The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Castor Oil
Posted by Debi (Los Angeles, Ca) on 05/20/2011
★★★★★
Regarding using Castor Oil for dry eyes. Suggest The Palma Christi Castor Oil by Heritage Products. It's hexane-free, certified and Pure, Cold Pressed. Must buy at health food store like Whole Foods, not GNC or a drug store. I put a couple drops in each eye before bed, and it definitely helps with dryness. I also put it on my face and hands, as it's a wonderful emollient.
Castor Oil
Posted by Alvina (Damascus, Oregon) on 03/25/2011
★★★★★
I have put castor oil on my eye lids many times to help me sleep and it works great. Any oil that leeked to my eyes cleared up by blinking or putting eyedrops to act as an eyewash. My eyes get polluted from air pollution and eye drops helps, also Dr. Shultz' Eyebright formula.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Susan (California) on 06/04/2015
Don't use olive oil. Use castor oil.
Vitamin B12
Posted by Cat (Lax, Ca) on 10/10/2010
I want to thank everyone for their comments, I finally cured my dry eye problem. I started drinking green tea 3-4 times a day as Ted noted. I alkalized twice a day (morning and night)Since putting castor oil directly into my eyes was drying them out and making my eyes worse, I decided to start using castor oil on my eyelids while taking a warm steamy shower in the evening, which I believed help the oil penetrate into my eyes and did not cause any adverse effects. I also started taking D3 soft gel 6000 I. U. a day, high potency LIQUID magnesium soft gel 500mg , 10 mg of DHEA ( women take 10 mg and men take 25 mg ) and I started taking 1 tablespoon of black strap molasses daily for my anemia. After years of suffering with dry eyes I finally found the cure. Now the whites of my eyes are clear and bright white. I believe my eyes are still slowly healing from years of scar tissue build up due to to dry eyes. I read that castor oil dissolves scar tissue so I believe the damage is reversible. Although I once heard a doctor say it is not but, I believe I'm seeing the full healing take place right before my eyes. I sincerely hope this helps someone else to end the dry eye problem.
Also warned me of ACANTOAM went over not to put water in your eyes due to I think she said Cantoamboea 'm finally after five years of severe dry eyes. I started drinking green tea three times a day, and started taking D3 and magneusuim. And when I showered in the evening I put castor oil on my eyelids and let the steam in the shower to soak it into the eyelids.
Vitamin B12
Posted by Cat (Lax, Ca) on 10/28/2010
Zack, I still put castor oil on my lids because it makes my eyelashes longer and softens my skin, but I cannot tolerate castor oil directly in my eyes. Another thing I've noticed is that all green teas are not created equal some brands work better. I happened to stumble across the combination of the things that worked for me. I also forgot to mention that I take L-CARNOSINE and I snack on honey sesame almonds as a snack from T. Joes's and I think that has also helped. I used to buy my vitamins at the vitamin store, but I found it substantially cheaper to buy
On-line and have it shipped to me. I use the very safe website of A_ and they have Super Saver Shipping which is free shipping if you spend over $25.
Castor Oil
Posted by Ann (P.s. Ca) on 07/23/2017
John Doe, I know this is an old post however it may help someone reading more recent. First, no need to yell, second, Castor Oil, regardless where you buy or organic or not, etc., has always been used as a laxative, ask any one from days gone by, that and cod liver oil. I use Castor Oil for many things, (not as a laxative however, harsh) I have also not just taken the word of people, I do the real research. There is a lot of confusion about what it does, has in it, how its made, etc., and the way to know for sure is research (lots) yourself. I like Earth Clinic, it has lots of good remedies on the site, but always be safe and do the research first folks. yall have a good day
Eye Exercises
Posted by Nature (Portland, Maine) on 12/06/2009
★★★★★
Regarding dry eye, I have used the honey, vineger and grape juice treatment and it has helped, no particular proportions. I find that when I eat seafood I do not suffer as much from dry eye. In addition, when I wake up with dry eye I do not open my eyes immediately. Instead I palm, meaning I cover both eyes with my hands cupped so I do not put pressure on my eyes. Then I continue to palm( read the Bates Method for improving vision) Soon I can open my eyes without pain. During the day I palm as much as possible. The other thing that helps is to blink frequently which lubricates the eyes. (also Bates) I do exaggerated blinking before I go to sleep, maybe thirty at a time a few times at least. I try to blink more during the day also. Is it possible that our low fat diets along with staring at the computer has caused much of this dry eye? Perhaps that is why the fish oil is noted as a help. Hard to know which of the above helps the most.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jami (Texas) on 01/24/2023
That is an eye drop recipe from the book "The Master Cleanser" I use these drops always with great relief. It does sting so you may want to dilute with the distilled water more than the recipe calls for until you get used to it. My dry eye is seasonal so I use it when I need to and several times a day if need be. Best for you. Jami
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Marty (Nashville, Tennessee -- Music City, USA) on 04/21/2009
★★★★★
I suffer from allergies and asthma, and have to use artificial tears for dry, scratchy eyes due to the high pollen count here. The tears seem addicting ... the more you use ... the more you need. I haven't been able to get off of them. I read your comment yesterday, and bought some Fish Oil. I took two 1,000 mg capsules yesterday and this morning my eyes felt more lubricated than they have since I was a teenager. Thanks for the scoop! I will keep up the Fish Oil. I'm sure it will offer more benefits for me other than being able to ditch my "tears."
