DISEASE FILE(E-2)

Eczema

Description

Superficial Inflammation of the Skin which mainly affects the Epidermis.

Eczema is characterized by Itching with a red Rash often accompanied by small Blisters that weep and become blistered.

These Substances Alleviate or Prevent Eczema

Bacteria

Lactobacillus acidophilus alleviates Eczema.

Fatty Acids

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) alleviates Eczema.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) alleviates atopic Eczema (due to its moisturizing effects).

Eczema-like Skin eruptions are a symptom of Linoleic Acid (LA) deficiency [scientific research].

Minerals

Eczema is sometimes a symptom of Calcium deficiency.

Eczema that is associated with Nervousness can occur as a result of Potassium deficiency.

Silicon alleviates Eczema.

Eczema can occur as a result of Sulphur deficiency.

Vitamins

Biotin alleviates Eczema.

Inositol helps to prevent Eczema.

Para Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) alleviates Eczema.

Vitamin B2 alleviates Eczema.

These Foods or Herbs Alleviate or Prevent Eczema

Active Constituents

Burdock reputedly alleviates Eczema [folklore]

Calendula (Marigold) is especially effective in healing Eczema - especially long term Eczema (crushed petals applied topically) [anecdotal].

Chamomile (oil applied topically) alleviates Eczema.

Chaparral (tea) reputedly alleviates Eczema [folklore].

Flax Seed (Linseed) or Oil assists Eczema when the Eczema is caused by EFA deficiency. Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Goldenseal alleviates Eczema [folklore].

Lavender (oil added to bath water) alleviates Eczema.

Eczema responds well to Neem Oil (applied topically)

(Virgin) Olive Oil assists Eczema when the Eczema is caused by EFA deficiency. Fatty Acids

Pau D'Arco reputedly alleviates Eczema [folklore].

Potato (applied topically) alleviates Eczema.

Red Clover (tea) alleviates Eczema.

Rhubarb (juice) alleviates the Pain and Itching associated with Eczema. Anthroquinones

Sarsaparilla (tea) alleviates Eczema.

Sassafras Oil (applied topically to the site of the Eczema)

Tea Tree Oil (applied topically to the site of the Eczema) alleviates the Itching associated with Eczema.

Yellowdock reputedly alleviates Eczema.

Yoghurt (applied topically) alleviates Eczema. Lactobacillus acidophilus

These Substances/Factors cause Eczema

Immune System

Eczema (when the cause is not Essential Fatty Acid deficiency) is often the result of Allergies.

Excessive production of Platelet Aggregating Factor (PAF) is implicated in Eczema (due to its Inflammatory function).

Types of Eczema

Eczematous Dermatitis: See Dermatitis

Endogenous Eczema: Atopic Eczema: Commonly occurs during childhood and sometimes associated with hereditary history of allergies.

Discoid Eczema: Small, well-defined areas of Eczema.

Pompholyx Eczema: Found on the hands and feet.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Scaly plaques occur in areas of sebum production (Scalp, Face).

Varicose Eczema: Develops on the legs in association with poor circulation.

Eyes

Description

Three layered spherical structure specialized for receiving and responding to light.

The Eye is the body's organ of sight.

These Substances Enhance the General Health of the Eyes

ENDOGENOUS SUBSTANCES

Carbohydrates

Hyaluronic Acid is the major fluid in the Eyes.

Carotenoids

Retinene is essential to Eyesight - it combines with Opsin to form the visual Pigment - Rhodopsin.

Pigments

Rhodopsin (composed of Opsin and Retinene) is the major Visual Pigment in the Rods and Cones of the Retina of the Eye.

- When light strikes Rhodopsin within the Eyes, Retinene is bleached from Rhodopsin leading to Nerve Impulses that relay the sense of sight to the Brain.

- In darkness, Retinene and Opsin are recombined to form Rhodopsin.

- In intense light, Rhodopsin may be split at a faster rate than it can be reconstituted, leading to temporary day blindness.

Proteins

Collagen is an important structural component of the Eyes.

Opsin is essential to Eyesight - it combines with Retinene to form the visual Pigment - Rhodopsin.

EXOGENOUS SUBSTANCES

Amino Acids

Glutathione concentrates in the optic lens of the Eye and accelerates the recovery from Eye Surgery.

Taurine concentrates in the Retina of the Eyes and is essential for Eyesight.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants accumulate in the Eyes to a greater extent than in the rest of the body.

Carbohydrates

The synthetic Mucopolysaccharide Pharmaceutical Drug - Viscoat - is injected into the Eye to protect against corneal loss during cataract surgery and artificial lens implantation [scientific research - Viscoat's benefits accrue from its Chondroitin Sulphate and Hyaluronic Acid content].

Carotenoids

Beta-Carotene enhances the health of the Eyes.

Lutein concentrates in the Macula (yellow spot on the back) of the Eyes.

Zeanthin concentrates in the Macula of the Eyes.

Fatty Acids

Vision disturbances are a symptom of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) deficiency [scientific research].

