Do you feel like you just don’t see as good as you use to? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Today, we’ll show you how you can use Ayurvedic medicine for eyesight improvement and overall eye health.
We mentioned you weren’t alone. That’s because researchers estimate that at least half of the total human population will be short sighted by the year 2050.
As the prevalence of eye problems soar, more people are turning to herbal remedies for vision instead of invasive treatments. Of course, some eye conditions require medical treatment, and we would never persuade you otherwise.
However, certain herbs for eyesight can be a simple and effective way to support your eyes naturally.
Why Choose Ayurvedic Medicine to Improve Eyesight?
Ayurveda is effective in the management of disease because it focuses on holistic management – not merely the treatment of symptoms.
Ayurvedic medicine has also passed the test of time and is generally free from the side effects that come with conventional treatment methods.
When it comes to vision and eye health, Ayurvedic medicine is especially beneficial in that it takes a more preventive approach. With traditional modern medicine, we wait until there’s a problem and then try to fix it.
With herbal remedies, such as those found in ancient Ayurvedic practices, you have the opportunity to support your eye health before something goes wrong.
With that said, here are our favorite Ayurvedic herbal eye care solutions with impressive results.
Top 7 Herbs for Eye Health
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Bilberry
Bilberry stands out among other remedies used for eyesight in ayurvedic medicine because it improves both normal vision and night vision.
It is one of the best options indicated for people with eye problems as it contains substances called anthocyanosides, which makes it effective for night vision and low light handicap.
Bilberry also decreases vascular permeability and capillary fragility. Legend has it that British fighter pilots had their nighttime vision improved during World War II because they used to eat bilberry jam.
Animal studies have even shown that bilberry has protective roles against cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
2. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a well-established natural remedy for eyesight. It has been known to protect people from eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Taking ginkgo extract orally can sometimes improve pre-existing damage to the visual field related to glaucoma. However, there is conflicting research on its mechanism of action and how long you should take it before it’s effective.
Some studies suggest that ginkgo extract isn’t very effective for the progression of glaucoma when it is taken for a month or less. People have seen improvement, however, when they supplement with ginkgo biloba extract long term.
Ginkgo can also be used as a remedy for vision problems in people with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes often causes retinopathy – a condition where the retina becomes so damaged that the affected individual loses color vision.
Taking ginkgo orally for about 6 months may help improve color vision in people with diabetes.
So how exactly does it work?
Well, the development of opacities in the eyes is associated with the death of human lens epithelial cells. High blood glucose (like that in diabetes) is usually the initiating agent of this process.
Ginkgo biloba actively inhibits this process, though it is still unclear exactly how.
Other than that, ginkgo also boosts blood circulation to the eye.
3. Passion Flower
Passion flower is another beneficial product that contributes significantly to the management of eyesight conditions in Ayurvedic medicine.
Its mechanism of action is straightforward and simple: It relaxes the blood vessels in your eyes, which helps you see better.
Besides relaxing the blood vessels, passion flower is also a potent nerve relaxer. By reducing the tension in the nerves of the eye, it improves the ability of the eyes to focus clearly and accommodate images irrespective of their distances.
Passion flower also reduces and heals strain in the eyes that occur when its muscles are overused.
4. Eyebright
Eyebright is a plant whose shoot (the parts above the ground) is used to make medicine. Eyebright works to moisturize, cleanse, brighten and maintain overall eye health.
It also helps reduce eye strain and acts as a soothing agent for irritated eyes.There are quite a number of conditions that can be treated with eyebright.
Some of these conditions include:
- conjunctivitis
- blepharitis
- eye fatigue
- inflammation involving the vessels of the eye
Eyebright is also among the most effective natural remedies for dry, red or weeping eyes.
5. Calendula
Though known for a number of uses in the herbal remedy sphere, calendula is surprisingly effective in managing eye issues. Also known pot marigold, calendula has antibacterial, antiviral and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to manage eye conditions such as:
- conjunctivitis
- allergies
- Genearl eye irritations
- minor eye injuries
- redness or swelling of the eyes
6. Green Tea
Green tea really delivers when it comes to disease prevention and health benefits - all thanks to its antioxidant properties. Green tea contains the following antioxidant constituents:
- vitamin C
- lutein
- flavonoids
- zeaxanthin
All of which are potent protectors against eye disease, cancer and even heart disease.
The flavonoids in green tea help manage diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration and certain types of glaucoma.
One flavonoid called gallocatechin actually collects in the retina and protects eyes against harmful ultraviolet radiations. You can think of it like “sunscreen” for the eyes.
Several ophthalmology studies have been conducted on green tea, showing that different parts of the eye absorb differing amounts of gallocatechin.
Their findings show that the retina absorbs it most liberally, while the cornea absorbs the least amount.
Animal studies also reveal that drinking green tea protects your eyes for up to 20 hours after consumption.
7. Rooibos (Asphalatus)
Rooibos is mostly grown in the shrublands of South Africa as the winter rain falls. Like green tea, rooibos also contains antioxidants that are beneficial for healthy eyesight.
Also known as asphalatus, it is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium.
It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce puffiness around the eyes while calming and soothing eye irritation.
The Ayurvedic medicine for eyesight improvement tips discussed today provide a natural way to not only support eye health but to help prevent degenerative eye conditions from occurring in the first place.
As with most natural remedies, herbs for vision should be taken long term in most cases as it is not an overnight fix, so plan accordingly.
Also, keep in mind that such remedies are best used when taking a preventive approach to your eye health, though they can be incredibly effective if certain eye conditions already exist.
If you want to improve your eyesight as naturally as possible while supporting overall ocular health, consider a quality tincture that combines the vision-boosting herbs mentioned above.