Castor Oil
Posted by Island Girl (Gc, Ci) on 05/18/2022
Hello everyone. I would greatly appreciate a response from anyone who has tried pharmaceutical eye drops during the day and pure castor oil drop at night in the eye - want to know whether it is safe and has no interactions.
Castor Oil
Posted by Mary (Utica, NEW YORK) on 01/08/2025
No problems with using both castor oil and other drops.
L-Carnosine
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 10/21/2022
Greetings to EC,
I am going to dip back a few years as best I remember it. I am dealing with extra saliva and salty mouth presently. I think us seniors complain mostly about dry eyes and dry mouth; salty mouth and extra saliva is perhaps connected.
Really, I think this last condition came on from eating too many hard candies, (too lazy to cook). However, there were times I loaded up on over the counter supplements for a quick healing of some problems.
My first visit with dry mouth was when the news got out about Covid19 in early 2020. I was on the Amtrak South just as the United States was stopping a lot of traveling. By the time I got to my Aunt's house, I came down with a serious cold/virus. I was taking most of the supplements that I heard might help every four hours just in case it was Covd.
What happened was something acted like a water pill and drained a lot of fluid out of me. And I had my first dry eyes and some lack of taste experience at about 68 years old. The good news was it seemly fixed itself as fluid was restored to my body, or was it that drinking extra water ran out the excess medicines.
Then I experienced the dry eyes and dry mouth about a year later after another cold/virus or it could have even been COVID situation. Once again after the medicine stopped the dry mouth and dry eyes were restored to normal.
Then somewhere around my 70th birthday, the dry eyes came to stay but everything else seemed normal. I went searching for a cure, on the internet. When I read Ted's post on Earth Clinic where he mentioned L Carnosine 1000mg a day I ordered that. For it to keep working, I have to keep buying it so I am still looking for the cure.
https://ted.earthclinic.com/cures/natural-remedies-for-dry-eyes2.html
Regarding Lecithin, I would like to try that because of the Choline in it.
Ted seems to be saying that dry eyes are the result of a fatty liver and that Lecithin can help heal the liver.
"The other issue with granulated Lecithin is that it may help the liver in getting rid of the fatty liver (remember that dryness in the eye is a clue) taking one to two tablespoons a day." (Ted).
https://ted.earthclinic.com/cures/natural-remedies-for-dry-eyes.html
I read that some of the medications that we take are Anticholinergic and taking them in can cause problems for seniors. When we get older our liver and kidneys usually do not work as well as when we were young and healthy. If Anticholinergic medication does not clear our kidneys and liver, this may be the reason we end up with dry eyes, dry mouth, dementia and other unusual conditions and sicknesses.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34593340/
https://www.theseniorlist.com/medication/anticholinergic-drugs/
https://www.healthline.com/health/anticholinergics#how-they-work
I usually use granulated Lecithin when my hair starts coming out in balls. And it fixes that dry hair problem, who knows maybe that was when my eyes healed in the past. To me, the granulated lecithin has a soapy taste and is gassy, so I only take it for a few days each time.
I would love to hear your thoughts on salty mouth and excess saliva, or dry mouth or dry eyes. I know the solution is at hand.
