Ammoniac, burnt and powdered, and mixed with Child's Urine. Apply to the eyes and eyelids. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
12. Benzoin 1 oz.
Honey ½ oz.
Fennel Water, Rue Water 2 oz. each
Marjoram water 1 oz.
Distil. 'This Water hath made some see that have been quite blind, washing twice or thrice a day with it: (Hartman, 1682)
13. To Restore the Sight:
Betony
Rue
Celandine
Saxifrage
Lovage
Pennyroyal
Aniseed
Cinnamon
Eyebright 1 handful ea.
Grains of Paradise
Ginger
Fennel seed
Parsley seed
Hyssop
Oregano
Osier (Mountain Willow) 1 dram ea.
Galangal
Sugar 1 oz. ea.
Powder and eat every day with food. This was said to have restored sight in one who used spectacles for 12 years yet couldn't read. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
14. Confection of Montagnana for the Sight
1. Fennel seed and Water and Conserve of Eyebright is especially good before and after food.
2. Also a tea of Rue taken with food.
3. Regular purging with Pil. Cochia or Stomach Pills is good (if there is excess Humors)
4. Applying Women breast milk to the eyes is very beneficial
5. Washing the face with fresh, cold water
6. Dropping Almond oil into the ears and nose is also good.
7. Leek juice mixed with Child's Urine, applied. (Syrian "Book of Medicine", trans. by Wallis Budge, 1913)
8. Goat Bile mixed with Honey and applied. (Syrian "Book of Medicine", trans. by Wallis Budge, 1913)
9. 'To Renew the Sight of Old Men': Take Honey and the Bile of Cocks, Eels, Hares and Cormorants. Mix and seal in a glass vessel. Leave in the sun 30 days, then distil. Drop into the eyes 'you shall see a marvellous effect'. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
10. Compound Wines:
i. Elecampane 4 oz.
Eyebright 4 handfuls
Fennel seed, Lovage seed 2 oz. ea.
Bruise, put into a bag and hang in Hydromel (or Wine); drink morning and evening.
ii. Eyebright 2 handfuls
Fennel seed ½ oz.
Cinnamon 3 drams
Bruise, put into a bag and hang in Rhenish wine.
11. Take Sal Ammoniac, burnt and powdered, and mixed with Child's Urine. Apply to the eyes and eyelids. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
12. Benzoin 1 oz.
Honey ½ oz.
Fennel Water, Rue Water 2 oz. each
Marjoram water 1 oz.
Distil. 'This Water hath made some see that have been quite blind, washing twice or thrice a day with it: (Hartman, 1682)
13. To Restore the Sight:
Betony
Rue
Celandine
Saxifrage
Lovage
Pennyroyal
Aniseed
Cinnamon
Eyebright 1 handful ea.
Grains of Paradise
Ginger
Fennel seed
Parsley seed
Hyssop
Oregano
Osier (Mountain Willow) 1 dram ea.
Galangal
Sugar 1 oz. ea.
Powder and eat every day with food. This was said to have restored sight in one who used spectacles for 12 years yet couldn't read. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
14. Confection of Montagnana for the Sight
Night-blindness
Simples:
Lycium Gou Qi Zi
Blueberries
1. Betony, Eyebright, Marjoram, Balm, Rue, Elecampane, Orris root, Valerian, Fennel seed; steep in alcohol and distill.
Red & Inflamed Eyes
Open the Head vein on the opposite side; Cup the shoulders.
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Western Tradition
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TCM Classifications
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1. Mothers milk mixed with a beaten Egg white.
2. Decoct Linseed, or Fenugreek, or Camomile; use as an eyewash
3. Nightshade juice, mixed with beaten Egg white and Oil of Roses; apply
4. Wormwood juice mixed with beaten Egg white; drop into the Eye
5. Beaten egg white with Oil of Roses; dip cotton in; apply to eyes, temples, forehead
6. Beat Frankincense, Rock Salt 1 dram ea.; mix with womans milk and apply.
7. Confected Chebulic Myrobalan eaten stops redness of the Eyes, and protects sight.
8. Nutmegs confected in honey does the same
9. Broad leaf Plantain water 1 pint
beaten Verdigris 1 oz.
Red Earth, Dragons Blood ½ oz. ea.
Camphor 2 drams
Distil; this is not only good for Red and Sore Eyes, and swelling of the eyelids, but also for
Bad Breath (as a gargle), and especially all Ulcers of the Genitals.
10. Aloe 3 parts, Camphor 1 part; steep in Rose water and drop it in.
11. Waters of Vervain,
of Eyebright,
of Marjoram ½ oz. ea.
Fennel water 1 oz.
Camphor ½ dram
Mix; use as Eye drops.
12. Barley
Quince seed
Camomile ½ oz. ea.
Fennel seed 2 drams
Decoct until one-quarter is wasted, then use as an eye wash. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
13. Tutty, heated and quenched
15 times in Rose water;
then powder ½ oz.
Calamine 2 drams
Cloves 3 in number
Infuse in Malmsey; shaking often; use the clear water as eye drops.
14. Tutty prepared, Mastic,
Sarcocolla, Gum Arabic equal parts
Powder, dissolve in Rose water and use as eye drops.
15. Hyssop, Marjoram, Fenugreek,
Camomile, Meliot, Rose equal parts
Boil and let the vapors go in the eyes.
16. Rose water
Eyebright water 2 oz. each
White Troches of Rhasis 1 dram
Tutty 20 grains
Mix. Let them settle. Wash the eyes with it 3 times daily.
