Can Geranium wilfordii treat Behçet's disease?
Apr 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Behçet's disease refers to Behçet's syndrome. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Behçet's syndrome is often caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat and excessive heat-toxin. Treatment typically follows the principles of clearing heat and resolving dampness, as well as detoxifying and cooling the blood. Geranium has functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, dispelling wind, and eliminating dampness. Its medicinal properties align with the TCM etiology and pathogenesis characteristics of Behçet's syndrome, thus it can be used as an adjunctive treatment.
Behcet's disease refers to Behcet's syndrome. Generally, geranium can be used as an adjunctive treatment for Behcet's syndrome, but it usually cannot cure the disease alone. The specific analysis is as follows:
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Behcet's syndrome is mostly caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat and excessive heat-toxin. Treatment usually follows the principles of clearing heat and eliminating dampness, detoxifying, and cooling the blood. Geranium has functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, expelling wind and removing dampness. Its medicinal properties align with the TCM etiological and pathological characteristics of Behcet's syndrome, helping to eliminate damp-heat and heat-toxin from the body and thereby relieving related symptoms to a certain extent.
However, Behcet's syndrome is a relatively complex condition often involving multiple systems. Treatment should be based on the patient's specific condition, employing a comprehensive treatment plan including Western medicines such as immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids, as well as syndrome differentiation-based selection of various TCM formulas. Relying solely on geranium is unlikely to adequately control the disease. When using geranium or other herbal medicines for treatment, it should be done under the guidance of qualified medical professionals.
Behcet's syndrome patients are advised to choose light, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich foods in daily life, eat more vegetables and fruits, and avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods to reduce oral and gastrointestinal irritation.
