7 Herbal Teas For Dry Eyes

Herbal teas can be a great relief for dry eyes.

Dry eyes happen when your tears don't have the right balance of moisture and oils, and this can be caused by allergies, irritants, or even just looking at screens for too long. Herbal teas work by soothing and calming your eyes, rather than just masking the problem with artificial tears. Ginkgo biloba tea is a good example - it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the eyes, and it also improves blood flow, which helps your eyes get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Echinacea purpurea tea is another option - it's known for its immune-boosting properties, which can help your body fight off infections that might be causing your dry eyes.

Aloe barbadensis tea is also great - it's got cooling properties that can help calm and soothe irritated eyes. Drinking herbal teas can bring a lot of benefits to your life. Not only can they help relieve dry eyes, but they can also improve your eye health in general. By reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, these teas can help prevent more serious eye problems from developing. Plus, they're often caffeine-free, so you can drink them before bed without worrying about staying up all night.

And, as a bonus, many of these teas have other health benefits, like reducing stress and anxiety, or even helping to fight off colds and flu.

• 1. Ginkgo biloba
• 2. Echinacea purpurea
• 3. Aloe barbadensis
• 4. Silybum marianum
• 5. Curcuma longa
• 6. Rosmarinus officinalis
• 7. Euphrasia officinalis

1. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba teas contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect the eyes.

These compounds, especially flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and redness in the eyes. The flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba also improve blood flow to the eyes, which helps to nourish and rejuvenate the delicate tissues in the eyes. This can help to alleviate dryness and irritation caused by poor circulation.

By reducing inflammation and improving circulation, Ginkgo biloba teas may help to provide relief from dry eyes.

1. Gather 1 cup of boiling water and 1 teaspoon of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves.
2. Measure 1 teaspoon of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves and put them in a tea infuser or a small muslin bag.
3. Steep the Ginkgo biloba leaves in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the Ginkgo biloba leaves.
5. Drink the tea 1-2 times a day to help alleviate dry eyes.

2. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea teas contains alkaloids like cichoric acid and isobutylamides, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the eyes.

These compounds also have antioxidant properties, which neutralize free radicals that can cause damage to the eyes and surrounding tissues. The flavonoids and phenolic acids in Echinacea purpurea tea have been shown to improve the health of the cornea and conjunctiva, the clear layers on the front of the eye. By reducing inflammation and promoting eye health, Echinacea purpurea tea can help alleviate dry eye symptoms.

The polysaccharides in Echinacea purpurea tea also stimulate the production of mucin, a protective substance that helps retain moisture in the eyes.

1. Gather Echinacea purpurea roots and flowers. Use 2 tablespoons of each.
2. Combine the roots and flowers in a cup. Add 1 cup of boiling water.
3. Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain the liquid through a sieve.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to taste. Stir well to dissolve.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day. Store any leftover tea in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

3. Aloe barbadensis

Aloe barbadensis teas contains aloin, aloe-emodin, and aloe-aceroside as its bioactive constituents.

These compounds help to soothe and calm the eyes, reducing inflammation and redness associated with dry eyes. Aloe-emodin has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and irritation, while aloe-aceroside helps to maintain the integrity of the tear film, preventing dryness and discomfort. Aloin also has antioxidant properties that protect the eyes from oxidative stress and damage.

By consuming Aloe barbadensis teas, you can help to promote healthy tear production and reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of Aloe barbadensis gel from a fresh leaf.
2. Add the Aloe gel to 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid and discard the Aloe gel.
4. Let the tea cool down to a comfortable temperature for drinking.
5. Drink 1/2 cup of the Aloe tea 2-3 times a day to help soothe dry eyes.

4. Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum teas contains silymarin, a bioactive compound that helps to reduce inflammation and improve the health of the tear ducts.

Silymarin also has antioxidant properties, which protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. The flavonoids present in Silybum marianum teas, such as kaempferol and quercetin, have anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm dry, irritated eyes. Additionally, the tea's flavonoids and silymarin may help to improve the production of tears and strengthen the mucous membranes in the eyes.

By reducing inflammation and promoting tear health, Silybum marianum teas can help to alleviate dry eye symptoms.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Silybum marianum flowers and leaves.
2. Combine the flowers and leaves with 1 cup of boiling water in a teapot.
3. Steep the mixture for 5-10 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the solids.
5. Drink 1/2 cup of the tea 2-3 times a day to help soothe dry eyes.

5. Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa teas contains curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to dry eyes. Curcumin also has antioxidant properties, neutralizing free radicals that can damage the eyes and exacerbate dryness. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcuma longa teas can help to soothe and protect the eyes, reducing redness and irritation associated with dry eyes.

By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, curcuma longa teas may help to promote healthy eye function and alleviate dry eye symptoms.

1. Gather 1 teaspoon of dried Curcuma longa root powder, 1 cup of boiling water, and a strainer.
2. Steep the Curcuma longa root powder in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid into a cup and discard the powder.
4. Let the tea cool down for a few minutes before use.
5. Soak a cotton pad in the cooled tea and apply it to your eyes for 5-10 minutes.

6. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis teas contains compounds like rosmarinic acid, borneol, and camphor.

These constituents have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and redness in the eyes. Rosmarinic acid, in particular, has antioxidant properties that protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Rosmarinus officinalis help to soothe and calm the eyes, providing relief from dryness and irritation.

By reducing inflammation and protecting the eyes from damage, Rosmarinus officinalis teas may help to alleviate dry eye symptoms.

1. Get 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Take 2 tablespoons of dried Rosmarinus officinalis leaves.
3. Add the leaves to a cup and pour the boiling water over them.
4. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the leaves.
5. Drink the tea warm, 2-3 times a day to help with dry eyes.

7. Euphrasia officinalis

Euphrasia officinalis teas contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and saponins.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and protect the eyes. The flavonoids, specifically quercetin and kaempferol, reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative stress, which can cause dry eyes. The phenolic acids, including ferulic and sinapic acid, have antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections that can exacerbate dry eyes.

By reducing inflammation and protecting the eyes from damage, Euphrasia officinalis teas can help alleviate dry eyes symptoms.

1. Gather 1 tablespoon of dried Euphrasia officinalis flowers.
2. Measure 1 cup of boiling water and pour it over the Euphrasia officinalis flowers in a cup.
3. Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain it to remove the flowers.
4. Let the tea cool down, then use it as needed to soothe dry eyes.
5. You can refrigerate the tea for up to 24 hours and reheat it as needed.