Glaucoma has long been treated as an “eye disease,” but modern research reveals a deeper truth—it’s a neurodegenerative condition. The eye is actually an extension of the brain, and glaucoma develops when retinal ganglion cells in the back of the eye begin to die.
Inflammation: The Root Cause
Rather than being a simple matter of eye pressure, glaucoma is largely driven by inflammation. And whether intraocular pressure is high or low, many glaucoma patients share one surprising trait: discomfort or misalignment in the upper cervical spine (C1-C3). These vertebrae play a vital role in blood flow and nerve signals to the brain and eyes. When they’re out of alignment, the eyes may suffer from poor circulation and disrupted nerve communication—both factors that can accelerate degeneration.
Gentle self-rehab exercises for the neck and spine can ease tension, improve circulation, and potentially stabilize intraocular pressure. Glaucoma sufferers would do well to check for soreness in this area and begin restoring healthy alignment. I strongly suggest a chiropractor for alignment.
Cod Liver Oil: Old Wisdom, New InsightsCod liver oil, rich in fat-soluble vitamins A and D, has shown promising effects in reducing intraocular pressure in animal studies. This traditional food not only supports vision health but also fights the inflammation behind glaucoma. It’s another testament to the healing wisdom of nature.
Grapefruit: A Natural Brain BoosterNow here’s an unexpected ally—grapefruit essential oil. In a Japanese study published in Natural Product Letters, grapefruit was found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by up to 25%. This is important because AChE breaks down acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in memory, mood, and nervous system regulation.
AChE inhibitors are commonly prescribed to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and yes—glaucoma. But the side effects of these drugs often include digestive upset, appetite loss with resultant weight loss.
Grapefruit essential oil and the fresh fruit, on the other hand, offer a natural AChE-inhibiting effect without those side effects. It even supports healthy weight management and digestion! With its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties, grapefruit oil can be a gentle but powerful addition to a glaucoma-supportive lifestyle.
If you use the essential oil, just put one drop in the bottom of the glass and fill with water each morning. See below if you need a good source for your grapefruit essential oil.
Ningxia Wolfberry: Ancient Support for Modern Eye Health
For over 2,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine has prized the Ningxia wolfberry (a specific goji berry) for its powerful benefits to eye health. This small red fruit, native to the Ningxia region of China, has been used specifically to nourish the liver and kidneys—two organs believed in TCM to have direct energetic ties to the eyes.
Modern research supports what ancient practitioners observed: Ningxia wolfberry is rich in carotenoids like zeaxanthin, a vital antioxidant that accumulates in the retina and helps protect against oxidative stress and light-induced damage. For glaucoma—now understood as a neurodegenerative disease—this protection is key. Studies show that goji berry may help prevent retinal ganglion cell death, support mitochondrial function, and reduce inflammation, all crucial factors in slowing or even preventing progression. Wolfberry antioxidants act as a natural treatment for glaucoma.
Studies published in the Optometry & Vision Science journal (a publication of the American Academy of Optometry) have shown that daily consumption of wolfberry juice (Goji berry) for 90 days can increase plasma zeaxanthin and antioxidant levels. This means that regularly drinking wolfberry juice can lead to higher levels of these beneficial compounds in the blood directly helping eye health.
Incorporating Ningxia wolfberry—whether as dried berries, juice, or in an essential oil-infused supplement like NingXia Red®—may offer gentle, daily support for the eyes and nervous system. As with all nature-based health tools, consistency is key. Think of it not as a “quick fix,” but as part of a long-term strategy to nourish and protect vision at the root.
Nature’s Strategy for Vision Health
True healing comes when we step back and support the body as a whole. That means:
True healing comes when we step back and support the body as a whole. That means:
- Reducing inflammation with nourishing fats like cod liver oil
- Supporting spinal alignment and blood flow
- Nourishing the nervous system with natural compounds like grapefruit and its essential oil
- Strengthening the eyes with antioxidant-rich foods like the Ningxia wolfberry—especially in the form of NingXia Red® -- which delivers concentrated eye-loving nutrients like zeaxanthin and carotenoids
- And always, choosing foods and remedies that the body recognizes and welcomes
Glaucoma doesn’t have to be a slow march toward vision loss. With the right tools—natural tools—we can help the body restore balance and protect what we were meant to see.
Young Living is the only brand I use for essential oils and for the NingXia Red drink. Click here for the kit that has both the drink and the orange essential oil (and a couple other products). Use the discount code SHAREYL when you are ready to check out. Of course, you might want to look around!
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: I’m a proud affiliate for some of these tools and products that are suggested on this page and throughout my site. If you click on a product and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are based on knowledge and experience and I recommend them because they are genuinely useful, not because of the small commission I may receive |
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