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The eyes are among the most delicate and precious of our sensory organs, and their health is closely connected to cardiovascular function, blood sugar regulation, nutritional status, and the ageing process. In western herbal medicine, the herbs most important for eye health are largely those that protect the small blood vessels of the retina, provide antioxidant protection against the oxidative damage that drives macular degeneration and cataract, and improve microcirculation to the eyes and optic nerve. Bilberry — traditionally eaten by RAF pilots in World War II to improve night vision — is the herb most closely associated with eye health, and its rich anthocyanin content has been extensively studied. The articles here explore the herbs and the evidence behind them.
Allergies
20 May 2022
Herbal medicine is the rightful medicine of all human beings. Caring for yourself and your family by using herbs is an empowering experience—it allows you to tap into the power of nature and take responsibility for your health and well-being. Over the last thirty years at the ASOHM we’ve collected many rare, out-of-print books on […]
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Anxiety
23 April 2019
In olden days, camomile was known as the “plant’s physician” and it is stated that nothing contributes as much to a healthy garden as a number of camomile plants. Old herbals tell us that if a plant is drooping or sickly, it will recover if you place a camomile near it. There are two types […]
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ASOHM News
4 August 2017
There seems to be no other plant in herbal medicine that is beneficial to the brain, central nervous system and vascular system at the same time. Anyone over 50 is encouraged to take ginkgo extract for a few months at a time for the general toning up of various bodily functions and to improve peripheral […]
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Arthritic & Rheumatic Complaints
2 August 2017
Elder flower (Sambucus nigra) has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses for elderflower in herbal medicine is for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances. The elder flower is steeped in herbal history, being credited […]
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ASOHM News
23 April 2017
Raw potato juice is a natural antacid with proven benefits for indigestion, gastric reflux, eczema, and dark circles. Discover how this simple remedy works.
Read article →Herbal support for eye health is primarily preventative and supportive — maintaining the microvascular integrity and antioxidant environment of the retina and lens. Acute eye conditions and changes in vision always require professional optometric or ophthalmic assessment.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is the primary herbal medicine for visual function and eye health. Its anthocyanin pigments protect retinal blood vessels, improve night vision and dark adaptation, and have antioxidant effects relevant to macular degeneration and cataract prevention. Regular dietary consumption of bilberry and other anthocyanin-rich berries — blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries — is beneficial for long-term eye health.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults and involves oxidative damage to the macula. Bilberry anthocyanins, lutein and zeaxanthin (from marigold/calendula and green leafy vegetables), and zinc have the strongest nutritional evidence for reducing AMD progression. These are not cures — they are supportive measures for a condition that medical specialists should monitor.
Omega-3 fatty acids (from flaxseed, chia, and oily fish) have the strongest evidence for dry eye syndrome, reducing inflammation in the lacrimal glands and improving the quality of the tear film. Bilberry supports the vascular health of the lacrimal glands. Topical preservative-free eye drops remain the primary management for symptomatic dry eye.
Chronically elevated blood sugar causes damage to the small blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy) — one of the most common causes of preventable vision loss. Herbs that support blood sugar regulation — berberine, gymnema, cinnamon — therefore have an indirect but important role in protecting eye health in those with diabetes or prediabetes.
Ginkgo improves microcirculation, including to the optic nerve and retina. It has been studied for normal tension glaucoma — a condition where optic nerve damage occurs at normal intraocular pressures, thought to involve vascular insufficiency to the optic nerve — with some positive evidence for slowing progression.
Lutein and zeaxanthin (from kale, spinach, eggs, and marigold extracts) protect the macula from blue light damage. Vitamin A is essential for night vision. Vitamin C and E, and zinc, support antioxidant protection of the lens. Omega-3 fatty acids support the retina and tear film. A deeply coloured, varied vegetable-rich diet provides most of these naturally.
Lesson 7 covers the nervous system and all major sensory organs — including the eyes and ears — their anatomy, physiology, the conditions that affect them, and the herbal approaches available.
The sensory organs — including the eyes — are covered in Lesson 7 of our course, alongside the full nervous system. The connection between vascular health, nutritional status, and visual function becomes beautifully clear through this lens. View lesson packages and enrol today.