Can Herbs and Natural Remedies Improve My Eyes?
The best thing you can do for your eye health is to make sure to get regular vision checkups, that much is clear. However, proper nutrition is also a key element in keeping your vision stronger, for longer periods of your life.
In addition to a generally well-balanced diet, there may be some herbs and natural remedies that can be beneficial to your eye health. Be sure to consult a professional nutritionist or herbalist before taking any supplements for your eye health, but here are some herbs and remedies you may want to consider adding into your diet today.
Green Tea
Green tea truly is a superfood. It is extremely rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which not only help fight cancer and bolster the immune system, but can also help reduce risk of glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and even UV light damage.
Vitamin A
You may have heard that eating carrots will improve your eyesight. This is because carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which is known to improve eye and skin health. You can take Vitamin A supplements and also find Vitamin A in foods like oranges, almonds and green leafy vegetables.
Gingko Biloba
This is an herb that also has antioxidant properties and has been found to improve blood flow to the retina. Gingko extracts may also help people with glaucoma see better.
Eyebright
You would naturally expect an herb called eyebright to be good for your eyes. If you’ve heard of it before, you may have seen it in natural food stores in teas or eyedrops.
While its effects on humans are still not completely clear, it has lowered blood sugar in diabetic rats, and diabetes often leads to eye conditions. In addition, one study did find that eyedrops with eyebright helped people recover faster from conjunctivitis (Pinkeye).
Bilberry
You might consider taking this herb to see if helps your eyesight. Not only may it improve your normal vision, but some say it is also great for improving your night vision, as well.
Fennel
You may think of fennel as just an ingredient you sometimes find in a salad, but it is also a popular remedy for eye problems, when made into a tea or used in an eye wash.
Passionflower Extract
Passionflower extract is yet another herb that can help a great deal with eye strain, as it is a nerve relaxer and can also help prevent irritation.
Getting Help for Your Eyes When You Need It
If you are experiencing serious eye problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, headaches or obscured vision, you should see an eye care professional right away. As part of a general plan for greater eye health or as a temporary remedy for minor eye strain or irritation, you may find some of these herbs and remedies quite helpful.