Go herbal to ease eye stress

A sedentary lifestyle is commonplace today, even if television screens have been replaced by computers. This has only added to the pressure we continue to put on our bodies and most notably the strain our precious eyes deal with everyday.

Nonstop usage of eye muscles leads to excessive eye strain which manifests itself in the form of itching in eyes, burning sensation, frequent headaches, spasms around the eyes etc. While relaxing the eyes in between exposure to screens is one way to reduce eye strain, there are herbal remedies that go a step further and deal with the symptoms we experience as a result of excessive eye strain.

A natural treatment for eye irritation is the herb Euphrasia officinalis which acts both as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent. This remedy can be prepared at home by mixing 2 -3 table spoons of dried herb in a hot water cup and boiling it for about 15 minutes. The mixture can then be strained and cooled for use. The recommended frequency of use of this herb is thrice a day. To further augment vision, berries of Vaccinium Myrtillus shrub can be used. These contain anthocyanosides which strengthens the capillaries and prevent clotting of eye nerves. The herbal extracts of this shrub are available as capsules.

Another herb that can be used as an herbal remedy for eyes is Goldenseal. This can also be made and applied at home for instant relief for inflamed eyes and irritation. The extract of this herb when used as eyewash helps in relaxing the eye muscles thus providing relief. To make this eyewash one cup of sterile water mixed with a pinch of salt and half tablespoon of goldenseal extract should be used. The paste should be smoothened by straining out hard particles before use as eyewash.

There are other herbs that can be used to ease eye strain, namely Witch Hazel and Matricaria recutita. The former works best for reducing eye strain while the latter has plenty of anti inflammatory qualities. Burning sensation or itching in the eyes can be remedied by applying Witch hazel. A soft piece of cloth should be soaked in the extract of the herb and placed over external parts of the eyes. Applying the extract and relaxing for at least 15 minutes would provide relief.

Eyebright is another herb that helps reduce watery eyes. It has both anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It also helps relieve eye irritation. It is most often taken as a tea, recommended to be consumed 1 to 3 times per day. It can also be used externally by putting dried herbs in hot water for 10 minutes. After straining and cooling the liquid it should be soaked in a clean towel and applied to closed eyes.

Conjunctivitis resulting from eyes stress can be reduced by an herb called Matricaria recutita. This herb can be taken internally or used externally. To prepare the remedy, dried flowers of this herb should be boiled in a cup of water on low flame for 12 minutes. It should then be cooled, soaked in a cloth and applied on the eyes. Relaxing for 15 minutes would provide relief. This herb is a kind of tea that can be drunk for instant relief.

Various home remedies exist for reducing eye strain. The abovementioned herbs are easy to find at traditional medicine outlets, though that may sound too exotic to be easily available. These can even be purchased online. The effectiveness of most of these herbs depends on how they’re prepared and applied, as most are for external use.

To aid in easing in the stress our eyes go through every day, there are several herbal home remedies to choose from. However, overall relaxation of eyes every few minutes while working on the computer, watching television or even concentrated reading, is very important. Prevention works best and herbs provide the simplest cure when required.