For centuries, traditional herbal remedies have been used to support and enhance eye health across diverse civilizations. In Imperial China, India, and the Northern African kingdoms, people turned to natural plants to soothe tired eyes, enhance visual clarity, and prevent ocular ailments. These remedies were preserved in ancestral knowledge and continue to be valued today for their gentle, holistic approach.

One widely used herb is bilberry. Native to the British Isles, its dark purple berries are loaded with protective pigments, which are bioactive compounds believed to improve dark adaptation, alleviate visual strain, and promote microcirculation in the eyes. Many herbalists of old recommended bilberry tea or alcohol-based extracts for those who spent long hours under dim light or overused their vision during manual labor.

Another popular herb is eyebright. Used in ancient European healing traditions, eyebright has been prepared as a topical solution to reduce bloodshot eyes, burning sensations, and dryness. Its natural tightening action help soothe swollen tissues, and it was commonly used for conjunctivitis. Today, some people still brew a sterile decoction of eyebright leaves and داروهای طب اسلامی use it as a soothing compress.

Goji berries, known in TCM, are another key ingredient. These nutrient-dense superfruits are abundant in this carotenoid, a carotenoid that concentrates in the macula and helps block damaging UV and LED wavelengths. Regular consumption of goji berries is said to preserve vision with age and slow age-related decline.

Chrysanthemum flowers are often steeped as infusion in China, Japan, and Korea to clear heat from the visual organs. In TCM philosophy, internal fire can disturb liver Qi, which is linked to ocular health. Chrysanthemum tea is thought to clear this heat and restore visual brightness.

In addition to herbs, practices like warm compresses using calendula infusion or rose hydrosol, and relaxing ocular strokes with cold-pressed nut oil, have been used to boost ocular blood flow and ease eye socket pressure. These methods focus not only on the eyes themselves but also on the body’s energetic harmony.

While these herbal solutions have remained relevant across centuries, it is important to remember that they are complementary therapies, not replacements for professional treatment. If you experience persistent vision changes, pain, or abrupt blindness, always seek immediate medical attention. Used mindfully and responsibly, traditional herbal remedies can be a gentle and holistic complement of maintaining healthy eyes.