Eyestrain Healing Herbs & Recipes

Eyestrain /sties

Over time, eyes lose elasticity and the ability to focus on objects near or far. Eyestrain may develop from being glued to the screens of computers and mobile devices. Carotene-rich foods, which help eyes filter out damaging ultraviolet rays, and herbs that relieve sties and eyestrain can help keep sight strong and joyful

Recommended herbs for Eyestrain :

Green tea • Oregon grape root • Plantain • Yarrow For Strain: Bilberry • Calendula • Chamomile • Green tea • Oregon grape root • Plantain • Witch hazel • Yarrow

ORIGINS:

Believing that eyestrain was caused by evil forces, an ancient Roman healer might recommend draping around the neck a green lizard caught under a full moon in September.

COOLING COMPRESS

An herb-rich compress soothes eyestrain and helps bring sties to a head.

1 application

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

1 cup water 2 teaspoons of dried Oregon grape root, witch hazel, or calendula, or a combination of these herbs

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Boil the water and pour it over the eyestrain herbs.

2. Allow the eyestrain herbs to steep for 20–30 minutes, until the tea is strong and has cooled enough to make a compress.

3. Moisten a clean cloth, lie back, and apply it to closed eyes for 15 minutes.

CHAMOMILE COMPRESS

Treat a painful eyestrain with this double dose of anti-inflammatory chamomile.

1 application

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

1 bag chamomile tea

1 cup hot water

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Place the tea bag in a cup. Boil the water and pour it over the tea bag.

2. Allow the tea to steep for 20–30 minutes, with the cup covered.

3. Remove the tea bag and empty its contents onto a light, clean cloth. Fold the cloth over the eyestrain herb and press the cloth so it moistens.

4. Lie back and place the moist cloth over the infected eye for 15 minutes; rewarm and drink the soothing tea.