HisJewel
L-Carnosine
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 10/22/2022
Mama to Many thank you for your thoughts on my situation,
You know I never thought about that the change in the way I eat could be the problem. I do eat much less fats then I once did. Maybe that is why I am so dry. When mother was still here, I was patient to cook, or at least buy a decent meal. When I was running south, I had to cook real meals for my aunt. Now it's, whatever. The crazy thing I noticed is that I try to make up for the missing meal by eating candy. So I will pick some Spry mints to fill in that gap and to comfort my mouth. It will certainly cut down on the sugar intake. One of the things I realized is that when I started eating more candy, I drank less water. Regarding the Baking soda and water, I was drinking it at one time. I guess I will give it another go. I was looking at some other online reviews and interestingly, someone one on Webmed said when they starting take HCL their burning tongue situation went. So, if HCL can help perhaps baking soda or both together will do the job.
On the positive note, I am getting out to find the Spry mints. I going to start back drinking more water and I will add some olive oil to my food or at least take a spoon a few days a week. I am much encouraged.
Thank you again,
HisJewel
L-Carnosine
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 10/23/2022
L-Carnosine
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 11/03/2022
Greetings Again EC,
Further regarding my Salty Mouth, my sinus may be continually draining.
As it turns out my Salty Mouth situation, could be a sinus problem, perhaps postnasal drip. I had read about the postnasal suggestion on the Healthline site when I was first checking into salty mouth, however nothing I tried at that time for post nasal drip fixed the salty flow. Anyway, how I figured it out, I happened to pick up some Vicks Sinus LiquiCaps on sale. I had the nerve to take the two in the blister square. They are strong! They dried up all the mucus. First I noticed that the salty taste was gone. Then I realized the leak had stopped, oh how nice. Then my mouth went extremely dry, "Out of the frying pan into the pot." I did not know which was worse. A few hours later the moisture slowly returned to my mouth with less drip. Well, at least I know what I am working with now. I would Not suggest the Vicks sinus liquicaps for seniors, it is too strong and drying.
Here is some interesting Salty Mouth information.
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/salty-taste-in-mouth
L-Carnosine
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 11/05/2022
Thank you, Mama,
I was trying to figure out, what now.
I will order the Nettle and Coconut oil.
Inversion
Posted by Xanadu (Midsouth US) on 10/20/2022
Could you please share what kind of lecithin granules and the brand? I ask because some are made from sunflowers and some from soy, etc. Thank you!
Acacia Honey
Posted by Someone (Romania) on 11/09/2017
★★★★★
For eye dryness use Acacia honey
Fruit
Posted by Khadija (Belgium) on 06/19/2017
Thanks a lot, Coco.
I gonna try this. Bit I leave in belgium and don t know ig we have here Pakistan mangos. Normal mango also ok?
I have beautiful children a man and a house but the Pinguecula have worsed my live. I see everday people they have white eye only me I think. Can you send me a picture from you eye how they now.
Please. I put now lemon juice but I don t know if they work for me and my doctor don t won t remove it from my eye. That Pinguecula s. I have 4 Pinguecula.
My life gonna change if the Pinguecula gone forever. I hope whit power from god swt.
Black Currant Seed Oil
Posted by Jane (Columbus, Oh) on 05/24/2017
Art, Thanks very much for posting these studies; that took some time to do. I will be taking this information to my next ophthalmologist appointment next month.
I have two questions for you:
1. Are the borage oil capsules working for you?
2. Have you changed your diet based on the oils mentioned in the studies? If so, how?
Electrolytes
Posted by Eva (St. Louis) on 09/08/2016
★★★★★
Magnesium, potassium etc. are electrolytes. Dry eye is a symptom of hyperosmolarity, or low water=high salt, probably from evaporation of tear water and hence loss of electrolytes. So you are replacing them orally. Thera tears for contact lenses has electrolytes in it. Am using a drop, mother Oasis Tears Plus, one drop....has a lubricant and hyaluronic acid which attracts and holds water. This has worked.
I believe hyperosmolarity, and loss of electrolytes with Dry Eye mirrors what goes on in the lens that creates Cataracts. Can't figure out how to get the same cure to the lens. Suggestions?
Castor Oil
Posted by Asma (Sydney ) on 11/14/2023
Did you use hexane free and cold pressed oil?? If yes, and still burns it mean you have an issue in your eyes and it will go away. Give it a few days.
Castor Oil
Posted by Susan (California) on 05/26/2017
I put castor oil in my eyes at bed time. I love it. Just get Organic and Hexane free.
