Directory of health resources for healthcare professionals.

In an age that requires increasingly more complicated technology to treat the body’s physical ailments, many people are surprised by the almost magical powers herbs possess in alleviating aches and pains.

Herbs, some of which have been used since the times of the ancient Egyptians, can be effective treatments for the eyes. And the treatment can take many forms -washes, compresses, even teas to drink regularly. There are several herbs, long known to other generations, that can ease eye problems.

Yarrow Tea, when taken regularly, aids in relieving the pain behind the eyes and eliminates excessive tearing.

This tall herb carries finely-toothed leaves and its flowers are white, pale pink or lavender, closely resembling tiny clusters of daisies.

Instructions

Yarrow Tea

Preparation: Pour 6 ounces of freshly boiled water over 1 heaping teaspoon of minced Yarrow. Allow the covered mixture to steep for 3-4 minutes. Strain. Drink unsweetened.

Frequency of Use: 1-2 cups daily

The herb Chamomile can also be applied in a compress form, reducing eye pain and relieving the unattractive bags under the eyes.

A compress made of the Mallow herb is also an effective treatment for strained and tired eyes. As a mild wash, the herb opens clogged tear ducts.

The small-leafed herb has a long slender stem, with rounded, toothed leaves and small pale pink or purple flowers.

Instructions

Mallow

Preparation as a Wash: Soak 1 heaping teaspoon overnight in 6 ounces cold, fresh water.

Strain. Warm slightly before using.

Frequency of Use: Daily

Preparation as a Compress: Prepare as directed above. Then wet a cotton ball or gauze with the mixture and apply to the eyelids.

Frequency: of Use: Daily

Note: Mallow should never be heated. Heat destroys the medicinal properties of the herb.

Calamus, or Sweet Flag, is also an effective herb in strengthening tired and weak eyes. The herb grows wild in marshes and on the banks of ponds and lakes. Its leaves resemble swords. Use of the herb’s root as a juice is recommended by herbalists as an external application to the eyelids.

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Febrile Convulsions

One in twenty children has convulsions with rapid rises in temperature. Appropriate prevention of frequent febrile convulsions impels the use of Valium given in advance of a fever; not paracetamol after the event. Children with epilepsy are more likely to convulse in the presence of a rising temperature. If a child has more than one febrile convulsion it is time to see a pediatrician. The possibility of epilepsy bears exclusion.

Home Remedies

Administer paracetamol before a child presents at the doctors for immunization. If vaccination is going to produce a rapid rise in temperature your child has been protected from a febrile convulsion – not to mention the pain of an injection.

Fever

Fever has been considered an unwanted side effect of bacterial or viral infection for a long time. Now opinion favors the view that fever enhances the bodies’ immune response. It assists antibiotics to kill bacteria and kills other micro organisms in its own right.

Home Remedies

Irrespective of the beneficial effects of fever, high temperatures in both adults and children cause significant pain and discomfort. Use paracetamol to keep fever within a tolerable range. Tepid baths and sponges produce a gentle reduction in temperature, as does the use of a fan or air- conditioning. If cooling proceeds to the point where shivering begins; the cooling has gone too far. Shivering generates more body heat and is a message that mechanical means of cooling must cease.

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