8 Herbs that Help Improve Eyesight

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The eyes are probably the most sensitive organs in the human body and because they are so delicate, they can also fall prey to a whole variety of diseases and conditions. These can range from the mild to the severe and because of the human dependence on the sense of sight, they can sometimes greatly interfere with activities of daily living. There are, however, herbs which nourish and support the eyes and make sure that they remain in good function at any age.

Eyebright
Eyebright has been used for centuries to preserve the sight and health of the eyes. Studies have proven its effectively at treating the redness and irritation that come with conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye) and is used in ophthalmology clinics throughout Europe for this purpose.

Milk Thistle
While most people think of this herb in relation to treatment of the liver, milk thistle also makes for an effective treatment for the eyes. Milk thistle’s active ingredient is called silmarin and it has been shown to be effective at reducing the level of sugar in the eyes of diabetics, thus reducing their chance of developing a serious eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness.

Gingko Biloba
While used for centuries to treat a number of conditions of the nervous system, this herb is also can treat certain eye conditions by increasing the flow of blood to the eye, which can help with serious conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma. This effectiveness has been proven in several recent clinical studies.

Fennel
Most people know this herb as an effective aid to digestion, but fennel has also proven its worth as an effective eye treatment, especially for eyes that are watery or inflamed. When used an eyewash, it has been proven to be an effect method of treating both cataracts and glaucoma and it contains an active ingredient which can reduce intraocular pressure.

Saffron
This potent herb is a treatment for conditions like cataracts. In several studies, use of saffron on cataracts patients was linked to reports of improved visual acuity, while another study showed that it improved the retinal flicker sensitivity of macular degeneration patients.

Bilberry
Fighter pilots in World War II would eat these berries to improve their eyesight, and modern science is finding that the anthocyanins that bilberries contain helps with circulation to the smaller blood vessels in the eye. They have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing damage and inflammation of the retina.

Green Tea
Green tea bags, when placed over the eyes, can reduce the puffiness and dark circles there and make the delicate skin around the eyes feel younger and firmer; this is largely due to its antioxidant properties and high levels of tannins.

Turmeric
This herb promotes eye health through its powerful antioxidant properties, which prevent oxidative damage to the eyes that can often come with aging; oxidation is a contributing cause to a number of eye disorders. It also can help reducing the redness and irritation of dry eyes due to the fact that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

The eyes are precious. And the herbs mentioned above can keep them in good health at any age and treat or ameliorate a number of ophthalmic conditions.

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Rosalina
Rosalina is a topic that Tracy particularly enjoys covering. Rosalina loves studying the latest trends in cosmetics and skin care, but her experience extends further than that. Rosalina writes on all aspects of beauty - hair and skin care, makeup, tips and tricks and product reviews.