Q&A: Macular Degeneration, Dark Eye Circles and Pap Smears

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In every issue of Herbs for Health, professionals from a variety of health-care fields answer your questions about using medicinal herbs. In this issue, Rosemary Gladstar and Jill Stansbury answer your questions on macular degeneration, dark eye circles, and cervical dysplasia.

Rosemary Gladstar, author of Herbal Healing for Women (Simon and Schuster, 1993), and several other books on herbalism, runs Sage Mountain Retreat Center and Native Plant Preserve in East Barre, Vermont. Her experience includes more than twenty years in the herbal ­community as a healer, teacher, visionary, and organizer of herbal events.

Jill Stansbury has been a Naturopathic Physician for more than ten years, with a private practice in Battleground, Washington. She is the chair of the Botanical Medicine Department at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, in Portland, Oregon, and is the author of many books including Herbs for Health and Healing (Publication International, 1997).

The information offered in “Q & A” is not intended to be a substitute for advice from your health-care provider.

SLOWING MACULAR DEGENERATION

Is there any herb that can help macular degeneration? I have been told the disease may be caused by a lack of zinc.
H. H.
Rolla, Missouri

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent and/or slow the process of macular degeneration. Good sight is dependent on a continuous supply of fresh blood and oxygen to the eyes and the surrounding muscles. Free radical damage and lack of blood and oxygen seem to be primary factors in degeneration of the macula and the resulting loss of vision.

Many foods, herbs, and supplements supply antioxidants and help control free-radical damage to the eyes. Among my favorites is ­bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Studies have shown that people taking 400 to 2,000 mg of standardized bilberry extract have improved their visual acuity, night vision, and enlarged their visual field. American blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are also excellent sources of the phytochemicals responsible for increasing microcirculation in the eyes. I also recommend 120 to 240 mg of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) daily to increase circulation.

Antioxidants are also helpful. I recommend vitamin C (500 to 1,000 mg daily), vitamin E (400 IU daily), beta-carotene (50,000 IU daily, but not above 8,000 IU daily during pregnancy), lutein (6 mg daily), and zinc picolinate (45 mg daily). Antioxidant-rich foods include berries and dark green leafy vegetables—especially kale and spinach, which are rich in lutein.