Alkaline Water Eye Drops
Posted by Rsw (Ohio) on 09/01/2015
Hi Rhonda,
Do you make your own alkaline water or is it something you buy? I have tried Dave's baking soda and water on the eyelids, which is helpful, but are you saying you put it into your eyes? Thank you for recipe or brand name. I have Sjogren's and would appreciate some relief.
Sauerkraut
Posted by Danny (Los Angeles, Ca) on 10/22/2014
★★★★★
I've discovered that my dry eyes are hardly dry at all when I wake up in the morning as long as I eat Raw Sauerkraut. It has to be the Raw Sauerkraut form, not the regular kind you but at the supermarket. That kind can increase yeast, the raw kind actually helps to kill yeast. Raw Sauerkraut can be bought at health food stores and farms.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 08/19/2014
Elodie (Melbourne) dear Elodie, read up on Palma Christie which is a website on Edgar Cayce's healing remedies. Use it just to improve dry eyes and eyesight. My two dogs who are older have dry eyes. One of them has now shiny eyes and with time it will reverse cataracts or at least stop progression. On EC people have reversed cataracts but that takes about three years sometimes. Five days on, two days off. I also read that it favours eyelash lengthening. Put on the eyes it helps with deep sleep. Cold pressed castor oil is very good for aging skin and many conditions that is why it is called Palma Christi. Namaste Om
Multiple Remedies
Posted by KT (Usa) on 08/19/2014
Hi Elodie, Diet has a lot to do with the problem of dry eyes. To make a very long story short of my experiences and what I have learned, spinach is the answer, but not raw. The best is the canned, without salt. That opposes what the majority are pushing but I used to wear contacts and eating that spinach helped promote the lubricant tears in my eyes. At the same time I was in the process of learning about hidden sources of MSG so I had been weeding those out of my diet too. The flowing agent in table salt is one. I use sea salt. Hope this helps you.
Mouth Guard
Posted by Ruralgirl (Texas, US) on 08/29/2014
I found a mouthguard for just a couple of dollars at a sports store that you boil to soften and then bite to make a custom fit.
Castor Oil
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 07/11/2013
Hi Miracles from Santa Monica - I am one of the posters who recommended organic castor oil for dry eyes. I, too, wear contact lenses and, because of the oil residue left in the morning, I have to use an eye wash to get rid of it. It's a small price to pay, though. I wasn't able to wear contacts for over a year because of the dryness - now, no problem. I've only come across one actual eye wash (not eye drops) here in Canada (O----x) but I'm sure you have more options where you live. I'm glad the castor oil worked for you! Cheers, Bess
Baking Soda
Posted by Karen (Smithville, Tx) on 04/25/2016
I see two different amounts of water and baking soda:
1/3 teaspoon in 1/2 cup of water in your first post, then
1/4 teaspoon in 1 cup of water in a follow-up post.
Am curious which one is preferable. Thanks.
Castor Oil
Posted by Rebecca (Redmond, Wa) on 10/07/2014
I just bought cold pressed castor oil. Nervous about how thick it is and putting it in my eyes. Do you know if this is safe ? How are your eyes now ?
Castor Oil
Posted by Happyeyes (Bay City, Mi) on 07/20/2013
I was just diagnosed with Recurrant Cornal Erosion. I had an abrasion about a year ago that has never seemed to heal. When I was finally diagnosed (after multiple doctor visit to several doctors) I was told that I would probably need daily drops and nightly ointment for the rest of my life. While I am willing to spend the money, if it means I don't have the intense, stabbing pain of continually ripping up my cornia, I would do it. But I am so glad to see there is a more economical remedy - and one that is natural! I can't wait to try it! THANK YOU!
Castor Oil
Posted by Joan (Cardiff) on 05/14/2014
It's rose water that is most effective for eyes, not castor oil. It not only soothes eyes but relieve you of any pain.
Castor Oil
Posted by Dookieisking (Nevada) on 10/11/2015
Try sea buckthorn seed oil blend. This will help moisten your entire body. I have blepharitis and styes very bad. They've given me every ridiculous drop and antibiotic imaginable. Nothing has worked as well for me as sea buckthorn seed oil in a pill form. This is an old Indian Areyvedic treatment from what I understand.
