Saline is one of the simplest tools for supporting the body’s natural cleansing. Our eyes, sinuses and airways are lined with delicate tissue that works hard to clear out dust, pollen and everyday irritants. Making your saline with a gentle herbal tea instead of plain water adds the traditional benefits of two well-loved plants.
Eyebright (Euphrasia) for the eyes
Herbalists have used eyebright for centuries to soothe tired, dry or irritated eyes, and its name says it all. A cooled eyebright saline can feel refreshing after long screen days, allergy season or time outdoors in the wind and dust.
To make it
- Bring 1 cup of distilled water to a boil, then pour it over 1 teaspoon of dried eyebright.
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain it very well through a coffee filter or several layers of fine cloth, so no plant particles remain.
- Stir in ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized salt until it dissolves completely.
- Let it cool to room temperature.
Use an eye cup, or apply it as a soaked compress on closed eyes. Make a fresh batch each day and discard leftovers. Use a clean cup for each eye.
Mullein (Verbascum) for the nose, throat and lungs
Mullein has a long history of supporting the respiratory system. Its soft leaves are traditionally used to soothe the throat and help the lungs feel clear and comfortable.
To make it
- Pour 1 cup of boiling distilled water over 1 teaspoon of dried mullein leaf.
- Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain it at least twice through a coffee filter. Mullein leaves have tiny hairs that can irritate if they’re left in.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt.
- Let it cool to lukewarm or room temperature.
For the nose and sinuses, use it in a neti pot or rinse bottle. For the throat and lungs, add 3 to 5 mL to a clean nebulizer cup and breathe it in slowly for a few minutes.
Tips for safe use
- Always start with distilled or boiled water, never straight tap water.
- Strain thoroughly every time. Anything that goes in the eyes or the nebulizer should be completely clear.
- Make a fresh batch each day and keep your eye cup, neti pot and nebulizer clean and dry between uses.
- Begin gently. Stop if you notice stinging, redness or coughing, since some people are sensitive to herbs in the daisy or figwort families.
- Check with your healthcare provider before nebulizing anything if you have asthma, a lung condition or wear contact lenses, or if your eyes have an infection or injury.
Simple, gentle and made from the garden, these herbal rinses are a lovely way to care for your eyes and airways naturally.
This article is for educational purposes and isn’t meant to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. Talk with a qualified practitioner about your individual needs.