Natural Remedies for Conjunctivitis

 Natural Remedies for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)


Essential Oil Blend for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)


 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil or other vegetable oil for aromatherapy
 1 drop of Eucalyptus globulus
 3 drops of Melaleuca
 3 drops of Lemon
 2 drops of Helichrysum italicum
 2 drops of Frankincense
 2 drops of Lavender
 1 drop of Cypress
 1 drop of Lemongrass.


 Apply over the bones around the eye.
 Use in very small amounts, if not experienced with using essential oils on the face.


*Note: Please be extremely careful when using essential oils near the eye, especially with children. Contact lenses tend to protect the eye from harmful external substances, but contact lenses can be desinfected from conjunctivitis causing bacteria by using essential oils such as eucalyptus oil in very diluted quantities (normal contact lense solutions may not be as effective).


Honey cure for Conjunctivitis

Honey has antibacterial, antiviral and wound healing properties, especially on burns.

There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians used honey to treat eye diseases, the Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with being among the first to record medicinal use of honey for the eyes as far back as 350 B.C. Honey was also widely used in India to treat eye disease and has been used by traditional healers in Mali to prevent scarring of the cornea in cases of measles. There is also evidence that honey was used by the medieval English to treat eye diseases.

 Ingredients:

1/4 teaspoon raw honey
1/4 cup pure water
pinch of salt (optional)

Dissolve raw honey and optional salt in pure lukewarm water. Boil and cool water if not sure about purity. Using a clean dropper, place a 1-2 drops in each eye every few hours.


Clary Sage for Conjunctivitis

 The name is derived from the Latin 'Claris' that means 'clear' or from the Greek 'Skeria' meaning 'hardness', referring to the hard parts of the flower petals and perhaps for its ability to clear tired or strained eyes and blurred vision. It was known in the Middle Ages as 'Oculus Christi' - the 'Eye of Christ' and was a highly esteemed medicine.

 According to 17th century European herbalists clary sage seeds or mucilage made from them can heal eyes.“The seed put into the eyes clears them from motes and such like things gotten within the lids to offend them, and it also clears them from any white and red spots which may be on them” (Culpeper 1652)." 

In Jamaica, it was used amongst the local people for cleaning and cooling ulcers and for inflammation of the eyes.

It is safer to apply Clary Sage essential oil on the bones surrounding the eye, as directly applying to the eye can be irritating.

Herbal Teas for Conjunctivitis

 Calendula, chamomile, fennel and/or eyebright teas can be used to make hot compresses. Eyebright can also be taken orally in capsule or tea form. It is good for any eye irritation or inflammation. The tea can also be used to rinse the eyes.

Barberry, coriander leaf and elderberry blossom tea can be used as eye wash.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best remedies for pink eye due to its medicinal properties.
Soak a part of clean handkerchief in fresh aloe vera gel and place it on the infected eye.


Bilberry for General Eye Health

Bilberry is probably the most effective natural remedy for eye health. As juice, soup, tincture or capsules it protects the eyes from many ailments. Helpful for dry eyes experienced by people spending a lot of time looking at computer screens.

Saint Hildegard von Bingen

Saint Hildegard von Bingen recommended fennel tea compresses and the topaz gemstone for eye health.

Homeopathic remedies for Conjunctivitis

Apis mellifica: Puffy, pink, watery swelling that feels better from cold applications is a strong indication for this remedy. Stinging, burning pain may be experienced, and the eyelids may stick together. A person who needs this remedy often feels irritable, disliking interference.

Argentum nitricum: Swelling with yellowish or pus-like discharge, and redness and inflammation of the whites and inner corners of the eyes, suggest the use of this remedy. The person’s eyes may be tired and achy, worse from light and warmth, and better from cool water, cold compresses, and fresh air. People who need this remedy often have a strong desire for both salt and sweets.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum: When the eyes feel sore or bruised, with inflammation and burning pain, or a feeling as if the eyes are being pulled back into the head, this remedy may be indicated. Yellow discharge can stick the eyelids shut, especially in the morning. Warm compresses, and warmth in general, often ease discomfort. Extreme sensitivity to cold, as well as to light and noise, is often seen. The person may be very irritable and touchy.

