What are the comparative factors affecting eyesight in Eastern and Western perspectives?

 10 Amazing Herbs for Good Eye Care

Nature is known to provide cures for almost any illness or disease and it certainly has certain plants that can help cure your eyesight problems. Herbs have been used for thousands of years to cure illnesses and we’ll take a look at herbs that can help improve and support your vision.

Bentonite clay poultices

Bentonite is a great herbal remedy for relieving eye strain. It works by getting rid of the toxins from the eyes.

Fennel

You can make a tea out of it or use it to wash your eyes. Fennel has nutrients like Vitamins A and C which are antioxidants that help in preventing macular degeneration. Also, the nutrients in Fennel can help in slowing down cataract from worsening.

Passionflower

The extract of this plant is great for healing eye strain and can also do wonders as a nerve relaxer. It is known to relax the blood vessels in the eyes. Aside from eye care, passionflower is also good for heart disease, burns, ADHD, asthma, and piles. It is used for first aid treatment for wounds, boils, and ear pain.

Jaborandi

This herb is good for those who suffer from glaucoma. It is highly effective in the early stages of glaucoma. To use, just drip an oil of Jaborandi on the eye affected by glaucoma and it should provide comfort.

Bilberry

This plant is great for improving night vision. A supplement from this plant can help you see more clearly if you have a hard time driving at night.

Bilberry can also be used to treat menstrual cramps, diarrhea, varicose veins, scurvy, and blood circulation problems.

Asphalatus

This herb has been used for thousands of years by South African Bushmen because it helps improve the immune system and also helps in maintaining healthy eyesight. It is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc, antioxidants and magnesium.

Grapeseed Extract

It’s an immune-boosting herb that improves circulation and eyesight. It works by strengthening the retina.

According to a study Grape Seed extract may also help in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Gingko Biloba

This is an ancient cure known for enhancing circulation around the back of the eye. It helps by making sure that there is enough blood supply circulating throughout the eye.

Gingko is also useful in treating memory related illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also used for curing tinnitus, multiple sclerosis and others.

Bilwa

It is used to heal painful eye diseases like sty and conjunctivitis. This herb is rich in protein, pectin and some amounts of minerals like iron, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.

It is commonly prepared as a nutritious cold drink. The extract of this fruit is mixed with water, sugar and tamarind and this makes it a healthy delicious beverage good for eyesight.

Golden Seal

It is useful in reducing irritation and inflammation of the eyes. It is prepared as an eye wash for curing eye infections.

Golden Seal works because of Berberine. It is chemical that can kill bacteria and fungi. It also has properties that regulate proper heartbeat and lower blood pressure.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of "clearing the liver to improve eyesight" is based on the idea that the liver is closely connected to eye health. According to TCM principles, the liver "opens into the eyes," and eye issues may reflect an imbalance in liver function. To address these issues and improve eyesight, TCM practitioners often utilize herbs that are believed to have "liver-clearing" and vision-enhancing properties. Some of these herbs include:

1. Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum, 枸杞子): Goji berries are one of the most renowned herbs for eye health in TCM. They are rich in antioxidants, including zeaxanthin and lutein, which are believed to protect the eyes and improve vision.
2. Chrysanthemum Flower (Chrysanthemum morifolium, 菊花): This flower is traditionally used to clear heat and pacify the liver. It is said to help with red, sore, or dry eyes and improve visual acuity.
3. Rehmannia Root (Rehmannia glutinosa, 地黄): This herb is often used in TCM to nourish the yin and essence of the liver and kidneys. It is believed to benefit eye health, especially when vision loss or blurriness is linked to kidney deficiency.
4. Chinese Wolfberry (same as Goji Berry): As mentioned earlier with goji berries, this herb is prized for its ability to nourish the liver and kidney yin, which in turn supports eye health.
5. Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora, 白芍): Peony root is used in TCM to soften the liver and relieve pain, including discomfort associated with eye strain.
6. Cassia Seed (Cassia obtusifolia, 决明子): Traditionally used to clear liver heat, cassia seeds are often recommended for issues like red and painful eyes or for improving vision clarity.
7. Milkvetch Root (Astragalus membranaceus, 黄芪): While not specifically targeting the eyes, astragalus supports overall vitality and is considered to help with chronic eye diseases by strengthening qi and promoting circulation.
8. Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile, 石斛): Believed to nourish yin and clear heat, it is sometimes prescribed for symptoms like dry and painful eyes.

When incorporating these herbs into daily routines for eyesight improvement, TCM practitioners often recommend personalized herbal formulas based on an individual's specific constitution and imbalance patterns. It's also crucial to consult with a certified TCM practitioner before consuming any medicinal herbs, as they can guide proper dosage and preparation, and help avoid any potential interactions with other medications or health conditions.