Eye Herbs

Herbs are traditionally used for many eye problems, herbs are believed to increase blood circulation to the eye and remove eye strain.

Before applying any alternative medicines, you should be aware that many of these medicines have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness.

Bilberry extract herbal remedies eye

Botanical name Vaccinium myrtillus, it contains anthocyanins which protect the retina. The bluish-black berries of this plant make a tasty jam consumed by British air force pilots in World War II. According to the pilots, the jam improved night vision and gave them a tactical advantage during evening sorties.

Scientists studied bilberry and found it contained bioflavonoids called anthocyanosides. These antioxidant compounds help prevent free-radical damage and capillary fragility. They also help the eyes adapt to darkness. It helps protect the retina, but it acts preventively rather than curatively. It also helps improve poor night vision if it's due to a deficiency in certain coloring pigments our eyes require. However, It won't help poor vision due to misshapen eyes, near- and farsightedness, or cataracts.

Bilberry useful in treating varicose veins, which is caused by impaired blood flow in the legs. Another of the medicinal properties of bilberry includes its ability to act as a blood thinner and prevent blood clots from forming. It is also thought that bilberry extract can prevent the development of artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) caused by the build up of plaque in blood vessels.

Jujube herbal remedies eye

Botanical name Zizyphus jujube, In Chinese medicine it is prescribed as a qi tonic to strengthen liver function and has proven to have a positive effect on the liver helping patients recover from hepatitis and cirrhosis. The Chinese have also found that the wild fruit improves skin colour and tone, which are both indications of physical well-being.

In modern Chinese medicine, jujube is used to tone the spleen and stomach, to treat shortness of breath and severe emotional upset and debility caused by nervous conditions. Pakistan and India use it as a blood cleanser, an overall tonic, a strengthener, and a disease preventer.

Eyebright herbal remedies eye

Botanical name Euphrasia officianales, Although eyebright's benefits are not scientifically verified, herbalists successfully use it to treat conjunctivitis.

Ginkgo biloba herbal remedies eye

It is most commonly used to treat the elderly for disorientation, depression, memory loss, headaches, tinnitus, and vertigo because of its positive effects as a circulatory aid. It is thought to help increase blood flow to the brain, which makes it a possible treatment for cerebral insufficiency.

The flavonoids found in ginkgo may help halt or lessen some retinal problems (that is, problems to the back part of the eye). Retinal damage has a number of potential causes, including diabetes and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration (often called age-related macular degeneration or ARMD) is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that tends to affect older adults and is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve vision in those with ARMD.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a well-researched herb that may improve retinal deterioration and a host of other ailments such as memory loss, tinnitus and poor circulation, according to research reports.

Suma herbal remedies eye

Botanical name Pfaffia paniculata, its root contains 19 different amino acids, a large number of electrolytes, and trace minerals including iron, magnesium, cobalt, silica, zinc, and vitamins A, B1, B2, E, K, and pantothenic acid. Suma is used as a tonic for the cardiovascular system, the central nervous system, the reproductive system, and the digestive system. It is an effective treatment for hormonal disorders and symptoms of menopause because of two hormones, sitosterol and stigmasterol. Additionally, it is helpful in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, infertility, and sterility. It has been used to restore nerve and glandular functions and to balance the endocrine system. As an immunostimulant, it is used to treat exhaustion caused by Epstein-Barr disease and Chronic Fatigue System. Hypoglycemia, mononucleosis, high blood pressure, and stress are also treated with Suma Root. Due to its anabolic agent, beta-ecdysterone, and three ecdysteroid glycosides contained in Suma Root, Russian Olympic athletes used the herb to increase muscle-building and endurance without the side affects associated with steroids. In addition, Suma Root has been used for arteriosclerosis, diabetes, rheumatism, and bronchitis

Cinnamon herbal remedies eye

Botanical name Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is used to treat Appetite loss, bronchitis, colds, cough, fever, indigestion and other digestive problems, sore throat, tendency to infection, diarhhea, and some cancerous tumors. Eastern herbal remedies suggest Cinnamon for heart problems, dental pain and urinary problems as well. Cinnamon tea can be a digestive aid when drunk with a meal. Cinnamon increases focus and concentration, while enabling a peaceful mindset for ritual work or divination.

Lycium berry or Goji Berry herbal remedies eye

Botanical name Lycium Barbarum, are reported to contain 18 Amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen), more Beta Carotene than carrots, more Iron than spinach, and 21 Trace Minerals. Goji Berries also contain Vitamin B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E (rarely found in fruits). Goji berries are 13% protein. Tibetan Medicine includes these berries in the treatment of kidney and liver problems. They are also used to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and cleanse the blood. Goji Berries have a long history of use in the treatment of eye problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and tuberculosis. Goji Berries are also used by the people of Tibet to increase longevity and as a general health strengthening tonic.

Passionflower herbal remedies eye

If you endure frequent eyestrain, passionflower may help. This calming herb, used to treat insomnia and nervousness, also helps relax the eyes' small blood vessels.

Eyesight Nutrients

• Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to slow the onset of macular degeneration and protect the retina.  
• Vitamin C - another antioxidant that works with Vitamin E to protect tissues and improve eye health.  
• Zinc - an essential mineral required by all cells in the body, zinc helps strengthen the cells of the eye.  
• Fish oil - contains powerful compounds that can prevent macular degeneration and other eye problems.

Are Herbal remedies safe?
Remember that herbal remedies are medicines, thus herbal remedies too has some side effects. Herbal remedies can also interact with other medicines you are taking. It is best to avoid or get registered herbal practitioners advice before taking herbal remedies, if the treatment is for pregnant women, breast-feeding mother, child or older people.

Next: Homeopathy remedies Eye