Herbal Cure for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be caused by many environmental and biological factors. Allergies, aging, hormonal imbalances, and excessive staring at computer screens and television sets can all be dry-eye triggers. Symptoms of dry eyes range from itchiness and dryness to redness and pain. Herbal remedies can ease these symptoms through non-chemical treatments and supplements.

Diet and Supplements

• Dry eyes can be a symptom of a vitamin deficiency. Consuming higher doses of vitamins A, B, C and E can help relieve the symptoms of dry eye. Raw fruits and vegetables are viable sources of these vitamins, as are zinc and selenium, which can be taken as supplements. Adding spinach to your meals will give you a good source of vitamin A. Supplements that contain borage seed, flax seed and fatty acids repair body tissues and help generate tears. Primrose oil is a natural source of fatty acids that aids in tear production.

Eye Washes and Presses

• Creating an eye press with chamomile herb can help promote tears and soothe the eyes. Place chamomile herb (preferably in a tea bag) in a bowl and add hot water, letting it steep for 15 minutes. Recline and place the tea bags on the eyes for up to 10 minutes. Loose chamomile can be strained with cheesecloth and then placed on the eyes. It is also safe to use the brewed tea as a healing eye wash. Slicing up an organic cucumber and placing the slices over your eyes is helpful for dry eyes, as well as relief of puffiness.

MSM Drops

• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) drops rehydrate the eyes, and are diluted with water and applied to the eyes. Use 1 tsp. to 1/2 cup of water. MSM drops contain vitamins that help moisten the cornea and and eye tissues, aiding in tear production. Once optical tissues become moistened, the eye begins to heal itself, relieving redness, dryness, eye floaters and broken blood vessels.