Glaucoma is a condition that occurs in the optic nerve as a result of very high intraocular pressure. It can cause partial or total loss of vision. Although there is no definitive cure for glaucoma, there are lifestyle tips that have been shown to decrease intraocular pressure, slowing the progression of the disease. These are the main tips:
Avoid stress: It may be advisable to practice yoga, meditation, proper exercises and being in contact with nature.
Sleep enough: It is necessary for hormones that are secreted at night, such as melatonin to function properly and repair the body.
A balanced diet.
Phytotherapy for glaucoma.
How Can Diet Help Patients with Glaucoma?
In most cases, glaucoma is due to an anatomical alteration of the eye; therefore, the usefulness of diet therapy will be limited, although not at all useless. Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, different prognosis may be expected in response to nutrition.
The components that are most useful are the antioxidants of plant foods. It is a series of phytochemicals found in dark chocolate, green tea, turmeric; aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme, ginger, cinnamon…). Especially interesting are the blueberries.
Blueberries, because of their richness in flavonoids and antioxidants, are excellent for the eye to allow the eye to see in dim lights, see even with nocturnal blindness, and in vision conditions like glaucoma or farsightedness.
You can search for this plant in the form of capsules which are available in leading pharmacies or or herbal stores in doses as prescribed. Another possibility is eating frequently blueberries, these can be fresh or frozen, because the freezing process does not deteriorate the nutritional quality of this food.
All these antioxidants would help to fight against the oxidative stress that damages the optic nerve and the outlet channel of the aqueous humor of the eye.
What is the Best Natural Remedy for Glaucoma?
The main function of medicinal plants when treating glaucoma is to decrease intraocular pressure and provide nutrients for a healthy eye. The following can be mentioned:
Ginkgo Biloba: This has an antioxidant effect; it is among the main plants used for glaucoma. Supplements with this plant extract improve the pre-existing loss of visual field in some patients with glaucoma.
Fennel: You could make a mixture of around 45 g of Fennel seeds for every one liter of drinking water and take a couple of cups daily.
Shepherd’s Bag: It is indicated an infusion of a spoonful of fresh leaves in a glass of water. Take a couple of glasses a day. The fresh leaves of this edible plant are a good natural medicine for glaucoma.
Muerdago: It is a very potent natural remedy to control blood pressure. It is also useful for the treatment of glaucoma. Mix a spoon of dry plant for every cup of water and drink this cup twice a day.
Chickweed: It is a remedy against a large number of eye disorders, including glaucoma. The wild plant must be consumed.
Ground Flax Seeds – They are one of the most potent natural sources of omega3, with antioxidant properties. Indications: 2 teaspoons daily. It is recommended to moisturize and crush these seeds when taken for medicinal purposes.
Ground Chia Seeds – Same indications as flax.
Rose Hip: Because of its vitamin C content, it helps to improve the damage caused by free radicals on the eyes.
THC (cannabis): In some countries the use of this substance is allowed as a treatment for glaucoma, since it has properties to decrease intraocular pressure. However, experts do not recommend it because of its psychotropic effects.
You can also perform eye washings with wet compresses using plants such as horsetail, elder, Indian heliotrope, fennel and chamomile.
Conclusion
It is important that people who suffer from glaucoma receive medical treatment; they may even require a surgery. Natural remedies are recommended as a complementary route.
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