Nature's medicine

Soothe tired eyes

Hours spent reading in poor light or staring at a computer screen are sure ways to strain eyes. Take regular breaks from tasks like these by looking away from the screen or book for 30 seconds every 15 minutes or so. A good night's sleep is one of the best ways to make sore eyes feel better, but if time is short, they can also be soothed with a compress soaked in a fennel infusion, advises medical herbalist Trudy Norris. "Mix a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a pint of boiling water. Allow to cool, strain, then soak a cotton wool pad in the solution and place on the eyes for 10-15 minutes," she says. Yoga teachers also have a technique for relieving tired eyes called ‘palming': sit comfortably on the floor, then rub your palms briskly together for a few seconds and place the warm, cupped palms over your closed eyes. Breathe slowly and deeply throughout.

Read more on how to keep your eyes healthy

Fennel also helps with bloating - find out more here