Now that I’m 40 and experiencing some visual problems, I realize how important it is to take care of our eyes. My best friend, who is a bit older than me, has been doing organic for years, and this, she says, has tremendously helped her maintain good eye health care, as well as mental and physical health care. She also utilizes the herbs in her garden to add to her food, not only for enhanced flavor but also for the prevention of eye problems. Regarding vision problems, clinical psychologist Dr. Lori Pyter, Ph.D., explains, “It’s how your eyes work together, not just whether you can see what’s in front of you.”
That being said, let me share some of her natural remedies using fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Maintaining Eye Health Care Through Natural Remedies
- Orange Rinds. These are usually mixed in cakes just for fragrance or a little flavor, but little did we know that rinds are actually helpful in preventing flare-ups of eye irritations and allergies. If you’re not so fond of the peel and only the fruit, you can try looking for the candied ones, so it’ll be easier for you to tolerate.
- Cucumber Juice. Cucumber has always been related to eye care, but it is more popularly used as a form of ‘patches’ to the eyes to decrease eye bags. In addition to this great benefit, cucumber can also be used as a refreshing drink. Just by quenching our thirst with cucumber juice, we also get its anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent itchy and red eyes.
- Chamomile. This one is a must-try, as it can be used as a mild eyewash for adults and kids as well. Just soak some chamomile leaves in warm water and wash your face with it after a few minutes. Cognitive psychologist Pamela Dalton, Ph.D., explains that “…any essential oil or fragrance can act as an aromatherapy agent.” She says that, “What is required is that the person finds the scent pleasant and associates it with an emotional state that they wish to be invoked, such as relaxation or invigoration.” As much as it is an effective calming tea, it is also a cheap eye care alternative.
- Blueberries. These little ones are oozing with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, so it is obviously a powerful eye booster. You won’t have a problem eating blueberries – they are delicious. Drop a few of these into your bowl of oats in the morning.
- Cabbage. You can eat it the usual way, by adding it in your soup, or you can try fermenting it and get more beta-carotene that helps maintain clear vision. It’s actually more flavorful when you ferment it, that’s why kimchi is a hit.
- Ginkgo (Biloba). People who are into organics know Ginkgo biloba as an energy and memory booster. However, they don’t often recognize it to help maintain eye health. Because it enhances blood circulation, Ginkgo can definitely play a role in preventing eye disorders such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, two problems that are caused by abnormal blood flow. This can be used as a supplement in the form of a capsule. According to integrative mental health care specialist James Lake, M.D., “Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) extract is used in Europe and North America to treat dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.” And that it may “improve cognitive functioning in both healthy and cognitively impaired non-demented adults.”
- Honey. Perhaps honey can be considered the ‘universal helper.’ It is used to treat most conditions, including colds, coughs, and even scars. For eye care, it can also be mixed with clean water and used as an eyewash to alleviate redness, swelling, and viral conjunctivitis. This is because of honey’s potent antibacterial properties.
- Refrigerated Spoons. Yes, it would be weird for people to see you with two chilled spoons on both your eyes, but once you give it a try, you’ll be doing this every time your eyes are swollen. Just apply eye drops or eye serum, and then place the refrigerated spoons on top of each eye. It’ll only take minutes before you discover that they work!
- Garlic Paste. Garlic is a popular antiseptic, and it does well with the eyes too, only not directly. People have testified on its potency to cure styes. However, you must apply it directly to the style and nothing on the eye.
There’s a second part on this topic, so watch out for more useful tips. In the meantime, if you happen to have one of those eye symptoms right now, why don’t you try the mentioned remedies above? Let us know if it worked for you!