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Couple people in my family have become diligent about taking vitamin supplements daily for eye health. They’ve been taking “Vision Defender” by “Intelligent Formula”, which apparently just contains 3 ingredients: * Meso-Zeaxanthin * Lutein * Zeaxanthin One of them went to the driver license authority and took the eye test without his glasses, passed, and was able to have the corrective lenses restriction removed from his license. It’s pure anecdote.. I wouldn’t put too much stock into vitamins having that effect. But noteworthy nonetheless. They pay $30 for 90 capsules (Amazon, sadly). On the other side of the pond, there are a couple vitamin cocktails, one called “Nutrof Omega by Théa” and the other “PreserVision 3” by “Bausch+Lomb”. They both lack the Meso-Zeaxanthin (which is supposedly important yet rarely mentioned) but have more stuff than “Vision Defender”. All the following ingredients are in Nutrof Omega, and “PV3”-tagged things are also in “PreserVision 3”: * (PV3) lutein and zeaxanthin (for the protection of the macula region of the retina from oxidative stress and signs of aging and can increase visual ability) * (PV3) omega-3 fatty acids (support retinal health) * (PV3) vitamins C, D and E, zinc and copper (help protect cell constituents from oxidative damage) * (PV3) zinc (contributes to the maintenance of normal vision) -- but [counteracts copper](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/fabulous-foods-your-eyes) to some extent * selenium (key antioxidant and also supports the action of vitamin E and zinc) * resveratrol (anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, and protects retinal cells from oxidative stress) * manganese * B complex They both have a €33 price tag for 60 tablets. Over 50¢/day is a bit much but at least it’s from a pharmacist and does not feed Amazon. Apparently vitamin A is missing from both of those supplements, which Harvard [claims](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/top-foods-to-help-protect-your-vision) is relevant. But there are many other supplements.. if someone finds something more complete plz mention it. So then I looked for [relevant foods](https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/high-lutein-and-zeaxanthin-foods.php): 1. Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach) 1. Green Peas 1. Summer Squash 1. Pumpkin 1. Brussels Sprouts 1. Broccoli 1. Asparagus 1. Romaine Lettuce 1. Carrots 1. Pistachios
As I am terminally busy/outside/working on an unfinished list of herbs, I will share a link to one of my favourite regional studies, with a warm "Thank you!!" to the authors who made this publicly available and kindly translated it into English for a larger public to benefit from it. May the traditional knowledge not get lost! [ETHNOBOTANY IN THE CENTER OF PORTUGAL (SANTARÉM) N. Gaspar*, J. Godinho*, T. Vasconcelos**, D. Caldas*, P. Mendes*, O. Barros*](https://repositorio.ipsantarem.pt/handle/10400.15/561)
Boneset is a pretty common "weed" in the eastern US. It's easy to find in wet, disturbed habitats. Uses: -Fever -Anti inflammation -Colds Do NOT consume in large amounts. It has mild liver toxicity and thus should just be used when needed.
Goldenrod is a useful plant, and is numerous in the eastern United states. Uses: Field goldenrod: -Treating jaundice -Incense (has a perfumey scent, would recommend) -Is a nitrogen fixer European goldenrod: -Urinary health -Reducing inflammation -Can prevent yeast infections -Rich in antioxidants
First plant post, cause this is a prime plant. It's a plant that's very strong, use with some care. **DO NOT USE WHEN PREGNANT** - Traditional plant for menstruation issues. - Asthma - Anxietry - Was used as a herb for beer brewing and is great to flavour meat. - Can support the treatment of autoimmune disorders. (Going to add more to this later)
### Knowing your local flora is important! In a solarpunk future we cannot always rely on synthetic remedies being available, and in our dystopian present we have to assume that pharma doesn't always have our best interest in mind. Knowing what plants grow in your surroundings and learning how to use them as food and medicine is an important skill for your well-being and survival! In this group, I will gradually add plant portraits with medicinal information, knowledge about other uses and personal notes, and would welcome you to do so as well. You are also welcome to ask about herbal remedies for certain health issues - but please **be aware that no online advice can replace a visit to a doctor and herbalism is not always the best option**. I will collect a list of plant identification and herbalism sites here, but mine will be rather Europe- and Iberian-centric, so please add your favourite links in the comments! ### Plant identification links [Flora-on](https://flora-on.pt/) - absolute favourite identification site ever, with a gazillion ways to filter and export, even if you don't live in PT ### Herbalism links [Naturopathic Herbalist](https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/herbs-latin/) - very complete