[toc]Glaucoma is basically a medical condition affecting the optic nerves of the eye. In Glaucoma, there is an increased pressure of fluids on the eyeballs, which causes damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma if left untreated for a long time may cause irreversible eye damage and vision loss. Glaucoma is one of the major causes of blindness in the world and is mainly caused due to rise in pressure on the optic nerve and poor flow of blood in the eye capillaries.
Glaucoma are of various types and the patients of Glaucoma initially do not suffer from any visible symptoms. However, as Glaucoma progresses, patient may experience blurred vision, pain in the eye, headache, nausea and vomiting, decrease in vision field etc.Glaucoma is basically a hereditary disease and even small children can be affected with Glaucoma.
However, it is most commonly observed in people above 40 yrs, diabetic, suffering from myopia or hyper myopia, suffering from an eye injury, history of steroid abuse etc. Although, Glaucoma is an irreversible vision loss disease, it an be controlled by early detection, right medication and regular treatment followup. It is therefore, very necessary to regularly consult an ophthalmologist for an eye checkup after 40 years for early detection of Glaucoma. Below mentioned are some useful herbs which are very effective in Glaucoma.
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8 Important Herbal Remedies For Glaucoma
Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko biloba is a very good herbal remedy for treating Glaucoma and other vision problems. Gingko helps in stimulating the flow of blood in the body and in the blood capillaries which line the eye.
This helps in increased flow of oxygen in the eye and promotes speedy removal of toxins from the body. Gingko biloba also helps in reducing the pressure on the optic nerve which damages the eye, thus proving to be very useful in case of Glaucoma. Gingko biloba can be consumed as an extract, tonic, tincture, tablets etc.
Bilberry
Bilberry is a very important herb to cure many eye related problems including Glaucoma. The main components of Bilberry are tannins and quinic acid, which helps in protecting the retina and decreasing the pressure in the eye caused due to Glaucoma.
Another very important component of Bilberry is anthocyanosides, which help in protecting, strengthening the blood vessels and capillaries surrounding the eye. It is also responsible for increasing the circulation of blood in the eye capillaries, thereby proving to be very beneficial in cases of Glaucoma.
This herb is also very beneficial in treating the black eye caused due to eye bruises and stopping the cataract from growing. Bilberry has a very good taste and can be taken in form of herbal tea or extract.
Coleus Forskohlii
Coleus Forskohlii is another very effective herbal remedy for curing Glaucoma. Forskolin, is the main component of this herb which helps in increasing the flow of blood in the capillaries. This herb also helps in reducing the pressure on the intraocular nerve of the eyes, thereby providing relief in cases of Glaucoma.
However, care should be taken when using this herb, as high doses may cause eye irritation. Coleus Forskohlii can be applied to the eye in form of eye drops and extract. This herb is not easily available and is costly to boot, however it is very beneficial in cases of Glaucoma.
Hemp Oil
Hemp Oil is another very useful herbal remedy which is effective in people suffering from Glaucoma. Hemp is very rich in essential fatty acids, that is both omega 3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid. It is also a very good source of calcium, carotene, phytosterols, Vitamin A, B, C, D and E. Hemp is also a very good anti-oxidant, thereby stimulating the flow of blood in the capillaries of the eye.
It helps in better transport of oxygen in the eye and subsequent removal of toxins harmful for the whole body. All these properties of Hemp oil makes it a very good herbal remedy for Glaucoma. However, it is banned in certain countries due to its property of causing intoxication and addiction. Hemp is can be consumed regularly in form of hemp seed for helping in Glaucoma cases.
Eyebright
Eyebright as the name suggests, is used as a herbal remedy for curing dim vision and increasing the overall clarity and brightness of the eyes. Eyebright is a time tested herb and has been used sine centuries to treat various disorders of the eye like- conjunctivitis, cataract, blurred vision, bloodshot eyes, glaucoma etc.
Eyebright not only helps in reducing the inflammation of the eye tissues but also help in fighting against bacterias responsible for causing eye infection. Eyebright is available in form of eye drops and can be applied regularly to prevent Glaucoma and improve overall vision clarity.
Rue
Rue is another very effective herbal remedy which has been used since ancient times to cure various eye related problems including Glaucoma. Rutin, is the main component of Rue, which helps in increasing the overall flow of blood to the eye capillaries and strengthens the walls of the capillaries.
Rue is also rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which help in fighting against the inflammation in the eye caused due to bacteria. It helps in improving the overall eyesight of the person and can be consumed in form of salad, tea, oil, eye poultice etc.
Jaborandi
Jaborandi is yet another very effective and useful herb used for curing and preventing Glaucoma. The leaves of Jaborandi are rich in medicinal properties and are used for treating Glaucoma. Jaborandi is rich in alkaloids called pilocarpine, which is very useful in reducing the pressure on the intraocular optic nerve of the eye. Pilocarpine obtained form Jaborandi leaves, helps in contracting the iris of the eye, thereby helping in narrow angle Glaucoma.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed also known as linseed, is yet another herbal remedy used for preventing Glaucoma. Flaxseed is a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants, which is very beneficial for improving overall vision of the eye. Consuming flaxseed daily as part of regular diet, helps in preventing the cases of Glaucoma. It also very effective in preventing other eye related problems. Flaxseed can be consumed in form of oil, grinded form, added to flood etc.