Mercurius solubilis: People needing this remedy often feel ill and tired, with erratic body temperature and sensitivity both to heat and cold. Discharge is greenish-yellow and can irritate the lids and margins of the eyes. A person who needs this remedy often has swollen glands, offensive breath, and excessive salivation.

Natrum muriaticum: Swollen lids with burning tears and a feeling that the eyes are bruised suggest a need for this remedy. Mucus or pus forms and can make the eyelids stick together. People who need this remedy often feel sad and tired, acting irritable if someone shows them sympathy.

Pulsatilla: Conjunctivitis with thick, yellow, itchy discharge (often accompanying a cold or the measles) suggests a need for this remedy. The person is emotional and sensitive, feeling worse from warmth and in stuffy rooms, and relieved by cool fresh air.

Sulphur: This remedy may be helpful if the eyes are very red and irritated, with burning, smarting, sticking pains and a nagging itch. The whites of the eyes look red and bloodshot, and the tears feel hot. Symptoms are worse from heat, and light will hurt the eyes. The eyelids may look contracted, especially in the morning.


 What are the different forms of Conjunctivitis?

Viral Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye:

Typically marked by clear, watery drainage
Contagious
Likely to start in one eye and move to the other
Not treatable with antibiotics. “Most viral pinkeye cases have no specific treatment – you just have to let the virus run its course, which is usually four to seven days” (source)
Often somewhat alleviated by some of the comfort measures listed below. Immune system support may be helpful
Often difficult to discern from bacterial pink eye


Bacterial Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye:

Typically marked by greenish yellow drainage
Contagious
Likely to start in one eye and move to the other
Usually treated with antibiotic eye drops. Some who prefer to avoid antibiotics use some of the natural remedies below.
Often difficult to discern from viral pink eye

Allergic Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye:

“Allergic pinkeye (caused by seasonal pollens, animal dander, cosmetics and perfumes) and chemical pinkeye (from chemicals or liquids, including bleach and furniture polish) are not contagious.”
Clear, watery drainage is typical.
Usually involves both eyes.
“Allergic pinkeye symptoms should improve once the allergen source is removed and the allergy is treated. Chemical pinkeye requires prompt washing of the affected eye(s) for five minutes and an immediate call to the doctor.”
 Treatments for the allergy may include an antihistamine. Nettle capsules or tea are considered by many to be a natural antihistamine. Bach Flower Essence Remedy Larch is indicated to some allergic symptoms.

Aromatherapy for Arthritis and Arthritic Pain

Aromatherapy for Arthritic Pain

For relaxation Lavender and Roman Chamomile oils –  both are great for reducing pain and creating a state of relaxation.

Anti-inflammatory oils :
-       Marjoram - a warming essential oil.
-       Cloves - strengthens the base of the spine chakra.
-       Cypress - increases circulation and anti inflammatory.
-       Juniper Berry - helps reduce pain and inflammation.
-       Grapefruit – Great for flushing toxins from the body that contribute to arthritis. Uplifts mood.
-     Frankincense – In a study at Cardiff University, scientists have been examined the potential benefits of frankincense to help relieve and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. They found that frankincense inhibits the production of key inflammatory molecules which helps prevent the breakdown of the cartilage tissue which causes the condition.
-    Peppermint - cooling, anti inflammatory, increases oxygen and circulation.

Aromatherapy : Essential Oils for Fertility and Hormonal Balance

 Essential Oils for Fertility and Hormonal Balance

Essential oils to increase their fertility, balance hormones and/or increase progesterone levels.
The key to using essenital oils for hormonal balance is consistency in small amounts, allowing your body to adjust as it needs to.

To Balance Hormones:
Put 2 to 3 drops of Frankincense oil under the tongue morning and night.
Use Geranium oil topically over the kidneys daily.
Use 2 drops of Balance oil blend on each foot morning and night.

To Increase Progesterone Levels:
Geranium, Oregano and Thyme are all helpful oils for helping to overcoming low progesterone levels.

Place 3 drops each of marjoram and thyme oil diluted with coconut oil over the liver at night.

