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Lead Poisoningaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Toxicological Conditions

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning, also known as lead toxicity or plumbism, occurs when lead accumulates in the body over a period of months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in young children. Lead poisoning can affect almost every organ and system in the body, but it primarily impacts the nervous system. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, headaches, irritability, and, in severe cases, seizures, coma, or death. Chronic exposure to lead can also result in developmental delays and learning difficulties in children.

How does TCM view lead poisoning?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lead poisoning is seen as an imbalance within the body, often linked to the ingestion or inhalation of toxic substances. TCM considers the symptoms of lead poisoning to arise from patterns of disharmony such as Damp-Heat, Blood Stasis, or Toxic Heat. Treatment in TCM focuses on identifying and addressing these underlying patterns to restore balance and eliminate toxins from the body. This holistic approach contrasts with Western medicine's focus on chelation therapy and symptomatic relief.

Causes of lead poisoning according to TCM

Lead poisoning, from a TCM perspective, is primarily caused by the intake of lead, which is considered a form of Toxic Heat. This Toxic Heat invades the body and disrupts the balance of the internal organs and systems. It can result from exposure to contaminated air, water, food, or other environmental sources. The accumulation of this Toxic Heat manifests in various symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fatigue, irritability, and neurological disturbances. TCM aims to identify this underlying Toxic Heat and treat it accordingly to restore harmony within the body.

TCM Herbs for Lead Poisoning

In TCM, specific herbs are used to treat the Toxic Heat associated with lead poisoning. One such herb is Climbing Groundsel (Qian Li Guang), which is Bitter and Cold and targets the Large Intestine, Liver, and Lung. This herb is effective in treating Damp-Heat dermatological disorders and Liver Yang Rising. By clearing heat and purging fire, Climbing Groundsel helps to alleviate the symptoms of lead toxicity and restore the body's natural balance. The choice of herbs and formulas depends on the individual patient's pattern and overall health condition.

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  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat

Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat

Lead poisoning can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.

One such herb is Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), which is directly recommended for lead poisoning.