Cod Liver Oil
Posted by Joy (San Diego, Ca) on 04/28/2013
Interesting post about Cod Liver OIL eithier you have a omega 3 defieciency or you are on the borderline or have anemia, because liver is recommended for iron deficiencies, and thyroid deficiencies can cause dry eyes even if your thyroid is on the verge of being low according to my ND you may very well be having and showing all effects of low thyroid! Anyhow the MD felt the high grade fish oils results are better and more effective.
Castor Oil
Posted by Lisa (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/03/2013
The oils you are using are not "sterile" which means that they are not pure enought to be intended for use in the eye BECAUSE the oils may be contaminated and that puts you at risk of infection which can lead to visual impairments, even blindness. May I suggest you investigate IPL, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, to unclog the pores that secrete lubricants. IPL is not covered by insurance, and may cost about $350 per session.
Castor Oil
Posted by Anonymouscat (Pdx, Or) on 05/24/2013
The research showed that castor oil caused Cytotoxicity which means is the quality of being toxic to cells and that other oils such as olive oil should be used in eye ointments. This is odd because at the ND told me to used castor oil pack on my abdomen for a small surgical scar so my thought is maybe on the skin but not safe for eyes.
Castor Oil
Posted by Kelly (Oregon, Usa) on 06/04/2014
Castor oil does NOT contain "ricin".
The castor seed contains ricin, a toxic protein. Heating during the oil extraction process denatures and inactivates the protein.
Castor Oil
Posted by Anonymous ( Portland , Oregon) on 07/25/2013
My MD has a naturopathic education. He gave me organic cold pressed castor oil in GLASS bottles not in plastic. Apparently castor oil in plastic is very toxic and leeches plastic into the castor oil! This explain why everytime I would use castor oil in plastic bottle my eyes would burn badly until I started using in the glass bottles He also gave me 100% unbleached organic wool to place over my eyes soaked in castor oil and hot water bottle placed over the wool. Make sure that the hot water bottle cap is secure and just be careful to not make too hot. It also suggested not use heating pad on the body because of EMF waves interfere with body energetic system.
Castor Oil
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 12/14/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Castor oil didn't work for my dry eyes. I tried it a few times, with different kinds of Castor Oil bought in health food shops but I woke up with swollen red eyes every time. I didn't use a droper as I didn't have one, I just put it around my eyes and let it run in a bit. But my eyes are better though although I am now living in an incredibly dry apartment (the Swiss give a new meaning to insulation.... ). I follow the advice I saw here of using more grape seed oil in my cooking and occasionally also drink a bit. I now sleep most nights without the use of a cream whether before I would wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning with very gritty eyes.
I also stopped drinking too much water and the sense of dryness in my mouth, especially at night also disappeared. I am not thirsty during the day anymore either. The more I drank the more I seemed to need to drink, not a good thing! And after years of getting up during the night to go to the bathroom although I am now older I hardly ever do that anymore!
I guess that the bottom line is: listen to your body!
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 12/03/2011
Thanks Liz, great advice! My eyes are a lot better, so is the dryness in my throat at night! I have never had an eye operation but all of a sudden my eyes got very dry, especially during the night, so did my mouth and throat. The contact lenses specially prescribed flaxseed oil 3000mg and right now I am also taking EPO and vitamin E. I can stand my contact lenses a lot better again and when I take them off my eyes don't feel so irritated anymore. Maybe next I try the flaxseed and cod liver oil.
Grape Seed Oil
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 11/21/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Hi, great news.... But I have to say that I used grape seed oil for a while a little while ago and I didn't notice any difference. I started using it after buying a very interesting book with information about grapes: treatments, beauty, cooking, etc. I use it on my face as well with a few drops of geranium essential oil as it seems to prevent or to fade brown spots. But now I will buy a new bottle and use in the kitchen for a while to see what happens to my dry eyes. I am 54 and doctors also tell me that it is connected to my age, something I don't accept so I keep on trying to find answers and solutions! My eyes get very dry during the night and also a bit during the day if I have my contact lenses on. Never had a problem till this started all of a sudden when I was 53 (only maybe a couple of days a year when it was very hot, other than that never! ).
