In the United States, the treatment and lost income of the more than 3.4 million adults who suffer from eye disorders has an economic cost of more than $4 billion annually, according to Eye Care America. Some of the eye problems that affect Americans include vision impairment, macular degeneration and conjunctivitis. Treatment of eye disorders is not limited to prescribed medications. Certain traditional herbal treatments may be effective, as well, according to HolisticOnline.com. When treating eye problems with herbal remedies, be sure to consult a qualified medical practitioner.
Eyebright
Eyebright grows indigenously in Europe, where the herb is processed for medicinal preparations. The active constituents in eyebright include iridoid glycosides, flavonoids and tannins, which are responsible for alleviating swelling and redness of the eye and vision disturbances. The active components in the herb improve blood circulation, which delivers nutrients to the eyes, improving their health. Eyebright is primarily used as a topical treatment for eye infections, including styes, blepharitis and conjunctivitis. HolisticOnline.com recommends using 2 to 4 grams of the dried herb to prepare a decoction for external application with a poultice. For internal use, take about 50 drops of the tincture in water three times a day.
Bilberry
Bilberry is a medicinal herb closely related to the blueberry bush that grows in North America and Europe. Bilberry's medicinal components, powerful antioxidants called anthocyanosides, are found in the herb's ripe berries. The antioxidants' medicinal action includes supporting the growth of connective tissue and strengthening capillaries, which make bilberry an herb appropriate for the treatment of eye disorders, which are often characterized by weak blood vessels and poor circulation. The use of bilberry to treat eye problems has stood the test of time -- it was used by British pilots during World War II, who ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision prior to night bombing raids. According to HolisticOnline.com, conditions bilberry may effectively treat include cataracts, macular degeneration, night blindness and retinopathy. A standard dosage in the treatment of eye disorders is 240 to 480 mg daily of bilberry extract in tablet or capsule form.
Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry
According to "Natural Health," when treating eye disorders, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners first evaluate whether the eye problem is related to an excess of yang, which demonstrates as redness in the eyes, or yin, which manifests as floaters or blurry vision. The goji berry is used for yin eye disorders. Prepare a goji berry tea by boiling 10 to 20 g of berries in 16 oz. of water and steep for about 10 minutes. To treat an eye disorder caused by yang excess, prepare a chrysanthemum tea by steeping 1 to 2 tsp. flowers in 16 oz. of water for five minutes. Place the flowers on the eyes and drink the tea. The two remedies can be used in one decoction for the improvement of visual acuity.
Member Comments