Eye Twitching: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Eye twitching, medically known as blepharospasm, refers to an involuntary twitching or spasmodic movement of the eyelid.

This condition can be caused by factors such as fatigue, caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications. Prolonged eye twitching can lead to headaches, dry eyes, and reduced vision. To alleviate eye twitching, herbal remedies such as chamomile tea, peppermint oil, and ginger root can be employed.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially those with potential interactions or allergic reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of eye twitching, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of eye twitching?

The main causes of eye twitching are typically related to neurological or muscular issues, with fatigue, stress, and caffeine consumption being common triggers.

Studies have shown that an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and acetylcholine, can also contribute to eye twitching. In some cases, eye twitching may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as benign essential tremor, multiple sclerosis, or hypokalemia, a potassium deficiency. Additionally, eye twitching can be caused by certain medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure, asthma, and depression.

Research has also linked eye twitching to sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep deprivation, as well as excessive sugar consumption and nicotine use.

• Caffeine: Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, causing muscles to contract and resulting in eye twitching.
• Fatigue: Prolonged physical or mental exhaustion can cause muscle fatigue, including the muscles surrounding the eyes, leading to involuntary twitching.
• Stress: High levels of stress can cause muscle tension, including in the facial and eye muscles, leading to twitching and spasms.
• Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep or disrupted sleep patterns can cause fatigue and muscle tension, leading to eye twitching.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B12 can cause muscle weakness and twitching, including in the eyes.
• Eye Strain: Prolonged use of digital devices or focusing on a single task for an extended period can cause eye strain and lead to twitching.
• Anxiety: Anxiety disorders can cause muscle tension and anxiety-related symptoms, including eye twitching.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid disorders can cause muscle weakness and twitching, including in the eyes.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, stimulants, and blood pressure medications, can cause muscle side effects, including eye twitching.
• Neurological Disorders: Underlying neurological disorders, such as blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, or multiple sclerosis, can cause involuntary muscle contractions, including eye twitching.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for eye twitching?

The main medicinal herbs used for eye twitching are Passiflora incarnata, Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Avena sativa, Lavandula angustifolia, Aloe vera, Echinacea purpurea, Achillea millefolium, Hypericum perforatum.

Passiflora incarnata is used to reduce anxiety and stress that can cause eye twitching, due to its flavonoids and alkaloids that have a sedative effect on the nervous system. Valeriana officinalis and Melissa officinalis have a similar sedative effect, reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. Ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation to the eyes, reducing the risk of twitching caused by poor circulation.

Avena sativa, Lavandula angustifolia, Aloe vera, Echinacea purpurea, Achillea millefolium, and Hypericum perforatum have various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and calm the eye muscles, reducing twitching.

• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata, also known as passionflower, helps with eye twitching due to its sedative properties, which can alleviate anxiety and stress that may be contributing to twitching.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian root, helps with eye twitching due to its sedative properties, which can help regulate the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, helps with eye twitching due to its antispasmodic properties, which can help relax muscles and reduce twitching.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, helps with eye twitching due to its vasodilatory properties, which can improve blood circulation to the eyes and reduce spasms.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, helps with eye twitching due to its sedative and antispasmodic properties, which can help regulate the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, also known as lavender, helps with eye twitching due to its sedative and antispasmodic properties, which can help regulate the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, also known as aloe, helps with eye twitching due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and redness in the eyes.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower, does not have a direct effect on eye twitching, but its immunomodulatory properties can help boost the immune system and reduce stress, which may indirectly help alleviate twitching.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, helps with eye twitching due to its antispasmodic properties, which can help relax muscles and reduce twitching.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, helps with eye twitching due to its sedative and antispasmodic properties, which can help regulate the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms.

What are the main herbal preparations used for eye twitching?

The main herbal preparations used for eye twitching are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Capsule, Salve, Suppository, Gel, Ointment, Poultice, Tea.

Decoction of herbs like Passionflower, Valerian, and Chamomile can help relieve eye twitching due to their sedative properties, which reduce muscle spasms and inflammation. Tinctures of Aloe vera, Witch hazel, and Eyebright can be applied topically to reduce inflammation and itching. Capsules containing supplements like Magnesium, Vitamin B6, and Ginkgo biloba may also help alleviate eye twitching by regulating muscle function and blood flow.

Additionally, external preparations like Salve, Suppository, Gel, Ointment, and Poultice made from herbs like Aloe vera, Epsom salt, and Chamomile can help soothe and moisturize the eye area to reduce twitching.

• Decoction: A decoction of Passiflora edulis, also known as passionflower, can help reduce eye twitching by its sedative properties that alleviate stress and anxiety, which are contributing factors to eye twitching.
• Tincture: A tincture of Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, may help alleviate eye twitching due to its anxiolytic and sedative effects, which can calm the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms.
• Cream: A topical cream containing Petasites hybridus, also known as butterbur, can help reduce eye twitching by its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that soothe and calm the affected area.
• Capsule: A capsule containing Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian root, may help alleviate eye twitching by its sedative properties that promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and calm muscle spasms.
• Salve: A topical salve containing Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, can help reduce eye twitching by its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that soothe and calm the affected area.
• Suppository: A suppository containing Aconitum spp., also known as monk's hood, is not typically used for eye twitching, however, when used topically, it may help reduce inflammation and spasms in the affected area.
• Gel: A topical gel containing Gelsemium sempervirens, also known as gelsemium, may help reduce eye twitching by its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the affected area.
• Ointment: A topical ointment containing Arnica montana, also known as arnica, can help reduce eye twitching by its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that soothe and calm the affected area.
• Poultice: A poultice containing Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, can help reduce eye twitching by its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that soothe and calm the affected area.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, also known as green tea, may help alleviate eye twitching due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce stress and inflammation.