Legal. But Safe?

 

Weedkillers in wheat crackers and cereals, insecticides in apple juice and a mix of multiple pesticides in spinach, string beans and other veggies—all are part of the daily diets of many Americans.

For decades, federal officials have declared tiny traces of these contaminants to be safe. But a new wave of scientific scrutiny is challenging those assertions.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) latest report, more than 75 percent of fruits and more than 50 percent of vegetables sampled carried pesticides residues. Even residues of the tightly restricted bug-killing chemical DDT are found in food, along with a range of other pesticides known by scientists to be linked to a range of illnesses and disease.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb claims that because the residues fall below U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tolerances, they pose no risk to consumers.

But as U.S. Right to Know’s Carey Gillam reports, recent scientific studies have prompted many scientists to warn that years of promises of safety may be wrong. In fact, repeated low-level exposures to trace amounts of pesticides in the diet could be contributing to a range of health problems, particularly for children.

Tap Water Danger (Stay Away from it)

Water contamination from these and other sources including leaching, chemical spills, and runoffs has been linked to long-term health effects, like cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and miscarriage. Analyzing the exact risks of chemically contaminated water is unfortunately difficult.

Herbs to Improve Your Eyesight

Natural support for your eyesight can be found in some specific herbs. There are also herbs that are known for improving vision. By using a combination of herbs for improving vision and herbs for supporting vision, you can greatly boost your overall eye health and promote clear vision – without needing contacts, glasses, or corrective surgery! Isn’t it nice to do things the natural way?

Herbs That Support Eye Health: Bentonite Clay

One great natural remedy for eye strain is Bentonite clay. Made from volcanic ash, Bentonite clay has dozens of trace minerals and a negative ionic charge. When made into a poultice, this special ingredient helps to remove toxins from the eye which can help to heal eye infections. Simply paint the clay onto a two cotton balls and place them on your closed eyelids. Allow the clay to rest there for 15-20 minutes, then remove and rinse your face.

Fennel Seeds   

The eyes are very sensitive to allergens in the air and infections. A simple head cold can cause your eyes to be puffy, red, and irritated. To soothe your eyes holistically, try a fennel seed eye rinse. Fennel is an anti-inflammatory herb that also relieves pain and sensitivity. In a teacup, pour two tablespoons of fennel seeds. Add hot water from a tea kettle. Once the water cools off, strain out the fennel seeds. Soak a couple cotton balls in the water and place over the eyelids. Do this a few times each day to sooth irritated eyes.

Passionflower Extract

In the same vein, passionflower extract is a great herb for eye strain. This herb helps to prevent irritation and also works as a nerve relaxer. Like fennel seeds, you can soak cotton balls in a passionflower extract and warm water mixture. Pressing these compresses against your eyes can sooth eye strain and relax your nerves. Using herbs that help alleviate eye strain will improve your overall vision because tired, strained eyes don’t perform at their best!

Bilberry

Bilberry is another herb that is great for improving eyesight. It’s commonly used for treating cataracts and conditions in the retina. But, it’s uses extend far past the eyes. Bilberry is used to treat people with diabetes, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, and more. Plus, this herb can enhance your normal vision as well as your night vision, so if you struggle with seeing the dark, this herb is for you!

Ginkgo Biloba

Finally, ginkgo biloba is an older remedy that is used to improve circulation, especially around the back of the eye. The eyes need plenty of antioxidants to function, and ginkgo biloba is a strong antioxidant with many benefits. It potentially relieves pain from menstrual cramps, lessens depression, and aids in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. This herb ensures an adequate blood supply is flowing into the eye. It can also be used in treatments for glaucoma and macular degeneration, helping to improve both of these conditions.

Herbs for the Immune System

Another way to improve your eyesight is to make sure you have a healthy immune system. The herb Asphalatus is great for this because it has a high antioxidant content. Grapeseed extract is another immune-boosting herbal solution that can improve your vision because it improves circulation. Improved circulation means less chance of cataracts! Grapeseed extract also helps to make your retina stronger.

To support eye health in general, consider this recipe: grind a few raw almonds into a cup of water. Add half a gram of black pepper. Use raw honey to make the drink sweet. Then, drink once a day to feel the benefits. Feel free to add in any of the herbs mentioned above to target your specific problems. Whether you have dry eyes, eye strain, or are at risk for cataracts, taking herbs is a natural complimentary treatment method.

Herbs can be a great solution to eye problems. But remember to be careful when taking your own herbs! Test unfamiliar herbs first to see if you are allergic to them, and only use herbal recipes from reputable sources. Do your research on less popular herbs because some have negative side effects in the body. When in doubt, consult your doctor. Herbs are nature’s healers, but they won’t do you any good if you misuse them.

Additional Resources

We recommend 17 Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbal Supplements that you should take to promote and preserve healthy eyes. Using the herbal remedies mentioned above in conjunction with our eye exercises and vitamin suggestions can really make a huge different in your eyesight!