Eye tonic tea

[Bluegreensea]

Hello

I thought others on here might like to make the following eye tonic tea just to keep as healthy as possible over the winter months. Personally, I am taking it to combat dry eyes issues. It's good for the immune system too:

1 tablespoon dried bilberries (wild blueberries)

1 tablespoon dried calendula flowers (marigold)

1 tablespoon dried elderberries (optional)

1 teaspoon *turmeric (optional)

2 teaspoon eyebright powder (optional)

slices of root ginger

3 cups of water

honey to taste

*use the fresh root if you can source it from a local market, etc.

Method:

Add everything but the honey to a pan of water and bring to the boil. Low simmer for 5-10 mins.

Strain, add honey to taste, and pour into a thermos flask. It's also nice with a few drops of peppermint oil added. Drink throughout the day. (I will make this a couple of times a week.)

Make a tincture instead of a tea:

Quadruple all the DRY ingredients only (above) and put into a clean mason jar. Cover sparsely with 80% proof vodka, shake, seal, and store either in a dark cupboard, or place on a sunny window sill for several weeks. Shake gently every day. Strain through a clean muslin cloth, and decant into über clean, amber glass bottles if possible - you could use small, sterilised jars. Enjoy up to 3 teaspoons a day. The tincture will keep for a good 24 months or so if stored in a dark cupboard.

This tincture is more economical than the tonic - just don't use expensive vodka!

Notes:

I bought the dried bilberries online. The other ingredient I found in my local health food shop, or supermarket.

You could just make a tincture using the bilberries, but I like the added benefits of the other ingredients. Also, not everyone will like using turmeric as it can stain.

I hope you enjoy making it as well as getting all the lovely health benefits from it.

BGS

[Bluegreensea]

You can use organic apple cider vinegar as a substitute for vodka.

[springcross]

Many thanks for that Bgs, it sounds very interesting. I am on immunosuppressants so I will have to check with my rheumatology doctor but I would certainly make this if I get the OK to do so. xx

[Hallas24]

Hi, I have had acupuncture at a Chinese clinic for dry eye. Very rarely now do I need eye drops. On the dry eye website it states acupuncture can/might help. My eyes are much better now. Would highly recommend.

[Bluegreensea in reply to Hallas24]

Thank you Hallas24

I am really grateful for this information. I know of two Chinese medicine practitioners in my city. Perhaps I can get an appointment before the next dreaded lockdown from Thursday.

How long, and how often have you had the treatment?

I am using Hycosan eyedrops but I'm not sure they help much. I have also purchased a facial steamer, and a heated eye-mask which both offer some reassurance but I have not noticed any real improvement.

I just end up going to bed early because I look so monstrously red-eyed and can't wait to close them.

Best wishes

BGS

[Hallas24 in reply to Bluegreensea]

Hi, my eyes used to be dreadfully red and sore. I am a part time teacher and I looked as if I had been crying. Sometimes the classroom was warm and you can’t always turn the heating off. I had about three sessions to start with. One year on they felt a bit dry. I had another couple and that’s been it.

Had no problem since. I now wear mascara, not every day.

I went to the Chinese clinic at Morley, near Leeds. I swear by acupuncture. I would certainly recommend. Good luck.

[Bluegreensea in reply to Hallas24]

Thank you.

I'm also in Yorkshire and teach part-time!

I hope to give this a go.

A while ago, I began taking bilberry tincture daily, then got out the habit. I started again and my eyes feel less dry on waking. I just bought a batch of dried bilberries (wild blueberries) online to make my own tincture, and to hydrate for porridge toppings, tea, etc. Can recommend as an ongoing eye health supplement.

Will let you know how I get on re acupuncture.

[Hallas24]

Yes, I’d like to know how you go. I went to a local acupuncturist first. He didn’t know what dry eye was. No change. In my opinion the Chinese do it right. I have Hyloforte eye drops. We always have blue berries in. My husband puts them on his porridge.

I went to an acupuncturist a few years ago, when I had a knee problem. I went to Herbal Inn in Leeds for a few sessions and no problem since.

Do let me know how you go.

[Bluegreensea in reply to Hallas24]

I will.

Wild blueberries (bilberries) are not quite the same as the plump blueberries bought in the supermarket. Bilberries are less juicy though far superior having a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals.

I bought several packs of dried bilberries online. The brand is 'Pearls from Samarkland.' Their quality (& price) is excellent. The use-by-date is 2024.

You can forage for them on the Yorkshire Moors of course, but the season is now over.

BGS

[Tetr in reply to Hallas24]

What eye condition do you have? I have myopia cnv, no dry eyes. My TCM is wanting to do points around the eyes but I'm quite concerned. I was losing my eyesight to myopia cnv, thank goodness for lucentis.... Currently on naturopathy and herbs as I'm trying to correct my recurrent UTI issues , he has recommended pine bark for CNV.

[Bluegreensea in reply to Tetr]

I have myopic cnv.

What form does pine bark come in, and how do you take it?

I am very much for complimentary medicines.

Best wishes

BSG