Essential Oils that Promote Fertility:
Clary Sage
Cypress
Fennel
Frankincense
Geranium
Melissa
Roman Chamomile
Thyme
Solace
Ylang Ylang

Essential Oils That Increase Progesterone Levels In The Body:
Balance
Frankincense
Geranium
Ginger
Lavender
Marjoram
Oregano
Thyme
Ylang Ylang

Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Concentrating, Study and Hyperactivity or ADHD

Essential oils for Hyperactivity, Attention, Concentration, Memory and Studying

For balancing thought processes : clary sage, cedarwood, frankincense, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, lemon,

For serenity and soothing: vetiver and ylang ylang.

To enhance concentration and healthy thought processes try the essential oils amyris, patchouli, frankincense, lime, ylang ylang, sandalwood and Roman chamomile.

Vetiver and frankincense oil can help concentrating and calming if one is losing focus or feeling restless.

Roman chamomile and lavender can be used for hyperactivity.

Frankincense, lavender and ylang ylang bring balance and serenity in case of frustration, impatience and anger.

 To aid concentration diffuse oils of lavender, lemon and rosemary.

 Eucalyptus has a refreshing and stimulating action on the mind, helping to improve concentration. It is associated with the alleviation of grief and sorrow, as well as opening the heart and intellect while equalizing emotions. Also good for headaches.


Study -According to a case study published in the American Medical Association Journal by Dr. Terry Friedmann, M.D.,  children who had previously been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD inhaled essential oils of vetiver, lavender and cedarwood and their brain waves settled back into normal patterns and improved their scholastic performance and behavioral patterns.
The final results were:
Lavender essential oil increased performance by 53%
Cedarwood essential oil increased performance by 83%
Vetiver essential oil increased performance by 100%

Memory/Concentration: The part of the brain responsible for interpreting aromas is closely tied to the part of the brain responsible for long term memory and emotions.  Studies have demonstrated the ability of essential oil aromas such as rosemary and peppermint to help enhance memory and alertness in human trials. 

When studying or learning inhale rosemary, peppermint, or frankincense ; then inhale the same aroma when you need to recall the information.

Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) Essential Oil

 Sandalwood Essential Oil


BOTANICAL NAME
Santalum spicatum

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distilled

PARTS USED
Roots and heartwood

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Base

AROMA
Soft, woody, extremely tenacious and somewhat balsamic

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
Australia

TRADITIONAL USE
Used as a substitute for Indian Sandalwood in perfumery.

This relaxing oil has a harmonizing and calming effect which reduces tension and confusion and is ideal for use in depression, hectic daily lifestyles and states of fear, stress, nervous exhaustion, chronic illness and anxiety.

It is very useful for any chest complaints as it has a pronounced effect on the mucus membranes of both the pulmonary as well as genito-urinary tract - making it very effective for complaints of the urinary tract as well.

Chronic chest infections, sore throats and dry coughs as well as bronchitis and asthma can benefit greatly from this oil, as well as cystitis and bladder infections, also helpful with sexual problems such as frigidity and impotence.

On the skin, sandalwood oil relieves itching and inflammation of the skin, and is most effective in relieving dehydrated skin - making it great for anti-ageing skincare - and the astringent action has a great toning effect and is also used with great results in oily skin conditions and to prevent the skin from forming ugly scars and for fighting dry eczema.

Sandalwood oil can be helpful for the nervous system, for chest and urinary tract infections, for sexual problems and for skin care.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, sandalwood oil can be used for its aphrodisiac effect, to help clear bronchitis, coughs, chest infections, asthma, insomnia, irritability, nervous tension, stress, tension, for relaxing and as an insect repellant.
Blended massage oil or in the bath
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, sandalwood oil can assist with bladder infections as well as chest infections and bronchitis, coughs, dry eczema, insomnia, forming scar tissue, irritability, nervous tension, stress, tension, as an aphrodisiac and for relaxing.
Gargle
It can be effective when diluted and used as a gargle for a sore or dry throat.
Lotions or creams
When used in a lotion or cream sandalwood oil can assist with chapped, dry or inflamed skin and has wonderful moisturizing and hydrating properties, which are great for anti-ageing skincare. The toning effect is useful when fighting oily skin.

PROPERTIES
Antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, decongestant, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, fungicidal, insecticidal, sedative, tonic

CHEMICAL COMPOSION
The main chemical components are santalol, santyl acetate and santalene. Our essential oil contains 90% santalol.




