All About Dry Eye gives you their top spices that have the magical healing power to cure dry eye:
Tumeric
Sometimes known as curcumin, turmeric is an asian spice that is protective against a number of diseases (including dry eye!).
Here is a Tumeric recipe that you can try:
Warm up some almond milk, sprinkle a tsp of turmeric, ½ tsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp cloves. Finish with a dollop of raw honey. Whisk together and voila, an inventive (and delicious) way to incorporate turmeric into your diet!
Paprika
Paprika has an extremely high concentration of vitamin A, which is great for warding off dry eye symptoms. It’s an extremely versatile ingredient and just about everyone has some sitting in the spice cabinet. Try using paprika next time you cook! It’s awesome for boosting flavor- and nutrition. Get a dose of paprika by sprinkling it on potato salads, fish, chicken and eggs.
Bilberry
You may have already heard that bilberry, a shrub closely related to the blueberry, is great for overall eye health and retinal diseases like macular degeneration. Well, it’s also particularly beneficial for dry, itchy eyes. Extracts from the bilberry fruit help to improve blood circulation, oxygen supply and tear gland function. Additionally, bilberries contain vitamin P and citrin, both of which help to decrease swelling and inflammation in the body; a common dry eye trigger. You can try bilberry supplements or tea made from bilberry leaves. However, be careful not to over indulge. Ingest no more than 220 mg of bilberry per day.
Mint
Next time you’re tempted to rub those itchy, stinging eyes, try a spearmint eyewash instead. Simply boil about 10-12 leaves of spearmint in some water. Wait until the solution cools (at least 20 minutes!) and then use a clean face cloth to apply the wash to your eyes. Menthol, the active ingredient in mint, actually stimulates tear production and will leave your eyes feeling energized and refreshed. Plus, it smells amazing! Win-win!
Chamomile
Chamomile is known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes tired eyes and can help restore moisture. Another bonus? Drinking chamomile tea makes you feel sleepy and prepares you for rest, so it’s the perfect drink to sip on after a long day.
Other potential dry eye fighters include thyme, fennel, marigold and calendula.
As usual, consult a doctor before using new spices or herbal remedies.
For more information on Dry Eyes visit AllaboutDryeye.com