Various Superunsaturated Fatty Acids concentrate in the Cell Membranes of the Retina of the Eyes and are involved in the conversion of Light entering the Eyes into Nerve Impulses involving Sight:

- Clupanodonic Acid

- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

Minerals

Chromium deficiency may cause poor Eyesight.

Iron deficiency may cause a blue tinge around the whites of the Eyes.

Selenium maintains the health of the Eyes.

Zinc concentrates in the Retina of the Eye.

Polyphenols

Anthocyanosides strengthen the lens of the Eye (by improving blood supply to the eyes).

Kaempferol is beneficial for the health of the Eyes.

Myricetin improves the health of the Eyes.

Smart Drugs

Vincamine improves Blood Circulation to the Eyes.

Vitamins

Choline deficiency may cause degeneration of the Eyes.

Inositol stimulates the growth of Eye membranes.

Vitamin A improves the structural integrity of the Mucous Membranes that line the Eyes and maintains the health of the Cornea of the Eye [scientific research - Vitamin A deficiency can result in Keratomalacia - i.e. ulceration of the Cornea].

Vitamin B2 improves the function of the Eyes.

Vitamin C concentrates in the Eyes.

The retina of the eye is very prone to degeneration when a Vitamin E deficiency exists.

These Foods or Herbs Enhance the General Health of the Eyes

Active Constituents

Bilberry alleviates many Eye afflictions by improving blood supply to the Eyes [scientific research - humans]. Anthocyanosides

Blueberries alleviate some Eye ailments and restore visual acuity after exposure to Glare [scientific research - humans]. Anthocyanosides

Carrot (juice) guards against eye infections.

Chamomile (compress) soothes the eyes and helps them to heal.

Chinese Chrysanthemum (tea internally) helps to clear and beautify the Eyes.

Fennel clears and beautifies the Eyes and is claimed to improve vision.

Fenugreek Seeds improve the health of the Eyes.

Lemon Grass (tea) improves the general health of the Eyes.

These Environmental Factors Impair the Function of the Eyes

Altered Lighting

The use of Sunglasses impairs the absorption of the Electromagnetic Radiation that is contained in Sunlight from entering the Eyes (and preventing its subsequent stimulation of the manufacture of Melatonin in the Pineal Gland) [caution - excessive exposure of the Eyes to Electromagnetic Radiation can cause Cataracts of the Eyes].

Sight and Eyes

Description

The Eyes and their role in the Sense of Sight, together with various ailments that afflict the Eyes and the endogenous chemicals that reside in the Eyes.

Biology of Sight

The Rods, Cones and Nerve Cells of the Retina of the Eye are collectively known as Photoreceptors.

These Photoreceptors translate Light into Nerve Impulses for transmission via the Optic Nerve to the Brain.

The Optic Nerve enters an area of the Brain known as the Lateral Geniculate Body which partially processes data and passes this data to the Visual Cortex at the rear of the Brain.

Eyes - Dry

Also known as: Xeropthalmia

Description

Drying of the Tear Ducts of the Eyes that manifests as Dry Eyes.

These Substances Alleviate Dry Eyes

Vitamins

Dry Eyes can occur as a result of Vitamin A deficiency.

Eye Inflammation

Description

Inflamed Eyes usually involve sore eyes accompanied by stinging and irriation associated with watery or thick discharges.

These Substances Alleviate Eye Inflammation

Minerals

Eye Inflammation ("burning eyes") are a symptom of Iron deficiency.

Vitamins

Eye Inflammation can occur as a result of Vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin C alleviates Eye Inflammation (diluted and used in eye baths).

These Foods or Herbs Alleviate Eye Inflammation

Active Constituents

Bilberry stabilizes the Capillaries of the Eyes and reduce their permeability where leaking Capillaries are the cause of the Eye Inflammation. Anthocyanosides

Chamomile (compress applied topically to the Eyes) alleviates Eye Inflammations.

Eyebright (tea ingested internally, not externally) [anecdotal reports].

Goldenseal (root ingested internally) [American Indians traditional use and herbalists since the 1800s].

These Substances Can Cause Eye Inflammation

Light

Fluorescent Light - especially Cool White Fluorescent Light is associated with Eye Inflammations.

Minerals

Excessive exposure to inorganic Chlorine can cause corneal loss to the Eyes.

Polyphenolic Compounds

Excessive Hypericin can cause severe Inflammation of the Mucous Membranes of the Eyes (due to the generation of excessive amounts of Singlet Oxygen).

Recreational Drugs

Tobacco smoking causes Eye Inflammation.

These Herbs Can Cause Eye Inflammation

Toxic Constituents

Excessive consumption of Saint John's Wort can cause severe Inflammation of the Mucous Membranes of the Eyes (due to the generation of excessive amounts of Singlet Oxygen). Hypericin

These Factors Can Cause Eye Inflammation

Cardiovascular System

Leaking Capillaries in the Eyes can cause Eye Inflammations.

Immune System

Allergies can often be the underlying cause of Eye Inflammations - Allergy-based Eye Inflammations cause Watery Eyes due to the release of excessive Histamine by the body's Mast Cells.