The summer is here, the sun is shining and your sunglasses are on.
Even with eye protection, it is important to help protect your eyes from computers, the sun, and just normal wear and tear. The Herbarium has a complete list of herbs and supplements for eye health, and this information is available free of charge. Stop in and get a copy, or send a self addressed stamped envelope (see address at the end of the column) to the shop and we will send the information out to you.
For those who just want basic information, here are our suggestions for better eye health.
Veg out! This is the season to really go big with the natural local produce. Antioxidant effects of these foods help nourish the tissues and enhance the blood supply to the eye.
Reach for the carotenoids. We all know carrots are good for the eyes, being high in carotenoids, the best known one being beta carotene. But wait, there’s more! Researchers have found approximately 60 carotenoids in our foods, all beneficial to the eyes (and other organs).
Alpha-carotene is found in carrots, pumpkins, red and yellow peppers, and yellow corn and can be converted by the body into vitamin A.
Get your lutein naturally. Kale, collard greens and spinach contain lutein and are very beneficial and necessary for eye health. Three servings a week of any of these can enhance retinal health.
Also found in marigold flowers, Lutein is also very important in treating and preventing age related macular degeneration.
Berries are the boss! Berries such as blackberries, cherries, blueberries and raspberries are high in flavonoids and help strengthen tiny blood vessels in the eye and elsewhere.
Bet on Bilberry. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a European blueberry, which is deep colored on the inside as well as the outside. Very high in proanthocyanidins, it is very good for eye circulation, blood vessel development and improves night vision.
During the Second World War, British pilots were found to have improved night vision. As it turned out, the bilberry jam they were eating on their crumpets was the reason.
Get your “Z”. Zeaxanthin is found in Swiss chard chicory leaf, beet greens and okra and is also an important nutrient in the fight against age related macular degeneration, and protects the cortex of the lens from free radical damage.
Go with Ginkgo. Ginkgo biloba helps promote healthy blood circulation to the eyes and reduces inflammation in the eyes.
Amp up your antioxidants. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is known as the “Universal Antioxidant” and regenerates other antioxidants for increased benefit.
Quercetin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and is helpful during allergy season and has protective qualities against Covid-19. It also helps maintain lens transparency.
There are also other nutrients – such as vitamin C, amino acids and minerals – that can help overall eye health.
This month, a reader asks for help with toenail fungus - a common problem that isn’t proving easy to treat.
Dear Jonathan,
I have a fungal infection on my toenail that just won’t go away. I have tried vinegar washes, and tea tree oil but it keeps coming back. This weather isn’t helping. I am trying to keep my feet dry but the heat and humidity are too much. Is there anything that you know of to get rid of this?
— Anna
Dear Anna,
This sounds like it is systemic, meaning you need to approach it internally as well as externally. If the nail is growing out but the fungus stays, it is coming from the inside.
The first thing is looking at your diet. Candida and fungus like dark, sweet, and moist places. Eating sugars and high glycemic foods such as breads and pasta can just fuel the fungus.
There are several formulas that you might try. One of our old favorites is called “Fungus Fighter” appropriately enough. It contains Usnea (Usnea barbata) – a highly effective antimicrobial – and Spilanthes (Spilanthes Achmella & S.oleracea) which is anti viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial. It also contains Oregano leaf and flower and Pau D’Arco. This would be used internally with a little water two to three times a day. It can also be used topically.
Along with the formula and changing your diet, a good probiotic with at least 12 strains of bacteria with lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in a 30-50 billion range can help repopulate the good gut flora and keep the bad stuff down in manageable levels.
— Jonathan
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting additional info, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
