Home Remedies for Cataracts

A cataract is characterized by a cloudy eye lens, which restricts or completely blocks the flow of light to the eye's retina. Without the nerves in the retina being able to detect light, it is unable to send signals to the brain that define what the eye is seeing. This dysfunction seriously hampers normal vision.

Several different conditions and illnesses cause or increase the risk of a person developing cataracts. A few of the most common causes are:

• Diabetes
• Gallbladder dysfunction
• Vitamin deficiency
• High sodium levels
• Stress
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Aging
• Drug side effects
• Exposure to radiation

The symptoms of cataracts are as follows:

• White or grayish discoloring in the pupil
• Blurred vision
• Spotted vision
• Vision at twilight being clearer than daylight vision

Herbal remedies for cataracts are known to be quite effective. Specific herbs that can be used are:

• Aniseed
• Coriander
• Bilberry extract
• Parsley
• Ginkgo
• Selenium
• Fenugreek
• Pumpkin flowers
• Cardamom
• Sandalwood

Specific treatments useful in home remedies for cataracts include:

• Applying pumpkin flower juice or extract to the eyelids twice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes each time

• Soak almonds for 8 - 12 hours in whole milk. After soaking, add sandalwood to the mixture before applying it to the eyelids to reduce soreness from eye strains

• As with the above remedy, use cardamom ground into powder and combined with milk for soothing eye relief

• Daily juicing carrots and raw parsley

• Get adequate amounts of vitamin D from natural sunlight at least 20 minutes each day (remember to use proper sun protection of the eyes and skin)

• Eat foods vitamin C (such as oranges, orange juice and strawberries)

• Eat foods high in vitamins B2, B6 and B12 (such as oily fish, yogurt, kefir, milk, kidney beans, sunflower seeds, kelp or tofu)

• Eat foods high in beta-carotene (such as carrots, sweet potatoes and squash)

• Eat foods high in vitamin E (such as almonds, peanuts and sunflower seeds)

• Protect eyes from ultra-violet rays found in sunlight

• Turn head away from radiation sources when in use (such as the microwave oven or x-ray machines)

• Avoid allowing cigarette smoke to enter the eyes as prolong exposure can cause cataracts

• Chew raw garlic cloves to help cleanse the crystalline eye lenses

• Increase nourishment to the eyes by chewing flaxseeds or use flaxseed oil in food and smoothie recipes