Herbal Teas That Help Relieve Dry Eyes Naturally

 Meta Description: Struggling with dry eyes? Discover herbal teas that may support eye hydration, reduce inflammation, and provide natural relief without side effects.

👁️ Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is poor, leading to discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Modern lifestyles—prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, indoor environments, and aging—contribute to increasing cases of dry eyes.

While artificial tears and medications can help, many people seek natural remedies, such as herbal teas, to relieve symptoms and support long-term eye health.

🌿 How Herbal Teas Help with Dry Eyes

Herbal teas offer various properties that benefit eye moisture and overall ocular health:

  • 🌱 Anti-inflammatory compounds soothe the ocular surface

  • 💧 Hydration from warm fluids supports tear production

  • 🧘‍♀️ Relaxation reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, which can dry out mucous membranes

  • 🧪 Antioxidants protect against oxidative stress linked to meibomian gland dysfunction and tear film instability

Herbal teas don’t replace medical treatment, but they can enhance comfort and work synergistically with prescribed therapies.

🫖 7 Herbal Teas That May Help Relieve Dry Eyes

1. Chrysanthemum Tea (국화차)

  • 🌼 Traditionally used in Korean and Chinese medicine for eye health

  • Contains luteolin and apigenin, which are natural anti-inflammatories

  • Believed to clear liver heat, which traditional medicine often associates with eye problems

How to use: Brew 3–5 dried flowers in hot water for 5–7 minutes. Drink warm, 1–2 times a day.

2. Licorice Root Tea (감초차)

  • Known for its mucus membrane soothing properties

  • Contains glycyrrhizin, which may support adrenal balance and reduce ocular inflammation

  • Helps retain moisture in body tissues

🚫 Caution: Should be avoided in large amounts by those with high blood pressure.

3. Goji Berry Tea (구기자차)

  • Rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, essential for macular and retinal health

  • Touted in traditional medicine to nourish the liver and kidney, both considered vital to vision

  • May promote tear secretion and reduce oxidative stress

Tip: Soak dried goji berries in hot water or combine with chrysanthemum for a synergistic blend.

4. Green Tea (녹차)

  • High in polyphenols, especially EGCG, which reduce systemic inflammation

  • Some studies suggest topical extracts may help with meibomian gland function

  • Supports general antioxidant protection

💡 Avoid excessive intake if you're sensitive to caffeine.

5. Eyebright Tea (유럽산 애기풀)

  • Historically used for red, irritated eyes

  • Contains tannins and flavonoids that support eye surface health

  • Traditionally believed to “brighten the eyes”

Note: While less common in Asia, it’s widely used in Europe and available in natural food stores.

6. Ginger Tea (생강차)

  • Excellent for improving blood circulation

  • Contains gingerol, which may help reduce inflammation contributing to dry eyes

  • Warming nature may help with eye strain-related dryness

Suggestion: Combine with honey and lemon for added benefits.

7. Schisandra Berry Tea (오미자차)

  • A well-known adaptogenic herb in East Asian medicine

  • Believed to strengthen the eyes, lungs, and liver

  • May support hydration and tear stability by modulating body fluids

Brewing: Simmer dried berries for 10–15 minutes to extract full benefits.

🕰️ When and How Often Should You Drink Herbal Teas?

Tea TypeRecommended TimeFrequency
ChrysanthemumAfternoon or evening1–2 times/day
Licorice RootMorning3–4 times/week
Goji BerryAnytimeDaily
Green TeaMorning to mid-day1–2 cups/day
EyebrightAs neededOccasional use
GingerCold days or mornings1 cup/day
SchisandraEvening or before rest1–2 times/week

🍵 Tip: Rotate teas based on your symptoms and season. Keep a journal to note what works best for you.

⚠️ Precautions When Using Herbal Teas for Eye Health

  • 🩺 Always consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you’re on medication or have chronic illnesses.

  • 🚼 Not all teas are suitable for children, pregnant women, or individuals with allergies.

  • 📉 Herbal teas support symptoms—they’re not substitutes for medical treatment for severe dry eyes.

💡 Lifestyle Habits to Combine with Herbal Remedies

To enhance the effect of herbal teas, try integrating these habits:

  • 🌬️ Use a humidifier in dry environments

  • 🧴 Apply warm compresses on eyelids to support meibomian glands

  • 🥦 Eat a diet rich in omega-3s, vitamin A, and lutein

  • 📵 Reduce screen time or use the 20-20-20 rule

  • 😴 Get 7–8 hours of sleep to restore ocular hydration

✅ Final Thoughts

Herbal teas can offer a gentle, natural method to ease the discomfort of dry eyes while promoting overall wellness. Whether you're dealing with screen fatigue or seasonal dryness, incorporating these traditional teas into your routine may bring both comfort and clarity.

🍃 Sometimes, the best remedies for our eyes are found in the simplest cups of warmth and tradition.