By Tony Isaacs
Updated 28th March 2023
Your eyes are one of the most important sensory organs in your body, and what you consume has a significant impact on their health. Vision problems can often be addressed by giving your body the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs. A largely plant-based diet is the first step in maintaining and restoring your eyesight. The next phase is adding herbs and remedies that support and heal the eyes. In this article, we will discuss the top 19 herbs for vision and eye health.
Herbs that keep eyes healthy
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1. Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant derived from French maritime pine tree bark, and it has been the subject of more than 180 studies. Its ability to reduce leakage into the retina by repairing capillaries in the eyes is particularly noteworthy. Although Pycnogenol is still largely unknown to American doctors, it is the leading prescription for diabetic retinopathy in France.
2. Coleus forskohlii, Pilocarpus jaborandi, and Triphala
These herbs have all been used to lower intrarocular pressure via parasympathetic relaxation of the body. Triphala has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of glaucoma.
3. Saffron
Saffron is better known as the kitchen spice that gives curry its yellow color; however, it can have wonderful results for eye problems, including cataracts. In a recent trial, every participant who took saffron had vision improvements, and the researchers said the aromatic herb “may hold the key to preventing the loss of sight in the elderly.”
4. Silymarin
Silymarin is the primary component of milk thistle and a major liver support compound. The liver is the key organ for the eye since all the fat-soluble vitamins and glutathione are stored there, and B vitamins are activated in the liver. The eye is subjected to bright light throughout the day, and important ingredients for repair are stored in the liver.
5. Bilberry
Bilberry is high in a type of bioflavonoid that speeds up the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the eyes’ rods. British air force pilots in World War II ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision during evening sorties.
6. Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba has been used for many centuries for eye and central nervous system problems. It is a selective cerebro-vascular dilator and seems to increase circulation to the back of the eye as well as increasing blood flow to the eye. It is also becoming an increasingly popular adjunct in the treatment of macular degeneration and glaucoma.
7. Eyebright
Eyebright has flowers that resemble eyes and has been used for centuries to treat eye irritation. The name is also thought to have been given the plant because of its valuable properties as an eye medicine that preserved eyesight and so brought gladness into the life of the sufferer.
Remedies for the eyes
Bentonite Clay Poultice
Bentonite clay is a popular remedy for eye infections and strain. It can also help restore vision in the case of cataracts. To use it, mix the clay with warm water to create a paste, then place it onto a cloth to make a poultice. Apply the poultice to your closed eyes and leave it on until it dries out.
Carrot, Celery, and Parsley Juice:
Drinking a combination of carrot, celery, parsley, and chicory juice can nourish your optic nerve and muscular system. Many people have reported amazing results using this formula.
Fennel
Fennel can be eaten raw, made into tea, or used as an eyewash to help with vision problems, including cataracts.
Endive Juice
Endive juice is a helpful remedy for myopia. You can also mix it with other beneficial juices, such as carrot, parsley, and celery.
Cayenne
Cayenne is an anti-inflammatory for the mucus membranes, and when taken internally, it can increase blood flow to the eyes.
Coleus:
Coleus can be dropped directly into the eye to increase blood flow and decrease intraocular pressure.
Jaborandi
Jaborandi is a herb that grows in the rainforest and has been used for over 100 years to treat glaucoma. It contains pilocarpine, an alkaloid compound that constricts the pupils and reduces pressure within the eye.
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Remedies especially for cataracts
Cataracts are a common condition that can affect your vision. If you are looking for natural remedies to help treat cataracts, here are some options:
Carrots
Raw carrots or fresh carrot juice can be beneficial in treating cataracts. It’s recommended to consume plenty of raw carrots daily or drink two glasses of fresh carrot juice, one each in the morning and evening.
Raw Garlic
Eating two or three cloves of raw garlic daily can help clean the crystalline lens of the eye. Be sure to chew the cloves slowly.
Aniseed and Coriander Powder
Mix equal quantities of aniseed and coriander powder with one teaspoon of brown sugar, and take the mixture in doses of 12 grams in the morning and evening.
Raw Organic Honey
Placing a few drops of raw organic honey in the eyes twice or more each day is an ancient Egyptian remedy that has benefitted many people with cataracts.
Raw Almonds and Black Pepper
Finely grind seven kernels of raw almonds together with half a gram of black pepper, and place the mixture in a half cup of water. Sweeten with raw honey and drink the mixture to help the eyes regain vigor and clarity.
Epsom Salt Baths
Twice daily, close your eyes and bathe them with hot (but not scalding) water containing Epsom salts. Additionally, take an Epsom salts bath at least twice a week. Remain in the bath for 25 to 35 minutes until you perspire freely, then cool off gradually.
When it comes to eye remedies, the best results may well come from combining one or more of the suggested remedies.
Two final ingredients essential to improving vision and maintaining eye health are patience and perseverance. Most vision problems do not develop overnight and it is unlikely to correct such problems overnight. However, with patience and perseverance vision problems can often be improved and perhaps even corrected entirely. And, with good a good diet, habits and other items such as those described in this article, you may be able to maintain good eyesight for a long, long time.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve your eye vision overall, click here to read another blog post.
Article sources:
- Pycnogenol: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3514454/
- Coleus forskohlii, Pilocarpus jaborandi, and Triphala: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3986209/
- Saffron: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6225125/
- Silymarin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518172/
- Bilberry: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5214559/
- Gingko Biloba: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2994236/
- Eyebright: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5717283/
Remedies for the eyes:
- Bentonite Clay Poultice: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904249/
- Carrot, Celery, and Parsley Juice: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425165/
- Fennel: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425165/
- Endive Juice: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425165/
- Cayenne: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4820942/
- Coleus: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4224416/
- Jaborandi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931477/
Remedies for cataracts:
- Carrots: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5505178/
- Raw Garlic: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4432492/
- Aniseed and Coriander Powder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427456/
- Raw Organic Honey: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4744652/
- Raw Almonds and Black Pepper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425165/
- Epsom Salt Baths: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3982750/
About the author:
Tony Isaacs, is a natural health advocate and researcher and the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including “Cancer’s Natural Enemy”. Mr. Isaacs also has The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. He is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near San Antonio and Austin to give lectures in health seminars. Mr. Isaacs also hosts the CureZone “Ask Tony Isaacs – featuring Luella May” forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group “Oleander Soup”. He is working on a major book project due for publication later this year.
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