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To treat eye diseases characterized by swelling and pain, or pterygium (growth of fleshy tissue over the cornea) obscuring the pupil, or red vascular networks spreading across the eyeball, or distending pain in the eyeballs, or eye pain radiating to the head, or photophobia with excessive tearing, as well as all syndromes caused by deficiency-fire or excess-heat.

Fresh Dandelion (Radix et Herba Taraxaci) (4 liang [approx. 150g], using roots, leaves, stems, and flowers; discard withered flowers. If fresh ones are unavailable, 2 liang [approx. 75g] of dried herb may be used as a substitute.)

Decoct the above single herb in water to yield two large bowls of decoction. Take one bowl warm orally. Use the remaining bowl while still hot to fumigate and wash the eyes. (Note: For cases where eye pain radiates to the head, it is advisable to use 2 liang of fresh Radix et Herba Taraxaci combined with 1 liang of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix [Huai Niuxi], decocted for oral administration.)

This formula was obtained from an individual who stated that his mother once suffered from an eye disease with severe pain. After medical treatment for several months without cure, an elderly woman surnamed Gao recommended this formula, which resulted in a complete recovery after a single application. Since obtaining this formula, I have tested it repeatedly with consistent efficacy. Dandelion grows everywhere; it sprouts in mid-spring, blooms with bright yellow flowers in late spring, and some flowers remain open into early winter. The flowers resemble small chrysanthemums, and the leaves resemble Cirsium japonicum (Da Ji). Farmers harvest it raw to eat as a vegetable. Its primary merit lies in treating sores and carbuncles, dissipating toxic heat from abscesses and furuncles, yet people are unaware of its ability to treat eye diseases. If everyone knew its miraculous efficacy for eye diseases, there would be no blind people in the world.

In ancient dietary therapy formulas, there is Huan Shao Dan (Return to Youth Pill). Take one jin [approx. 500g] of Dandelion, including roots and leaves. Wash it clean, ensuring it does not see sunlight, and dry it. Mix with 1 liang [approx. 50g] of Xieyan Salt (Jie Salt from Jiechi, Shanxi, as recorded in *Shennong Bencao Jing*—large salt sun-dried in a bushel), and 5 qian [approx. 25g] of Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu). Grind these two ingredients into a fine powder, add the Dandelion, and soak in water overnight. Divide the mixture into twelve balls. Wrap each ball tightly in three to four layers of rice paper. Seal them using Liu Yi Mud (earthworm excrement/mud) according to proper methods. Bake in a stove until dry, then apply strong fire until they turn red-hot. Allow to cool, remove the mud, and grind into powder. Use morning and evening to brush teeth and rinse the mouth; spit out or swallow at will. Efficacy appears after long-term use. For those under eighty years old, hair and beard may turn black again, and lost teeth may regrow. Young people who take it will remain vigorous until old age. From this, the efficacy of clearing and tonifying the Kidney Meridian can be understood. Furthermore, its bitter taste clears Heat from the Heart Meridian. Thus, its high efficacy in treating eye diseases may be attributed to this mechanism!