Best herbal teas for eye health

• Benefits of herbal teas on eyesight
• 5 best herbal teas for eye health
• How to incorporate herbal teas into your daily routine
• Tips to get the most out of herbal teas for improved eye health

Benefits of herbal teas for eyesight

While herbal teas aren't a direct treatment for eye conditions, some herbs contain natural compounds that may support overall eye health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbal teas can benefit your eye health by:

• Offering antioxidant protection
• Improving blood circulation
• Inducing anti-inflammatory effects
• Hydrating the overall body
• Reducing stress levels

5 best herbal teas for eye health

Some of the best herbal teas that could improve the eyesight are listed below.

1. Bilberry Tea

Bilberry tea is made from the bilberry fruit, which contains a pigment called anthocyanosides. This pigment boosts the production of rhodopsin, which further improves night vision and helps the eyes adapt to light changes. Bilberry tea also has excellent antioxidant properties and can be useful to defend against oxidative stress.

Benefits:

• Can be beneficial for eye disorders
• Can prevent retinopathy (damage to the retina)
• Can delay the onset of macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts

2. Eyebright

Eyebright is a herb with a long history of being used for various minor eye ailments, including inflamed and irritated eyes, eye fatigue, and other vision disturbances. The herb contains plant compounds such as luteolin and quercetin, which have been used to treat eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, styes, and eye irritation.

To get the best out of eyebright tea, it should be consumed alongside other recommendations from your optician. The tea is safe to be consumed on a daily basis.

3. Gojiberry/Wolfberry tea

Goji berries are small, eye-shaped berries that are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can protect the eyes from damage from UV rays, free radicals, and oxidative stress. They also nourish the blood and can protect vision from the risk of macular degeneration.

According to a study published by The UC Davis Eye Centre, consuming a small amount of goji berry tea regularly may increase the protective pigments in the eyes.

4. Ginkgo biloba tea

Ginkgo biloba is well known for its potential to improve blood circulation, including circulation in the eyes. Drinking ginkgo biloba tea may enhance blood flow to the optic nerve and retina, thereby supporting eye health and function.

5. Chamomile tea

Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea is also beneficial for eye health. It contains antioxidants like apigenin and alpha-bisabol.

Benefits:

• Can help reduce eye irritation and redness
• Can ease the symptoms of eye strain
• Can promote relaxation

How to incorporate herbal teas into your daily routine

Incorporating herbal teas into your daily routine is a simple yet effective way to support eye health naturally. While herbal teas can provide beneficial nutrients for eye health, it's essential to consume them with a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients that are beneficial for eye health, like vitamins A, C, and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc.

You can find different eye supplements online at Feel Good Contacts, however, remember, it’s important to consult an optician before purchasing any vitamin.

Read our blog to find out about vitamins and minerals that can help keep your eyes healthy.

Tips to get the most out of herbal teas for improved eye health

1. Stick to a daily ritual

Make drinking herbal tea a part of your daily routine, such as having a cup in the morning or as an afternoon beverage.

2. Replace high sugar/caffeinated beverages

Substitute sugary or caffeinated drinks with herbal teas to reduce your intake of substances that can negatively impact your health.

3. Enjoy herbal tea breaks

Take breaks during work or study sessions to enjoy a soothing cup of herbal tea. This can help reduce eye strain from screen time and provide a moment of relaxation.

4. Pair tea with nutrient-rich snacks

Combine herbal teas with snacks rich in nutrients beneficial for eye health, such as carrots, nuts, seeds, and fruits like berries and oranges.

To further support eye health, consider lifestyle changes such as reducing screen time, eating a balanced diet, managing blood sugar levels, wearing sunglasses in daylight, and getting regular eye health checks. You should always consult with your optician for personalised advice about your eye health. Visit Feel Good Contacts for more eye care tips.