Herbs For Eye Health

The significance of the eyes to the human beings need not be emphasized. Eyes provide the sight, without which life would lose most of its meaning. But eyes are, at the same time, constantly exposed to the outer environment. Almost every people in the world especially in today's world, overworks their eyes, due to which several eye problems occur. The list of eye or vision problems that occur with the eyes is almost endless. Some common eye problems are Conjunctivitis, Cataract, Glaucoma, Myopia etc.

It has been proven that Ayurveda can effectively helps in the prevention and treatment of these various eye problems. Some useful herbs for eye care are Aniseed or Pimpinella anisum which is especially beneficial in the treatment of cataract. The powder of Aniseed seeds is taken in a tablespoon quantity every morning and evening. Babul or Acacia arabica can effectively treat conjunctivitis. A paste of the babul leaves must be applied on the infected eyes before going to sleep at night. It will lessen the wateriness, itchiness and the redness of the sore eyes. Carrot or Daucus carota is so beneficial in effective eye care that its virtues are taught to school students also. The component of Carrots is beta-carotene, which is the precursor of vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is responsible for strengthening the vision and protecting them from night blindness.

Coriander or Coriandrum sativum is a decoction prepared from coriander can be used as natural healthy eyewash for people with conjunctivitis. There will be immediate reduction in the redness, burning and swelling of the eyes. Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis which is actually the Indian gooseberry, known as amalaki, is exceptional in treating ocular problems. It can bring effective relief in both conjunctivitis and glaucoma. Its juice should be taken with honey for better results. Indian Sorrel or Oxalis corniculata has exceptional properties in the effective treatment of several eye problems. A few drops of the juice of sorrel leaves must be put in the eyes everyday to keep them free from strain. They can also be an efficient prevention for cataract. Marigold or Calendula officinalis is taken as a cold infusion for washing eyes that are fully stressed. This actually brings a cooling effect to the eyes. It is also very effective in diseased cases of conjunctivitis. The raw juice of Parsley or Petroselinum crispum is effective for eye care. It can relieve the eyes of disorders such as weak vision, corneal ulcers, cataracts, conjunctivitis, opthalmia and sluggishness of the pupils.

The triphala lotion in Ayurveda is generally prescribed in case of various eye problems. Triphala is a combination of the two myroblans, the belleric and chebula, and the Indian gooseberry. Vitamin A is greatly responsible for the power and strength of the eyes. For that reason foods that are rich in vitamin A must be consumed for eye care. Vitamin A is present in all orange and yellow colored vegetables such as oranges, carrots and pumpkins and in fruits like mangoes, papayas and oranges. Green leafy vegetables such also contain greater amount of vitamin A. The risk of cataracts is reduced by taking vitamin C with the diet. Foods containing vitamin C such as orange, Indian gooseberry, guava, lemon and tomato, capsicum, cabbage, etc. must be included in the daily diet.

• Cassandra Bagley
• 03/02/2009, 10:59 AM
• 0 Comments