Natural Remedy of the Week: Eye Strain

If your eyes are red, itchy and burning and begging for attention because you’re an author and you've been tapping away on the computer, or a reader and enjoying cozy mysteries, take a time out and give them some genuine nurturing. Try these natural remedies for soothing, fast relief: 

1.       Apply cooling and anti-inflammatory slices of raw peeled potato (red ones are best), apple, cucumber, melon or tofu slices over each eye.

2.       Make a herbal eyewash by bringing to a boil one cup of distilled water. Remove it from the heat and add 1 heaping teaspoon of an astringent and anti-inflammatory herb to cool the eyes such as chamomile, cornflower, elderflower, eyebright, marshmallow root, peppermint or black tea. Cover and allow it to steep 15 minutes. Strain well (through a clean coffee filter). When the tea is cool, it can be placed into a clean eyecup several times daily while standing over the sink, gently apply and bathe the eyes.  Make fresh each day to avoid introducing any bacteria into the eyes.

3.       Make a compress. Soak a small clean cloth in the chilled brew from step #2 and lie down and relax with it over the eyes. Calendula flowers can also be used as compress or drops since they are anti-inflammatory and a circulatory stimulant. Try antiseptic and nutritive violet leaves in a compress or as an eyewash for sore eyes too.  

Your eyes will thank you!

              Yours naturally,

              Chrystle             

You'll find more natural cures in:

Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery on sale now

and

Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery (out Feb. 23rd, 2013)