Edema, traditionally called Dropsy, is the collection of Fluid in the tissues or cavities of the body. It may be acute or chronic, and associated with excess or deficiency. However, in general, Edema is associated with Damp-Phlegm. The Greeks divided Edema into several types:
Anasarca: it was called Leucophlegmatia Hydrops (‘White-Phlegmy Edema’) by Galen, this type of Edema is characterised by water lying between the skin and flesh, with generalised swelling of the whole body. When the skin is pressed, it stays depressed with a dent after the finger is removed (‘pitting’). The pulse is slow and forceless. This is the Cold Damp-type Edema. If there is deficiency, it is associated with Yang deficiency.
Tympanites: this is an Edema caused by Wind, not Water. The abdomen is puffed up and sounds drum-like when concussed (hence its name). The navel is also sometimes pushed forth. In chronic conditions, the rest of the body may waste, while the abdomen stays distended or swollen. This is a Wind (or Qi)-type Edema which obstructs fluids.
Ascites: collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
The primary treatment is with diuretics (classed as Medicines that Clear Damp in TCM). Warm or cold medicines are chosen depending on if Damp is with Cold or Heat. Chronic cases require strengthening medicines. In the Western Tradition, the Humor is prepared, then purged. Diet plays a major role in the treatment of Edema. Cold, raw foods and drinks are to be avoided, while warming and diuretic foods should be encouraged, such as Celery, Pumpkin, Barley, Beans etc. The ‘Opening Roots’ and ‘Warming Seeds’ are of prime importance in the treatment of Edema in the Western Tradition.
1. Celery seed, Parsley seed (equal parts), infuse in wine and drink, or else take the powder with wine.
Damp
2. Cinnamon, Fennel seed as a decoction
Poor appetite, felling of fullness, heaviness, sweet taste, no thirst, loose stool, fatigue, pale complexion, pale tongue with a smooth or sticky coat and a slow, slippery pulse
3. Steep Asasrum in wine for 3 months. Strain and give a small glassful morning and evening
Damp HeatEdema with Urinary discomfort, burning or difficult urine, high colored urine, abdominal distention, red tongue with a greasy yellow coat, rapid or rapid and slippery pulse.
Dried and powdered Toad given in dose of half dram with wine “cures almost incurable Dropsies”. The ashes can also be used, or a Tincture can be made.
Hogs Grease
SNAIL ASHES
Mugwort
Burn Snails with their shells in a pot until white. Half a dram oif this powder promotes abundant Urination. (Culpeper)
a little vinegar
ANTIDOTE OF ASCLEPIDAS
Make an ointment which is very effectual for leg swelling.
Madder
SWELLING OF THE KNEES:
Gentian
Beat Rue with Honey and Salt and apply.
Maidenhair
Parsley seed
Mustard seed
Cucumber seed
Pepper
Spikenard
Costus
Agrimony
Oregano
Nigella equal parts
Powder, mix with Honey. (Syrian ‘Book of Medicine’, Budge, 1913)
PILLS FOR EDEMA
Aloe 6 drams
Dodder 3 drams
Rhubarb
Asarum
Agaric 4 drams ea.
Saffron
Spikenard 3 drams each
Parsley seed 1 dram
PILLS OF BDELLIUM FOR EDEMA
Bdellium
Colocynth pulp
Agaric
Scammony equal parts
Form pills with wine. (Syrian ‘Book of Medicine’, Budge, 1913)
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