Natural ways to get relief from dry eyes

Dry eye is a condition that is caused when there is no adequate amount of tears to provide nourishment, moisture and lubrication to the eyes. This condition can be really painful and uncomfortable. Lack of tears can be caused by a number of factors such environmental, lifestyle and medical factors. The symptoms of dry eyes may include itchiness, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision and fatigued vision. There are several home remedies that help to keep your eyes moisturized and thus prevent dry eyes. Some of these remedies are explained below:

Warm compress

Soak a towel or cloth in warm water to create a warm compress and place it on your eyelids. This is a great way to get relief from dry eyes.

Fennel seeds

Fennel is another herb that can provide moisture to the eyes. Applying a fennel compress to the eyes helps in restoring moisture to dry eyes. Fennel seeds are rich in many nutrients that are beneficial in promoting good vision and healthy eyes. Boil a few dried fennel seeds in water. Soak cotton balls on this water and place them on the eyelids for about 10 to 15 minutes.This helps in bringing relief from the symptoms of dry eyes.

Oil

Oils like almond oil, castor oil, flaxseed oil and lavender oil are found to be effective remedies for curing dry eyes. Applying any of these oils around the eyes 2 to 3 times a day can bring relief from dry eyes.

Cucumber

Another simple way to cure dry eyes is to use slices of cucumber. Place slices of cool cucumber on closed eyelids and allow it to stay for about 15 to 20 minutes. Cucumber provides moisture to the eyes and soothes the symptoms of dry eyes.

[Read more about benefits of cucumber]

Tea

Not only does tea have natural antioxidant properties, it can also provide relief from dry eyes. After brewing tea, place the warm tea bags on the eyelids for about 5 minutes. The warmth of the tea bags stimulates the glands in the eyelids and provides soothing sensation.

Tamarind seeds

Studies on the effects of tamarind seeds on dry eyes confirmed that these seeds may indeed provide some relief from some of the symptoms of dry eyes. The seed extracts function similar to natural tears, thus helping to keep the surface of the eye lubricated and moisturized. Tamarind seed polysaccharide is adhesive, which allows it to stick to the eye surface longer than most of the other eye preparations.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is rich in many nutrients that are good for the eyes. Just like carrots, lemon juice also contains high amounts of Vitamin A, which helps in preventing dry eye and in maintaining good night vision.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory and cooling herb that helps to restore the moisture in eyes and provide relief from dry eyes. Chamomile tea can be prepared by steeping the dried help in water for about 10 minutes. Soak cotton pads in this tea after cooling it and place it on the eyes for about 15 minutes. Repeat this procedure 2 or 3 times a day.

Oat straw

Oat straw is another fantastic remedy for dry eyes that provides cooling and moisturizing effects on the eyes. Prepare an infusion by boiling dried oat straw in water. Steep this solution for at least four hours after which you can strain and refrigerate it. Drinking this solution several times a day is effective in curing dry eyes.

Ligustrum

Ligustrum, also known by the name wax privet, is a relative of the olive tree with dark green leaves, purple berries and white flowers. It can be taken orally as a supplement, two to three times a day in order to treat dry eyes.

Caffeine

Although there is no specific research on the effects of caffeine on dry eyes, according to a recent study, the use of caffeine resulted in the increase in tear volume within a few hours.

Primrose oil

Taking primrose oil orally is an effective remedy for getting relief from dry eyes. The seeds of the primrose flower contain oil that is rich in essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. According to a study, patients with tear secretion problems showed considerable improvement in their symptoms after the consumption of primrose oil.

Eyebright

Eyebright, an herb belonging to the figwort family is found to be an effective remedy for dry eyes. This herb can help in reducing the burning sensation and irritation, which are often symptoms of dry eyes. Placing cotton balls soaked in water containing eyebright on the eyes is helpful in reducing dryness of the eye. Drinking a cup of eyebright tea regularly can also help in curing dry eyes.

Chrysanthemum

Another effective remedy for dry eyes is chrysanthemum flowers. A compress made from the heads of these flowers is used in Chinese medicine for curing dry eyes. Drinking chrysanthemum tea, made by boiling the flowers in water, is also beneficial for treating dry eyes.

Bilberries

Drinking fresh bilberry juice on a regular basis can help in soothing the symptoms of dry eyes. Bilberries contain high amounts of nutrients and other active elements like anthocyanins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A cotton swab soaked in water that has been boiled with dried bilberries can also be placed on the eyes for about 10 to 15 minutes to get relief from dry eyes.

Coriander leaves

Coriander / Cilantro leaves are another effective herbal remedy for dry eyes. These leaves are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can fight off the free radicals that might sometimes be responsible for causing eye problems. You can either eat fresh coriander leaves or intake it in the form of coriander tea.

Paprika

Paprika is a spice that has a high concentration of vitamin A, which is extremely beneficial for getting rid of the symptoms of dry eyes. So next time you cook, sprinkle some paprika on the food. Not only is it a great flavor enhancer but it can also improve your nutrition intake.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an Asian spice that protects against many diseases, including dry eye. This spice contains an active ingredient known as curcumin that has medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory effects that help in reducing inflammation associated with dry eyes. Read more about benefits of turmeric.

Mint

Spearmint wash is a helpful remedy for curing dry eyes. Mint contains an active ingredient known as Menthol that stimulates the production of tears, leaving your eyes feeling refreshed. Boil a few mint leaves in water and allow the tea to cool down. Soak cotton balls in this solution and apply it on your eyes.

Chickweed

Chickweed is an herb that helps in relieving dry eyes. It reduces the inflammation associated with dry eyes and provides a cooling effect. It treats the symptoms of dry eyes by restoring moisture in the eyes. You can prepare chickweed solution by boiling chickweed in water. After the solution cools down, soak cotton balls in it and apply on the eyes. This procedure can be repeated two or three times a day.

Dry eye may cause irritation, redness and even blurry vision. There are several non-medicated artificial tears available in the market that may provide some relief, but the problem with these drops is that you may have to use them frequently. Medicated eye drops may provide relief from dry eye for some people but may not be useful for everyone suffering from this condition. Many of the home remedies mentioned here are not only inexpensive, natural and easy to use but are also very effective in providing relief from the symptoms of dry eyes.

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