January 15, 2012

Eye Health

Eye health is an area that The Bitter Herb seldom speaks about.  However, eye health is an important part of the overall health of the temple (Body).  Good eye health and eye care are crucial to preserving your vision, treating eye problems early, and protecting your overall health. Your eyes are the "gateway to your soul," and they can also reveal common or serious health problems — such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and HIV. Learn about eye exams and when to get them, how to practice good eye health, and how to treat and prevent eye conditions, from pinkeye and blepharitis to glaucoma and cataracts.  Most of us know what glaucoma and cataracts are, but what is blephatitis? Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, usually caused by an excess growth of bacteria that is ordinarily found on the skin, blockage of the eyelid's oil glands, and occasionally allergies.  Blepharitis is a common eye condition, causing the eyelids to be reddened, itchy, and somewhat swollen and scaly-appearing at the base of the eyelashes. As scales become coarser, the surface of the eye becomes irritated and forms crusts, which may cause the lids to stick together when waking up in the morning. If this crust falls into your eye, you may feel like you have "something in your eye" or experience a gritty sensation. The eyes may become dry due to inflammation of moisture-producing tissues and this can cause a gritty sensation as well.

Herbal Eyewash

One part each:
bayberry bark
eyebright herb
golden seal root
red raspberry leaves
Brew like you would tea in two cups of water.  Use cheesecloth to hold the herbs and steep the mixture in a two quart container.  Allow the mixture to cool slightly.  Tip head back and apply with an eye dropper.  Do this to each eye.  Use this mixture six times daily and drink 1/2 to 1 cup of the mixture daily.

*Remember this information is for educational purposes and readers should always check with their physician before beginning any treatment or diet program.