Vitamins A, E
Posted by Kayla (Los Angeles, Ca) on 10/09/2011
★★★★★
I've suffered from severe dry eyes, red, itchy, gritty eyes for years and I tried everything. I always had natural eye drops on my nightstand and throughout the night I'd have to wake up to put drops in my eyes. I had tried vitamin E and beta- carotene before but it didn't work. Well one day my husband bought Natural Vitamin E with tocopherols soft gels from GNC So before I went to bed I took four of the vitamin E capsules which total of 1600 IU and I took three soft gel natural vitamin A 8000 IU which would be 24000 IU and I put vaseline on my eye lids and around my eyes it is soothing, but of course I do not put it my eyes. By day three my dry, red, itchy gritty eyes are gone, and the swollen vessel in my eye is also gone! Also what helps is not drinking coffee because it is dehydrating , cut out sugar and flour for some people the eyes may be inflamed and they might try turmeric to reduce inflammation and then look at what your eating that caused inflammation.
Aloe Vera, Avoid Coffee
Posted by Diana (Dresden, Germany) on 08/19/2014
Hello, I suffer from severe Dry Eye Syndrome since one year. And by the time I started to feel the discomfort and annoy at my eyes I was on a strict (but very varied and healthy) diet due to GERD. Thus I was not allowed to eat any fruits or vegetables, not to mention coffee or spicy food. And I still started to feel the effects of Dry Eye Syndrome. What I want to point out is the fact, that the dry eye has nothing to do with the fact, that you eat some fruits or drink coffee once in a while. And one more thing: Omega3 pills have just Placebo effects. Try not to take them a whole month, and you?ll see that nothing has changed. You feel the same with or without them. Sad, but true. Keep trying other remedies, although I'm about to give it up.
Aloe Vera, Avoid Coffee
Posted by Diana (Dresden) on 08/19/2014
Hello, I suffer from severe Dry Eye Syndrome since one year. And by the time I started to feel the discomfort and annoy at my eyes I was on a strict (but very varied and healthy) diet due to GERD. Thus I was not allowed to eat any fruits or vegetables, not to mention coffee or spicy food. And I still started to feel the effects of Dry Eye Syndrome. What I want to point out is the fact, that the dry eye has nothing to do with the fact, that you eat some fruits or drink coffee once in a while. And one more thing: Omega3 pills have just Placebo effects. Try not to take them a whole month, and you'll see that nothing has changed. You feel the same with or without them. Sad, but true. Keep trying other remedies, although I'm about to give it up.
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 09/28/2011
Francisca, like you, I am myopic and of a dry constitution in general. I have found that if I take a lick (on the edge of a wet finger) of 2-3 grains of the Gerande salt every time I drink water, somehow, the water "stays in" and moisturises the body better and I don't have to get up as much at night, and dry areas improve.
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 09/28/2011
Mmsg, thanks for your advice. I have that salt at home. I tried to add salt to all the water I drank after reading Dr. Batman's book on water but I found that it didn't really help. But I am going to try it the way you say. My skin is also getting drier so it is worth trying. I too get up quite a few times at night, especially when I don't sleep well or maybe I don't sleep well because of that!
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 09/28/2011
Mmsg, do you lick the salt before you drink the water or afterwards? I forgot to say that in a new I have just read the author, Christopher Vasey, says that if you suffer from extracellular thirst you should drink water with salt, if it is extracellular thirst without salt. Intracellular thirst is much more common though. If you suffer from extracellular thirst and don't take salt things will get worse because of drinking more water. I feel that this is my case because, although I started adding a bit of salt when I started drinking more water I seemed to get more and more thirsty and my eyes and throat started getting drier, it was rather strange. I almost had the feeling that by drinking more because I thought that it was good for me I deregulated my body making it need water all the time while feeling rather dry all the same. Stilll the author says that if you get thirsty late at night, which is my case, you have intracellular thirst! Or did it go wrong with me because I had intracellular thirst and started drinking water with a bit of salt? It is a pity he doesn't tell how to recognize both kinds of thirst but I think that the extracellular is when you sweat a lot or urinate a lot, thus because of loss of liquids. Anyway, this is a great book with an awful lot of information: Water Prescription!
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West South Africa) on 10/01/2011
Hi, Francisca, I have been using DMSO & MSM drops for my eyes & can even read without glasses now & my eyes do not pain anymore.
