Chinese Herbs for Retina Swelling
Answered by: Christine Dennis
Question from: Helen
Posted on: July 24, 2008

What Chinese herb or combination of herbs would be good to take internally to lessen swelling on the retina of the human eye?

First of all, there are many different causes of swelling of the retina with the primary cause being due to cardiovascular issues. As such, my answer will focus around this cause and treatment.

General cardiovascular health depends on good vascular integrity and pliability as well as good flow and movement. General Chinese cardiovascular herbs are circulatory tonics such as Asian ginseng, circulatory stimulants such as ginkgo or Salvia Dan Shen, or venous restoratives such as Sophora Huai Hua. Diuretics may also be of benefit such as Polyporus Zhu Ling or Imperata Bai Mao Gen. However, herbs should only be part of the treatment plan. Diet and good lifestyle factors are also important. For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the liver opens to the eyes. As such nutrients such as vitamin A, and foods such as asparagus root, lycii berries would also be indicated. For stagnant liver qi being the root of the cause, movement such as qi gong exercises would be indicated.

For more information on diet recommendations for healthy eyes, please see:

http://www.richters.com/qa-search.cgi?search=eyes

Considering the sensitivity of the eyes and the importance of good eye health for vision, I would strongly urge you to visit your local herbalist for more specific help.

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