Herbal Remedies for Vision

While most people turn to glasses, contacts and even surgery to correct eye ailments, many herbal remedies correct eye disorders. The herbs triphala, chicory, bilberry, licorice and eyebright can all be used to diminish and even reverse vision ailments. Before you begin an herbal remedy regimen, however, you should consult with your doctor to follow proper safety guidelines to avoid possible side effects and prescription drug interactions.

Triphala

• Triphala, the Ayurvedic, or traditional Indian medicine, herbal preparation of the three berries of harad, Indian gooseberry and bahera, is believed to be help treat nearsightedness, or myopia. Organic triphala can be obtained from online retailers and health food stores.

  Make a triphala decoction by stirring 1 ounce of triphala into two cups of water. Wash your eyes with the decoction twice a day and drink the rest.

Chicory

• Chicory, also known as endive, is also a noted myopia treatment. Chicory is a rich source of Vitamin A, which is important for eye health. Chicory juice, when paired with carrot, celery and parsley juice, nourishes the optical and muscular systems.

  Mix 1/3 cup of chicory juice with 2/3 cup of celery juice, 1/2 cup of parsley juice and one cup of carrot juice to make this elixir. Drink one to two elixirs per day.

Bilberry

• The herb bilberry, a close relative to the blueberry, contains powerful antioxidants that protect the eyes from free radical damage. Bilberry also builds up the small blood vessels that transport oxygen to the eyes, making it effective in improving night vision. Bilberry is also used to shrink cataracts and reduce macular degeneration damage to the eyes.

  Take 1/3 to 2/3 cup of a standardized bilberry extract or take ½ teaspoon liquid bilberry extract two to three times daily.

Licorice

• Licorice, an herb with strong anti-inflammatory properties, is another effective remedy for myopia.

  Mix ½ teaspoon powdered licorice root with ½ teaspoon honey and ¼ teaspoon clarified butter. Pour mixture into a cup of milk and drink twice daily on an empty stomach.

Eyebright

• Eyebright, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herb, has been used for hundreds of years for various eye ailments.

  Make an eyebright compress by placing 1 teaspoon of dried eyebright into two cups of water. Boil mixture for 10 minutes and allow to come to room temperature. Apply mixture to closed eyes for 15 minutes. Repeat several times daily with fresh compresses.