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 10/05/2011
Bonjour Francisca! Your first question on aloe vera, yes, use the kind you drink... A high quality one. The ones you drink that barely taske like aloe would not do much good. Also, having spent a little time lately in southern France, I think I could do well in eating without consuming too much tomato products. Now it might be a different story if you were Italian! But really you can eat about what you want IF you precede the meal with a half/or whole teaspoon of baking soda. Alkalize first, and then eat what you want. But if you do not, and you eat a highly acidic meal (red meat, sugars, hot peppers, tomatoes etc) and then later try to counter the effect with baking soda or alkalized water, then the "base" is trying to catch up with the acid already in the body.
Some other folks who wrote after you recommended various oils for the eyes; one recommended DMSO and MSM. This question to the three or four who wrote to Francisca: Are you applying the oils you recommend on the eye lid or onto the eye ball itself? Especially I'd like to know for the one who uses DMSO and MSM... How do you apply? And in what dose? I use DMSO a LOT for various needs, especially as a solvent/carrier to transport colloidal silver under the skin and into a targeted area where there may be an infection. I use the DMSO to transport Colloidal Silver. For instance, I use it to combat shingles; Bells Palsy. (See my posts on those two. ) But I've never heard of using DMSO directly on the eye and frankly I'd be afraid to do it. Please explain in detail specifics. (Number of drops in relation to MSM; frequency etc.)
Lastly, Francisca, not knowing anything about you, but if someone asked me what to do for a general dry skin condition, I'd first suggest a few hot baths infused with Epsom Salts... Magnesium cloride. Try dissolving two cups in hot water on stove. Then pour in tub of water and soak for fifteen minutes. Some dry skin is the result of a lack of magnesium.
Try that every other day for a total of three baths. The magnesium absorbs into the skin and body. This soaking should give you a sense of calm and well being if you indeed need the mineral. Another effect; getting sufficient quantities of magnesium and potassium allows you eat your food with salt (sea salt, of course). I recommend you shower off the salt residue on your body after the soaking bath.
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/10/2011
Hi David, thanks for all the information! Although I am not an Italian (I am Portuguese) life without tomatos wouldn't be the same! When you talk about the bicarbonate I suppose you mean dissolved in water? I will try! As far as magnesium Chloride we have Nigari here in France, no Epsom salts. I can take a bath and also drink a bit (not too much because of the awful taste and the diarrhea). I will shower after the bath then.
Actually I now have a theory where my dry eyes and throat (mouth) during the night could come from. In November last year I had a tooth implant done in Switzerland, in what seemed to be a high tech clinic. My problems started around that time, could that be related? I hope someone on this site will maybe have heard of something similar. It happens that my best friend, who has just turned 89 has been having a lot of problems with bridges put in the same clinic and she heard on the German TV that many times nowadays dentists use bad quality metal from China. I also read something similar in a book I have where the author says that the metal used in the implants can cause a lot of health problems. I am now trying to talk to the surgeon but so far he hasn't called me back. My fear is that even if he knows that the problems can be caused by the implant he will never tell me. Actually, I don't even see why he would.... He got a lot of money for it (it was so very expensive.... ) and he won't want any trouble! In the meanwhile I have problems sleeping, even with cream in my eyes I wake up with gritty eyes, have problems with my contact lenses, keep drinking water all night and fear for the health of my eyes and my teeth! I feel utterly miserable.........
I read a while ago about Manuka Honey in the eyes. So far I haven't dared to try but maybe I will! I am desperate! Coconut oil and Castor oil didn't work for me. As you say that some people left more suggestions for me I will have a look as I have been away for a few days.
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Miguel (Winnipeg, Manitoba) on 02/20/2012
Definitely avoid coffee, however I do find that camomile tea works amazing to fix dry eyes.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Kenneth (Illinois, US) on 02/01/2015
If you use eye drops. You can put one drop of coconut water in each eye then drink the rest. They do this to remove cataracts. I have used it myself and it did not hurt.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Kenneth (Illinois, US) on 02/01/2015
Coconut Oil
Posted by Veronica (Ohio ) on 06/04/2015
I have been putting virgin olive oil around my eyes so some seeps in and my eyes feel great. I would love to put some directly into my eyes. Do you know how to sterilize the oil?
Vitamin B12
Posted by Mia (Lyngby) on 02/11/2021
Castor Oil
Posted by Elise (Perth, Wa Australia) on 03/18/2011
Im so glad to hear that you have found relief using the castor oil! Made my day :)
Castor Oil
Posted by Marg (Ontario, Canada) on 04/01/2015
Do you need to refrigerate the castor oil after opening?
