Our purpose is not to hinder the physiological processes of the organism. Ours is a holistic approach. An approach that encourages the ristoring of the physical balance, by facing the causes as efficiently as possible and by ensuring a fast relief of all the symptoms.
Symptoms and relief
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Eyes and ears
The eye, a complex and delicate organ designated for the mechanism of vision by means of structures that make it optically equivalent to a camera. It transforms light in information that reaches the brain in the form of electrical impulses. When we look at an object, the light coming from it enters our eyes and passes through a number of natural lenses – the cornea, the crystalline lens and the vitreous body, equivalent to the camera lens – , and is then focused on the retina (the “photographic film”).
The complexity and diversity of elements that contribute to its functionality make it particularly delicate; if one then considers that the organ interacts with the external world, it is clear how vulnerable it can be to aggressions of different kinds (bacterial, viral, atmospheric, foreign bodies, etc.). The retina relays information to the brain by sending electrical impulses through a biological cable: the optic nerve.
The protective function is taken care of by conjunctiva, eyelids and related glands. The conjunctive is a thin, transparent mucosa covering the front surface of the eye and the inner walls of the eyelids; its defensive function of the cornea is made possible not only thanks to a purely mechanical action (through a homogeneous distribution of the tear fluid), but also owing to the secretion of antibodies (IgA and IgG) and to substances with an antibacterial action (lysozyme). The eyelids, with their movements, contribute to adjust the quantity of light entering the eye, protecting it from too intensive illumination. They spread the tear film on the conjunctiva, allowing it to be constantly moistened and preventing dehydration. The gland system is mainly in charge of producing the tear film so as to obtain the right balance between the aqueous and lipidic components of tear fluid, thereby avoiding a too rapid evaporation which would expose the eye to dryness.
At times, the eye is not sufficiently equipped to protect itself from microbial, physical and chemical agents, allergens, foreign bodies, etc.; several problems can therefore arise, according to the variables and to the part of the eye involved.
The ear is the hearing organ and can be divided into 3 parts:
- the outer ear, consisting in the earcup and ear canal, which collects the sound waves;
- the middle ear, formed by the tympanic cavity and tympanic membrane, auditory bones (hammer, anvil and stirrup) and by the Eustachean tube, receives the vibrations produced by the sound waves and conveys them to the inner ear;
- the inner ear, comprising the labyrinth, formed by the vestibular system regulating the sense of balance and by the cochlea, sensorineural hearing organ, conveys the stimuli of vibrations to the brain and it is where the sense of balance is located.
This anatomical district is also sometimes prone to problems of different types, from the build-up of earwax to painful otitis media.
It is therefore vital to have effective natural remedies available to successfully treat the different affections, each with an approach targeted to eradicate the cause of the problem, using suitable means considering the specific anatomical district involved.
Blepharitis is an inflammation affecting the eyelid margin (dermal-epidermal junction) along the lash line. It is often accompanied by the presence of secretions and crusts that encourage infections. Bacterial species mostly involved are streptococci and stafilocci. There is also blepharitis caused by Chlamydia and Citomegalovirus; at times Candida albicans can also be responsible for this particular affection.
Typical symptoms are: itching, burning and reddening of the eye contour, palpebral edema, loss of eyelashes, conjunctival irritation with lacrimation and photophobia. The problem often tends to chronicise: this can cause an alternation of the functionality of Meibomian glands (located in the upper eyelid, excretory glands whose function is to secrete the lipidic part of the lacrimal film, with the function of protecting the cornea and controlling evaporation of the acqueous tear layer).
Ensuing alteration of the lacrimal film can be one of the triggering causes of the dry eye syndrome (inflammation of the palpebral margin, affecting glands in charge of producting the lipidic layer: under these conditions, the secretion is alterated, so when it comes into contact with structures of the eye’s surface a deficit of lacrimal film occurs).
Nature can help you solve the problem of blepharitis
Treatment of blepharitis with conventional medicine
In most cases, conventional medicine prescribes eyewashes or ophthalmic ointments based on antibiotics or cortisone, aiming to intervene on the infectious and inflammatory aspects at the same time. However, often chosen without actually knowing about the real microbial cause underlying blepharitis (in fact, viruses and fungi can be involved in the infectious process), in such cases antibiotics turn out to be more harmful than curative for the organism, also because of their well-known side effects, potentially involving sensitization as well as insurgence of different forms of bacterial resistance.
Cortisone-based medicines, instead, weaken the defensive system of the eye, whose natural protective systems is already debilitated by blepharitis itself: the risk is that of facilitating the insurgence of further infections, particularly of viral origin. Over-the-counter decongestant eyewashes turn out too be too mild and therefore ineffective for the actual solution of the problem. This is why it is important to have valid alternatives available to use in the treatment of blepharitis. Nature can once again be of valuable help, offering elements of proven efficacy.
