By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist for The Herbarium
Happy New Year!
I am sure you have made your New Year’s resolutions, and probably broke them already, so here is another chance. Let’s resolve to be good to our eyes.
For many people eyesight is becoming more precious, as we’ve seen an increase in eye-related problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration to name the two biggest problems.
I’m here to remind readers that despite these problems, which loom larger as we age, its is never too early – or too late – to feed your eyes with the nutrients that may delay problems or improve vision.
Eat for better sight
First, vegetables and fruit are the easiest route to good eye health. Try to eat as much color as you can. Orange, red, dark greens all are packed with flavonoids, and antioxidants.
Carotenoids are found in carrots of course, but there are some 60 found in foods other than beta carotene.
Alpha-carotenes are found in carrots, pumpkins, (talk about a great reason for pumpkin pie) red and yellow peppers and yellow corn and are converted to vitamin A by your body.
Lutein, found in kale, collard greens, spinach and marigold flowers, helps filter out harmful radiation, maintain proper lens density, helps the retina and protects the macula from free radicals.
Zeaxanthin protects the cortex of the lens from free radical damage and is found in chicory, Swiss chard, beet greens and okra.
Berries are easy and delicious. Blackberries, cherries, blueberries and raspberries are high in flavonoids, antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients
Bilberry is a European blueberry high in anthocyanidins. It’s great for eye circulation, blood vessel development, improves night vision and reduces eye strain. During World War ll British pilots found their night vision improved. As it turned out, the bilberry jam they used on their crumpets was the reason.
Schizandra berries help reduce the incidence of tired, inflamed eyes.
Herbal helpers
There are also items in our alternative medicine collection that can help maintain eye health.
Ginkgo biloba is a strong antioxidant that helps promote blood flow, builds and repairs weakened blood vessels in the eye and throughout the body and reduces inflammation.
Eyebright herb has many uses but is most associated with eye health. It is a key ingredient in many formulas. We have had numerous customers and family members using eyebright when working on cataracts. Some have been able to avoid surgery or at least retard the development of cataracts for years.
More help to preserve your sight
As I said earlier, eating your nutrients is the easiest. Of course you and I know better. Some folks don’t or won’t eat right or just can’t eat enough.
This is why all the herbs and nutrients are available in supplement form.
Other nutrients to help with eye health include vitamins A and C.
Vitamin A was discussed earlier. Vitamin C helps prevent oxidative damage in the eye and all throughout the body.
Zinc became very popular during the coronavirus pandemic for immune enhancement, but did you know it is an important nutrient for a healthy macula and retina?
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is known as the” Universal Anti-oxidant”. Powerful in it’s own right, ALA regenerates other antioxidants for increased benefit.
There are so many foods and supplements that can have a positive and protective effect on the eyes. I hope this listing gives you a place to start.
I’ll be volunteering too
Finally, a congratulations and thank you goes to the new Executive Editor of The Reminder, Payton North. Her editorial in the Nov. 28 issues of The Reminder highlighted the great work being done by Valley Eye Radio, helping to keep Valley residents informed and connected with local news and information for the visually impaired or other difficulties, and how she chose to get involved as a volunteer. (https://www.thereminder.com/opinion/payton-norths-column/the-most-valuable-gift-can-be-the-gift-of-time/) It reminded me that giving back is so important in any way you can.
My resolution for 2023 is to volunteer my time in aiding this important work. Program Director Harold Anderson will keep me to my vow. He was our engineer on our radio program for many years, and once he sees this column, I expect to hear from him.
Good work Harold and Good work Payton.
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Nature’s RX: Jonathan Evans at Herbarium258@gmail.com or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 254 Exchange St., Chicopee MA 01013. If requesting information, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