2. Decoct Linseed, or Fenugreek, or Camomile; use as an eyewash
3. Nightshade juice, mixed with beaten Egg white and Oil of Roses; apply
4. Wormwood juice mixed with beaten Egg white; drop into the Eye
5. Beaten egg white with Oil of Roses; dip cotton in; apply to eyes, temples, forehead
6. Beat Frankincense, Rock Salt 1 dram ea.; mix with womans milk and apply.
7. Confected Chebulic Myrobalan eaten stops redness of the Eyes, and protects sight.
8. Nutmegs confected in honey does the same
9. Broad leaf Plantain water 1 pint
beaten Verdigris 1 oz.
Red Earth, Dragons Blood ½ oz. ea.
Camphor 2 drams
Distil; this is not only good for Red and Sore Eyes, and swelling of the eyelids, but also for
Bad Breath (as a gargle), and especially all Ulcers of the Genitals.
10. Aloe 3 parts, Camphor 1 part; steep in Rose water and drop it in.
11. Waters of Vervain,
of Eyebright,
of Marjoram ½ oz. ea.
Fennel water 1 oz.
Camphor ½ dram
Mix; use as Eye drops.
12. Barley
Quince seed
Camomile ½ oz. ea.
Fennel seed 2 drams
Decoct until one-quarter is wasted, then use as an eye wash. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
13. Tutty, heated and quenched
15 times in Rose water;
then powder ½ oz.
Calamine 2 drams
Cloves 3 in number
Infuse in Malmsey; shaking often; use the clear water as eye drops.
14. Tutty prepared, Mastic,
Sarcocolla, Gum Arabic equal parts
Powder, dissolve in Rose water and use as eye drops.
15. Hyssop, Marjoram, Fenugreek,
Camomile, Meliot, Rose equal parts
Boil and let the vapors go in the eyes.
16. Rose water
Eyebright water 2 oz. each
White Troches of Rhasis 1 dram
Tutty 20 grains
Mix. Let them settle. Wash the eyes with it 3 times daily.
Eye Pain
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Western Tradition
Oculorum doloribus conferunt–Pain of the Eyes
Blanca Nicolai Electuary of Rose Pills to Clarify (Pilulae Lucis Majores) (Mesue) Arabian Pills (Nicholas) Eye Drops (Riverius) Eye Drops (Wirtzung) Eyewash of Calamine |
TCM Classifications
Wind-Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San Liver Heat Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Yin Deficiency Qi Ju Di Huang Wan |
1. Beat an egg white and mix with oil of Roses; apply
2. Take celandine juice and honey, equal parts; heat together; apply
3. Plantain, Eyebright, Fennel; Boil and expose the eyes to the vapor.
4. Prepared Tutty, Camphor beaten, 1 scruple ea.
With 1 oz. of Rose water and 0.5 oz. of White Wine; mix; put a drop into the Eye.
5. The White Powder of Rhasis is very strong to ease pain.
2. Take celandine juice and honey, equal parts; heat together; apply
3. Plantain, Eyebright, Fennel; Boil and expose the eyes to the vapor.
4. Prepared Tutty, Camphor beaten, 1 scruple ea.
With 1 oz. of Rose water and 0.5 oz. of White Wine; mix; put a drop into the Eye.
5. The White Powder of Rhasis is very strong to ease pain.
Tearing or Watery Eyes
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Western Tradition
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From TCM
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Cataract
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Western Tradition
Lesser Pills of Cochia
Powder to Cleanse the Sight (Wirtzung) Pills without which I would not be (Pil. Sine Quibus) Pills to Clarify (Pilulae Lucis Majores) (Mesue) Triphala Electuary of Stoecha (Itrafil Kishneez) 1. Prepare a decoction of Triphala by boiling half teaspoon in a cup of water for several minutes; cool, strain and filter. Use as an eyewash morning and night. 2. Boerhaavia, Asparagus root, Bacopa (take twice daily) |
TCM Classification
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Eye Trauma, Bruising
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1. Wash the eyes with distilled water of Fenugreek.
2. Make an infusion of powdered Frankincense in warm water, strain and mix with Fennel Water and drop into the eyes. The same may be done with Myrrh, Aloes or Saffron. 3. Saffron ½ dram Oil of Roses 1 oz. Egg Yolk 1 Powfder the Saffron, mix wit the oil and yolk, and apply to the Eye. 4. Tutty (Zinc oxide) Saffron Myrrh 1 dram Rue juice Marjoram juice sufficient Mix and make a Collyrium to appl to the eyes. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615) 5. Tutty (Zinc oxide) ½ oz. Mastic Frankincense Aloe 1 dram Camphor 1 scruple Juice of Sour Grapes 1 pound Powder all that can be powdered, infuse in the Juice and apply to the eyes. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615) 6. Red Earth ½ dram Dragon's Blood Tragacanth Gum Arabic 2 drams Rose Water ½ pound Powder the herbs, put in a glass with the Rose water and boil in Balneo Marie (water bath) for 1 hour. Let it stand to settle and pour of the clear liquor. Use as an eye wash. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615) 7. The warm blood of a Cock, Dove or Partridge can be dropped into the eye. 8. Sponges dipped in warm wine and applied to the eyes. |
Other
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Fistula in the Corner of the Eye
Mumiya (Shilajit) Red Earth Juice of Sloes Frankincense Mastic 1 part each Cypress nuts Galls Tragacanth 2 parts each Make a plaster with a little vinegar and Rose water and apply. |
Research–General