A natural and effective approach
Inflammation of the palpebral margin, typically occurring in blepharitis, accompanied by secretions that promote microbial infection, often tends to cronicize, leading to itching, conjunctival irritation, lacrimation, oedema, photophobia and, occasionally, even loss of eyelashes. Nature can once again be of great help, thanks to the extraordinary, broad spectrum microbial properties of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), ensuring efficacy and safety of use at the same time.
GSE and blepharitis
Efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract as a broad spectrum antimicrobial has been proven by Laboratories and Institutes worldwide. In fact, Grapefruit Seed Extract is active against over 800 bacterial strains (both Gram+ and Gram-), as well as viruses and over 100 strains of yeasts and moulds. Numerous testimonies confirm its validity and in terms of both efficacy and speed of action it remains unrivalled in nature. In this specific case, as for microorganisms most frequently responsible for the onset of blepharitis, countless publications prove that GSE is active against different types of stafilococci and streptococci, as well as against Chlamydia trachomatis and other species of Candida.
GSE therefore represents an extremely valid remedy against conjunctivitis of microbial origin. Its use is absolutely safe, also in the absence of a certain diagnosis, since its broad spectrum action is accompanied by the rare quality of its selectivity: in fact, GSE is active against pathogens, while not significantly affecting microbial flora of the mucosae, hence preserving the eye’s natural defenses. Moreover, the use of GSE does not entail the development of bacterial resistance.
Due to the above-mentioned considerations, GSE therefore represents the cornerstone of an extraordinarily effective approach towards blepharitis, whatever its origin. The association of specific plant extracts with marked decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, in a solution for ophthalmic use, essentially ensures two following synergistic actions:
- It acts directly at eye level with a solution in eyedrops, which is at the same time antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and soothing, so as to counter the infectious or inflammatory process, regardless of the triggering factor;
- It acts directly and specifically at the level of the eyelids and eye contour, providing antimicrobial, decongestant, analgesic, anti-itching and markedly anti-inflammatory action.
This approach, combined with a healthy lifestyle (in terms of diet, but not only), includes the use of natural remedies that are well known in folk tradition and the efficacy of which in providing an opportunity to reach a solution has been confirmed by recent studies.
For direct action at eye level with a solution in eyedrops, which is at the same time antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and soothing, so as to counter the infectious or inflammatory process, regardless of the triggering factor…
Nature can help you with…
Grapefruit Seed Extract: as already highlighed, results obtained regarding the efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) against over 800 bacterial strains, numerous fungi and viruses, including species normally involved in the infectious process of blepharitis, confirm GSE to be the ideal remedy for this typical eye affection. Its synergy with specific plant extracts, featuring decongestant and soothing properties, makes this formulation effective and safe to use.
Euphrasia (distilled water): belonging to the family of Scrophulariaceae, the most significant constituents of its phytocomplex are iridoid glucosides (aucubin in particular), conferring marked properties as an ophthalmic astringent. Such action, together with the anti-inflammatory properties, make it ideal for ophthalmic affections of various kinds (eye burning, tearing, photophobia), etc.).
Chamomile (distilled water): it belongs to the family of Asteraceae. Its flowers, rich in active constituents such as chamazulene, α-bisabolol, apigenin, and luteolin, have decongestant, soothing, calming and anti-inflammatory properties (numerous studies have highlighted that such activity is linked to its ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes).
Calendula (distilled water): belonging to the family of Asteraceae, it is rich in triterpene derivatives, mainly responsible for its marked anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. Other constituents are carotenoids, numerous resins, flavonoids, polysaccharides and mucilages, markedly bioadhesive on the skin and mucosae and contributing for this reason to the plant’s health properties. The most significant actions carried out are: anti-inflammatory, anti-reddening, immunomodulating, antimicrobial, cicatrizing, analgesic, lenitive and decongestant.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose: this is a polymer with mucous-like characteristics, capable of stabilising tear film on the eye surface, creating a protective, transparent and viscoelastic shield.
The ideal means for application on the eye of such ingredients is a solution in eye drops.
For direct and specific action at the level of the eyelids and eye contour, providing antimicrobial, decongestant, analgesic, anti-itching and markedly anti-inflammatory action…
Nature can help you with…
Grapefruit Seed Extract: as already highlighed, results obtained regarding the efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) against over 800 bacterial strains, numerous fungi and viruses, including species most frequently involved in the typical infectious process of blepharitis, confirm GSE to be the ideal remedy for this typical eye affection. Its synergy with specific plant extracts, with decongestant and soothing properties, makes this formulation effective and safe to use.
