Eyes are the focal point of your face, and clear, sparkling eyes highlight the glow of a healthy complexion.
These delicate mechanisms should be treated with respect and any trouble should be referred immediately to a doctor.
Sleep and relaxation help to keep eyes looking clear and bright, as does a good mixed healthy diet. If you lack sleep or have been overindulging in alcohol, too rich foods or tobacco, then the appearance of your eyes will suffer.
To avoid tired, strained and bloodshot eyes:
Make sure that you take plenty of vitamin A (found in carrots and apricots).
- Bilberry, available from your health food store as a supplement, will help to strengthen the eyes.
- Sleep for eight hours a night as often as possible.
- Refrain from watching too much television.
- Don't read or use your eyes for close work in inadequate light.
- Refresh your eyes with a herbal eyebath if they have been exposed to a smoky atmosphere, salt water, excessive wind and sun.
- Bathe eyes with a soothing and healing herbal wash at the end of each day if you spend long hours working under artificial light.
A natural eye lotion, which is ideal for tired and bloodshot and sore eyes, can be made by adding two tablespoons of fresh parsley and one teaspoon each of dried elderflower and fennel seed to a ceramic bowl and covering with 300 millilitres of boiling water.
Infuse the herbs until the water becomes tepid, then strain through sterile muslin cloth and then bathe eyes, as required using an eye bath.
You can store the infusion for up to two days in the refrigerator.
If you are feeling tired and your eyelids feel heavy, lie down in a quiet and semi-darkened room with your feet raised above the level of your head, and apply any of the following quick and easy eye treatments:
- Tea bags - squeeze out excess moisture and apply after they have cooled down.
- Thin slices of raw potato - use for slight puffiness or a bruised sensation.
- Slices of cucumber - to cool and soothe and to help to keep wrinkles at bay.
Day-to-Day Eye Care
The skin under the eye is very thin and delicate and care should be taken when removing makeup. Use a very fine oil, such as apricot or almond, to remove it so that it floats off.