Castor Oil
Posted by Lorica (New Albany, Indiana, Usa) on 01/22/2010
★★★★★
Dry Mouth & Dry Eyes Help
My problems with dry mouth started when I began taking an anti depressant. It only affected me when I would lie down to sleep. The dryness was so bad that it was seriously interfering with my sleep. I do not like the idea of taking things with sugar, sugar substitutes or any kinds of chemicals and putting them into my mouth to stop the dryness, tho when I did give in and try some OTC products, they didn't help much. What has helped dramatically with dry mouth has been fennel seed, organic. Right before bed I take about 1/2 tsp. and chew it a little to soften it, then use my tongue to tuck the seeds under my upper & lower lip, between there & the teeth. The flavonoids in the fennel causes me to salivate, but not to a bothersome extent. Sometimes the little seeds fall down onto my tongue at night, but that doesn't hurt anything & I never have come close to choking. Works every time!
For dry eyes, I noticed one commercial product had castor oil in it, & some kind of chemical. Every night before I got to bed I wet my finger with castor oil, not so that it is dripping wet. Then I rub the inner side of the lower lids with the oil, close my eyes & roll my eyes around. It helps a ton!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jag (Nj ) on 09/16/2013
Hien from Houston posted the remedy: "5 parts of water, 2 parts of honey and 1 part of apple cider vinegar." I also want to know, do you put this in your eye or swallow it? Please advise as my 7 yr old is suffering from dry red eyes. It wouldn't hurt to take both orally & eye wash but just wondering.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Laura (Honolulu , HI) on 03/19/2009
★★★★★
I have chronic dry eye- it really stinks. I seem to have itchy eyes all the time, discharge when I wake up, and wearing my contacts all day is near impossible. I'm pretty sure wearing contacts for the last 10 years has done a number on my eyes and the lubrication. To help calm to itchiness I wash my eyes with a tiny bit of baby shampoo in the shower each day. Oil pulling also helps keep my eyes more lubricated so that my contacts don't get cloudy and stuff.. It seems to be helping so far- I'm about 3 days in. Try it!
Evening Primrose Oil
Posted by Lew (Kansas) on 04/07/2023
★★★★★
Betty, I have found Evening Primrose Oil to be very effective at relieving my dry eyes issue. I originally tried it for anti inflammatory benefit, but discovered that it fixed my problem with dry eyes. It was effective within a very short period of time, about 3 days I believe. I take one softgel a day that contains 1300mg Evening Primrose Oil, and of that, 120mg is GLA. It's an inexpensive remedy for dry eyes. I buy one bottle about every 4 months. Hope this helps.
Castor Oil
Posted by Island girl (GC) on 05/17/2022
I have had very dry eyes for the past couple of months. Also, have cataracts. Recently went to a doctor who has asked me to use Systane Ultra and Ocumed Plus eye drops during the day and VIscoear gel at night for dry eyes. Used them for a couple of days. Then I started using organic castor oil 1 drop in each eye 10 days ago. I read someone comment somewhere that we should not use pharmacy drops and castor oil drops on the same day (even with many hours gap), so stopped using the Obama drops and gel. But my eyes are quite dry and don't know whether castor oil is helping with the cataract or not.
Just curious, has anyone used pharmacy drops during the day and castor oil at night? Is it ok to put all these in the eyes on the same day with a few hours gap? I can skip the Visco tear gel.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by M. In Md (Md.) on 03/23/2020
★★★★★
.I use about a quarter capful of peroxide in my small diffuser every night for dry mouth/eyes ..helps a lot. With the corona concerns, I feel it won't hurt
Inversion
Posted by Iowamom (NY) on 08/09/2019
★★★★★
My dry eyes are feeling so much better of late. As my vegetable garden is coming in, I decided to take Dr. Wahls' advice, which is to get my nutrients from food. I have stopped taking supplements completely. Without a lot of experimenting, I have no way of knowing which pill was causing the extreme dryness, but if I ever resume supplements, I will start them slowly and more thoughtfully. I also wanted to add that my eyes always have felt great when I'm gardening, and I think it is because I bend over quite a lot. I can see how Sasha (April 28, 2019) below got her eye relief from an inversion table.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 03/10/2018
Susie,
I had a question about your advice, which could be helpful to many of us with dry eyes. When you say no sugar, do you mean just sugar or do you mean all carbs, such as flour, grains, bread, bananas, rice, etc? Thank you for any clarification.
