Dry Eyes and what can you do about it naturally?
Because of my social media post about tearing eyes, I was asked what you can do if you suffer from dry eyes.
With dry eyes there is not enough 'lubrication', there is a lack of tear production, tears do not have the right consistency or evaporate too quickly and this can damage the cornea.
Symptoms of dry eyes may include the following:
- Eye irritation
- Tired eyes
- Watery eyes (body's response to dry eye irritation)
- Blurry sight
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness of the eyes
Causes of dry eyes
There are many known causes for the development or worsening of dry eyes, including hormonal diseases such as thyroid disease, tear gland disease (such as Sjögren's disease), allergies or old age.
But there has also been a significant increase due to the increased screen time we give our eyes.
What can you do against dry eyes naturally?
- Massage bladder 2 (Zanzhu) and spleen 1, 2 acupuncture points around your eyes. By massaging these 2 acupuncture points, traditional Chinese medicine ensures that wind and heat decrease and can even disappear.
- It is also best to avoid too many hot spicy meals and herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, garlic, coffee, green, white and black tea. These all cause your eyes to become even drier. It is better to drink chamomile or nettle tea, as these do not promote dryness (heat). Also consider rooibos or verveine tea, these have a slightly refreshing effect.
- Try to reduce stress if possible because of the liver.