Mint is one of the most familiar herbs in the kitchen, appreciated for its refreshing flavor and pleasant aroma. It is also frequently promoted online as a “natural eye treatment” that can restore vision, remove cataracts, eliminate the need for glasses, and keep people away from ophthalmologists.
Those claims are far stronger than the available evidence supports.
Mint can certainly be part of a healthy diet, but there is no reliable evidence that applying crushed mint, mint juice, or homemade mint preparations to the eyes can reverse cataracts, restore lost vision, or permanently improve eyesight. Cataracts involve clouding of the eye’s natural lens, and established cataracts cannot simply be dissolved with an herbal juice.
A Simple Mint Drink for Everyday Wellness
Instead of putting mint directly into the eyes, you can safely enjoy it as a refreshing beverage.
Ingredients
- 1 small handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1½ cups water
- 2–3 thin slices of fresh cucumber
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
- A few slices of fresh ginger, optional
- Ice, optional
Instructions
- Wash the mint leaves thoroughly under clean running water.
- Add the mint and cucumber to a glass or pitcher.
- Pour in the water.
- Add the lemon juice and optional ginger.
- Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Add ice if desired.
- Add a small amount of honey for sweetness.
- Enjoy as a refreshing caffeine-free drink.
You can also simply add fresh mint to salads, yogurt, fruit, soups, or other meals.
Can Mint Restore Cataracts?
See more on the next page
