Another popular cure, which for the first time came under our notice recently, and which in many cases is really efficacious, as we have heard averred by those who have been benefited by its use, is the application of a poultice of cold tea leaves to an inflamed or blood-shot eye. A handful of the leaves is taken from the pot, and placed between two folds of thin cotton or muslin, and applied to the eye at bed-time, kept in its place, of course, by a handkerchief or other band tied round the head. In cases of weak or inflamed eyes from any cause, this is reckoned, in this and the surrounding districts, "the sovereignest thing on earth." And one can quite understand how tea leaves, at once cooling and astringent, employed in this way, may benefit a hot and inflamed eye. It is a simple application at all events, and always at hand; and when more pretentious remedies are not readily attainable, one would be unwisely prejudiced, if not actually foolish, to suffer long without giving it a fair trial.
A less simple and less readily available cure for sore eyes is the following in old Gaelic verse:--
Luidh Challum-Chille agus spèir, Meannt agus tri-bhilead corr, Bainne atharla nach do rug laodh; Bruich iad a's càirich air brèid, S'cuir sid rid' shùil aig tra-nèin, Air an Athair, am Mac agus Spiorad nan gràs, 'S air Ostal na seirce; bi'dh do shùilean slàn Mu'n eirich a gheallach 's mu'n till an làn.
(Take of) St. Columba's wort and dandelion, (Of) mint and a perfect plant of marsh trefoil, (Take of) milk from the udder of a quey (That is heavy with calf, but that has not actually calved), Boil, and spread the mixture on a cloth; Put it to your eyes at noon-tide, In the name of Father, Son, and the Spirit of Grace, And in the name of (John) the Apostle of Love, and your eyes shall be well Before the next rising of the moon, before the turning of next flood-tide.