Hi! I’m back with more of my best friend’s organic and natural remedies for her eye health. In the first part, I discussed a few herbs, fruits, and vegetables that she claimed were effective in preventing many eye conditions, including glaucoma and macular degeneration, which are common in the elderly.
Now, let me share more of her secrets not only for eye care but also for mental and physical health care as well.
Maintaining Eye Health Care Through Natural Remedies
- Aloe Vera Juice. If you apply the meat of the aloe on the scalp, it gets rid of scales, scars, and dandruff. You can also make a face pack and use it as a mask to cure acne. But if you juice it, it will make a powerful health booster for the eyes and the rest of the body parts. It’s delicious and soothing too.
- Warm Compress. Aside from healing headaches, bruises, and mild contusions, applying a warm compress on the eyes when they are swelling is also very effective. It is relaxing, and it aids in regulating normal blood circulation to the part applied. There was also a time when my friend used a warm compress to her style, and surprisingly, it disappeared after a few applications. She just placed a warm cloth on the affected eye and held it there for five minutes, along with a little massage. The heat stimulates the swelling, and the pus is released, which hastens healing time.
- Tea Tree Oil. “When conventional treatments for rosacea fail, tea tree oil lid scrubs seem to eradicate the mites,” said Scheffer C.G. Tseng, M.D., director of the Ocular Surface Center and medical director, Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation at TissueTech, Miami. Known for its antibacterial components, tea tree oil is a potent treatment for blepharitis, which is an annoying eye condition because the itchiness is terrible. Your eyes are surrounded with crust, making your eyelids sticky and difficult to open. Mix nine parts water and one part tea tree oil and gently scrub this on the eyelids. Doing so really helps in decreasing the irritable symptoms of blepharitis, including the condition itself.
- Amla. “Amla is a very special fruit full of antioxidants that are effective in reducing cell damage, which reduces the free radicals that can cause disease in the body”, says Dr. Komal Bhadouria, Nutritionist, SCI International Hospital, New Delhi. The Amla berries are popular among those who practice organic healing because they cure a variety of conditions, including tumors and reproductive abnormalities. Of course, it is a wonder supplement for eye health as well. It also enhances eyesight and improves eye muscle tone and strength.
- Squash. Who doesn’t love this healthy and delicious vegetable? Yes, my friend is a fan of squash – all types of squash (mostly butternut). Squash plays a vital role in maintaining clear vision in low light, as it is loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene. It also protects the eye from common age-related conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Yes, your parents didn’t lie when they said squash and carrots help you see in the dark!
- Legumes. Black-eyed peas and lentils are an abundant source of flavonoids. It is also a source of zinc, which is crucial in aiding vitamin A to travel from the liver to the eyes to be able to protect the retina. Zinc deficiency may actually result in night blindness. You can consume legumes in different ways. You can cook it by itself or toss it over with some salad. Either way, you’ll reap its remarkable benefits.
- Tomatoes. Aside from the lutein and vitamins A and C, lycopene is the real hero in tomatoes. It primarily prevents the entry of free radicals, which contribute to various diseases, including many eye diseases. The lycopene from tomatoes is better absorbed when cooked. So prepare some Bolognese for dinner and make a delicious homemade tomato sauce!
Bottom Line
The eyes play a critical role in our mental and physical well-being, as it would be sad to lose our vision or destroy it earlier than expected. So why not prevent it through these natural and cost-effective remedies? They’re not hard to find, and you don’t have to spend much. It’s mostly found in your garden or in your kitchen. “Make your plate as colorful as possible,” Dr Luisa said.
Sastre said. “Think of each meal as if you’re making a rainbow with lots of different types of fresh, natural, and brightly colored foods served together.”
Save your eyesight today. Be happy and ‘clear’ about the way you look at life!