Chinese Herbs & Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition affecting the eye that generally results in an increase of pressure in the eyeball that often ends in blindness. Certain Chinese herbs may help reduce pressure and resolve some of the symptoms associated with glaucoma; however, conventional medicine is frequently effective for the treatment of this condition, so you should always be under the care of an ophthalmologist as well as an herbalist for the greatest benefit.

Ginkgo Biloba

The February 2003 "Ophthalmology" journal reports on a study performed in Italy evaluating the effect of the herb Ginkgo biloba on pre-existing visual field damage related to glaucoma. Results of the study indicate that Ginkgo may partially improve damage to the eye caused by normal tension glaucoma. The recommended dose is 40 mg, three times daily for one month, Peace Health writes. Ginkgo biloba should be used only under the supervision of an experienced herbalist for this condition.

Xi Gan Ming Mu Tang

This herb is used to relieve excess heat, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, and relieve ocular disease and glaucoma, the TCM Assistant notes. They add that it is indicated by tension and tightness in the right side of the abdomen upon palpitation and a rapid, pounding pulse.

Ming Mu Di Huang Wan

Ming Mu Di Huang Wan is used to benefit the eyes and improve liver and kidney yin, according to "Helio Acupuncture Book, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica." It is indicated for blepharatis and chronic vision and eye disorders including glaucoma, night blindness, photophobia, cataracts and eyestrain, the TCM Assistant adds. The person needing this herb may also exhibit the following symptoms, which are all indications for this medicine, including insomnia, tearing during exposure to wind, restlessness, irritability, red tongue and rapid, fine pulse. Do not self-treat with this herb. Consult your practitioner or a doctor of Oriental medicine for dosing guidelines.

Nei Zhang Ming Yan Wan

Nei Zhang Ming Yan Wan has similar action to Ming Mu Di Huang Wan and may help reduce symptoms of glaucoma as well as those of blepharitis, night blindness, red eyes, and ocular disease after surgery and cataracts, according to the TCM Assistant. The individual needing this herb will have a deficiency of the liver and kidney yin, they add, resulting in poor vision.

Coleus Forskohlii

Coleus Forskohlii is used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of ailments and may be effective in the treatment of glaucoma, Peace Health writes. The active ingredient, forskolin, shows promise for reducing intraocular pressure of the eye, they add; however, it is not available over-the-counter in eye drops. Consult a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda for a prescription for the sterile fluid extract of this herb, which should be used according to directions for eye problems. Do not use extracts of the whole herb for treatment of the eyes.

Precautions

It bears repeating that glaucoma can cause blindness. Although Chinese herbs may help prevent certain symptoms of glaucoma and slow the progression of this disease, you should always be under the care of a licensed ophthalmologist and receive regular eye exams to protect your vision.