Calendula (acqua distillata): belonging to the family of Asteraceae, it is rich in triterpene derivatives, mainly responsible for its marked anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. Other constituents are carotenoids, numerous resins, flavonoids, polysaccharides and mucilages, markedly bioadhesive on the skin and mucosae and contributing for this reason to the plant’s health properties. The most significant actions carried out are: anti-inflammatory, anti-reddening, immunomodulating, antimicrobial, cicatrizing, analgesic, lenitive and decongestant.
Nymphaea: parts used for officinal purposes are flowers and rhizome, both rich in alkaloids (nymphein and nymphalin), gallic acid, tannic acid and mucilages. Applied on skin and mucosae, it is very useful for the treatment of irritative and inflammatory type of dermatological affections. Health properties of Nymphaea on the skin are attributable to high concentration levels of gallic and tannic acids, capable of considerably reducing erythema, itching, oedema, exerting a marked anti-inflammatory action in general. Nymphein and Nymphalin alkaloids, instead, convey the analgesic and sedative properties of the plant. Moreover, thanks to its mucilages, Nymphaea acts as an emollient and enables considerable increase of cutaneous hydration.
Elderberry: parts mostly employed for external use are its flowers, extremely rich in chemical constituents, among which mucilages play a key role, with their marked emollient and lenitive action, and flavonoids (kaempferol, astragalin, rutin, quercetin, isoquercetin, iperoside) due to their anti-inflammatory action. In phytotherapy, preparations are obtained using active constituents from Elderberry flower extracts, for ophthalmic applications in case of eye affections of different kinds.
Altea: a plant belonging to the family of Malvaceae, featuring marked anti-inflammatory, emollient, calming, lenitive, decongestant and antipruriginous properties. In phytotherapy, the part mostly used is the root, extremely rich in mucilages and responsible for the beneficial effects on mucosae and skin. For external use, it is very effective in the treatment of eye inflammations owing to its marked anti-reddening and antipruriginous effect.
All the above-mentioned ingredients, artfully blended in a specific solution for the eyelids and eye contour, can be conveyed in practical, mask-shaped eye compresses in non-woven fabric.
In the case of blepharitis, in association with the above-mentioned applications on eye and eyelids, oral integration is recommended of specific plant ingredients for:
Systemic action so as to counter possible microbial infection and support the organism’s defensive system
Nature can help you with…
Grapefruit Seed Extract: results obtained regarding the efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) against fungi, viruses, bacteria, including species most commonly involved in the infectious process leading to blepharitis, confirm the usefulness of GSE not only for local but also for systemic use, so as to directly counter ongoing infections as well as to improve general efficiency of the organism’s defensive system against any kind of microbial attack.
In fact, as highlighted in a study published in the “Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine” n° 5 of 1990, GSE is effective on pathogens while not significantly affecting mucosal microbial flora; instead, it enables reconstruction of beneficial flora, representing the first line of defense of our organism towards any external aggression, thereby ensuring protection from infections.
Echinacea: belonging to the family of Aseraceae, native to the central regions of the US, it is capable of slowing down the spread of pathogenic germs, triggering a defensive mechanism against such germs, while simultaneously activating a regenerative activity of the tissues. For this reason, Echinacea preparations are considered effective in the treatment of septic conditions and in infectious pathologies.
Rhodiola: typically found in cold climates of the northern hemisphere, it has the ability to increase resistance of the organism to toxins; it increases the level of enzymes, of RNA and proteins and is therefore capable of reducing recovery times resulting from fatigue or prolonged illnesses.
Uncaria: native to South America, the most commonly part employed is the bark, powerfully effective as a regulator of the immune system. Its use promotes an increased resistance of the organism against infections and improves the body’s response in case of illness.
Tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia): an Australian plant with well-known and amply recognized antiviral properties, it is also effective against bacteria and fungi, as well as being a powerful stimulant of the immune system.
The ideal form of intake of such plant active constituents is represented by swallowable tablets. For children, the drinkable version is to be preferred, containing an analogous composition of the tablets.
The association of the above-described ingredients, essential to offer a definitive solution in the case of blepharitis, can be further supported by:
A rebalancing action of the intestinal flora and simultaneous reinforcement of the organism’s natural defences: for adults, single use vials with measuring cap based on probiotics (B. bifidum, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Uncaria and Morinda citrifolia (Noni); for children, single use vials with patented cap, based on probiotics (B. infantis, B. longum, L. Rhamnosus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Astragalus and Uncaria tomentosa.
