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.
Besides the well-known eye inflammations and irritations affecting the conjunctiva, the eye is exposed to several potential disorders, often involving both eyelids and eye contour. One of these is the swelling of the eyelids (or oedema), signalled by an accumulation of liquids, congestion and hyperemia of the upper and/or lower eyelids.
The disorder can be caused by several factors: it can either be related to an allergic reaction (seasonal, from medicines, cosmetics, foodstuffs, insect bites, etc.) or it can be the consequence of a microbial infections (conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes). In all these such, eyelid swelling is acute, characterized by very strong symptom that, in certain instances, can even lead to the eye being partially or even totally closed.
Eyelid swelling can, however, also chronicize. In that case, it is often linked to a generalized, inflammatory condition of the organism and to the difficulty in draining toxins, a consequence of metabolic problems sich as thyroiditis, diabetes, etc. or even in the presence of food intolerances.
Treatment of eyelid swelling with conventional medicine
In case of palpebral oedema, conventional medicine often uses cortisone-based medicines, not only for local use (prescribing ointments and eyewashes), but also for systemic use. However, there are many, well-known side-effects to be expected from such medicines, not only when taken orally! At eye and eyelid level, in fact, because of their immunosuppressant activity, cortisone-based medicines weaken the physiological defenses of the eye, whose natural protective system has already been strongly weakened by the presence of the congestions: this entails the risk of encouraging onset of infections – particularly of the viral type.
Anti-hystamine medicines are also amply used and abused of, particularly when palpebral oedema is of allergic origin. In this case, too, there are several possible side-effects, particularly with reference to the “rebound effect” that can trigger off once treatment is stopped. Very often, in fact, after taking such medicines there is initial remission of symptoms followed by worsening, once treatment with anti-hystamines has been interrupted. There are patients complaining about eyelid swelling becoming chronic due to use of cortisone-based medicines and anti-hystamines.
This is why it is important to have valid alternatives available for treatment of palpebral oedema: solutions ensuring efficacy while being free from side-effects. Nature can once again be of valuable help, offering elements of proven efficacy.
Nature can help you solve the problem of eyelid swelling
A natural and effective approach
Palpebral swelling (or oedema), which is signalled by the accumulation of liquids, congestion and hyperemia of the upper and/or lower eyelids, can be triggered by allergic reactions; it can also be a consequence of microbial infection of the eye or linked to a generalized, inflammatory state of the organism and its difficulty in draining toxins, produced by metabolic problems such as thyroiditis, diabetes, etc., or by the presence of food intolerances. In solving such complex symptoms nature can once more be of great help, associating plant constituents characterized by anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, with the extraordinary property of Grapefruit Seed Extract, thereby ensuring a simultaneous microbial activity, useful to defend the temporarily weakened eye from microbial aggressions.
GSE and eyelid swelling
The efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) as a broad spectrum antimicrobial has been confirmed by Laboratories and Institutes worldwide. Numerous testimonies confirm its validity and in terms of both efficacy and speed of action it remains unrivalled in nature. Moreover, as a selective antimicrobial, GSE does not bear a significant impact on the physiological flora of skin and mucosae, preserving their essential, defensive functionality. GSE therefore represents an extremely valuable aid also in case of palpebral oedema, ensuring the following actions:
- effective, broad spectrum antimicrobial protection of the eyes and eyelids, which is important in order to protect the weakened eye in case the oedema has been triggered by allergic reactions or by systemic/metabolic problems;
- effective resolution of microbial eye affections (conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes) underlying palpebral congestion.
Due to the above considerations, GSE therefore represents the cornerstone of an effective and complete approach against palpebral edema. The association of these specific plant extracts, featuring marked decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, in a solution for ophthalmic use, essentially provides for the following actions: direct, specific action at the level of the eyelids and eye contour, promoting decongestant, analgesic, anti-itching, markedly anti-inflammatory action while simultaneously offering antimicrobial 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, including staphylococci normally involved in the infectious process of styes, confirm GSE to be the ideal remedy to handle problems related to palpebral oedema. Its synergy with specific plant extracts, featuring decongestant and soothing properties, makes this formulation effective and safe to use.
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.
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 inflammation 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.
The association of the above-described ingredients, essential to ensure a local approach against palpebral swelling, can be further supported by specific remedies indicated for the following actions:
- Local, synergic action aimed at providing an effective solution of eye affections: a solution based on GSE, distilled water of Euphrasia, Chamomile and Calendula, together with Hydroxyethylcellulose, in eyedrops.
- Systemic action aimed at contrasting microbial infections and supporting the organism’s defensive system: for adults, GSE, Echinacea purpurea, Rhodiola, Uncaria and Melaleuca alternifolia in swallowable tablets; for children, GSE, Echinacea purpurea, Rhodiola, Uncaria and Morinda citrifolia (Noni), preferably in the drinkable version.
- 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.