BLENDS WELL WITH
Benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, chamomile, cistus, clary sage, clove, geranium, grapefruit, fennel, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, lemon, mandarin, myrrh, neroli, oakmoss, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, rose, rosewood, tuberose, vetiver, ylang ylang

OF INTEREST

 Sandalwood is an evergreen, parasitic tree that burrows its roots into other trees. It can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) high and has a brown-gray trunk, many smooth slender branches, leathery leaves and small pink-purple flowers.

It can take thirty to sixty years for a tree to reach full maturity, when it is cut and distilled and the yellowish wood is sold in thin scrapings. It is agreed that the best sandalwood oil is from Mysore in India.

The documented use of the wood goes back 4000 years and caravans carrying this wood from India to Egypt, Greece and Rome were a familiar sight. Many temples were built from the wood and the Egyptians used the oil in embalming.

Sandalwood is much in demand as incense and has a calming effect during meditation. Swahra yoga recommends it for the union of the senses and Tantric yoga for the awakening of sexual energy.

Once Sandalwood was used for making furniture and caskets, but as the tree is nearly extinct, it is only used for the distillation of oil. Because of the threat of total extinction, this oil is now very well controlled in India - but has caused the price of this very fine oil to soar, and become one of the most expensive essential oils on the market - and for that reason we offer the pure oil, as well as a more affordable blend which contains 25% of the pure oil.


SAFETY DATA
Generally considered safe.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil



BOTANICAL NAME
Rosmarinus officinalis

CHEMOTYPE
Cineole

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distilled

PARTS USED
Flowering tops

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Middle

AROMA
Strong, fresh, camphor-like and with a woody-balsamic undertone

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
Spain, France, and Tunisia

TRADITIONAL USE
Best known for its aid in memory and hair loss. It is also considered a symbol of love, and the sprigs have been traditionally used in wedding ceremonies.Rosemary oil has a pronounced action on the brain and the central nervous system and is wonderful for clearing the mind and mental awareness, while having excellent brain stimulant properties, as well as improving memory.

It helps with headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion and the antiseptic action of rosemary oil is especially suitable for intestinal infections and diarrhea, easing colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders and jaundice and relieving pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain and gout. It also helps for arteriosclerosis, palpitations, poor circulation and varicose veins.

The diuretic properties of rosemary oil are useful with reducing water retention during menstruation, and also with obesity and cellulite.

On the respiratory system, it is effective for asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, sinus and whooping cough. Because of its astringent action, it is also effective for countering sagging skin. Its stimulating action benefits scalp disorders and encourages hair growth.

On the skin, it helps to ease congestion, puffiness and swelling and can also be used for acne, dermatitis and eczema, but a very popular use of this oil is the use in hair care products, as it has a pronounced positive effect on the health of the hair and scalp. It increases the circulation to the scalp and is therefore also effective for promoting hair growth.

Rosemary oil is effective for mental fatigue, circulation problems, pain relief for the muscular system, decongests the respiratory tract and is a skin and hair booster.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, rosemary oil can be helpful for congestion, alcohol over-indulgence, overwork, sinusitis and mental and physical tiredness. It furthermore stimulates the brain, improves memory and promotes clear thinking.

Blended massage oil or in the bath
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, rosemary oil can assist with liver and gall problems, mucus congestion, muscular aches, cramps, pains and spasms, stiff neck, overwork, rheumatism, arthritis, colds, constipation, diarrhea, coughs, bronchitis, back pain, scalp disorders, sinusitis, mental fatigue and physical tiredness.

Cream or lotion
In a cream or lotion it is most beneficial for improving blood circulation and decongesting the skin.

Shampoo
When added to shampoo it not only increases the circulation to the scalp and thereby improving hair growth, but also acts as a general conditioner and tonic for the hair and scalp.


PROPERTIES
Analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, cordial, decongestant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary


CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The main chemical components of rosemary oil are a-pinene, borneol, b-pinene, camphor, bornyl acetate, camphene, 1,8-cineole and limonene.


BLENDS WELL WITH
Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, citronella, clary sage, elemi, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, litsea cubeba, mandarin, marjoram, niaouli, oregano, peppermint, petitgrain, pine, ravensara, tea tree, thyme

OF INTEREST

Rosemary is a shrubby evergreen bush that grows up to 1.5 meters (4 feet) high with green-gray needle-shaped leaves and pale blue/lilac flowers that bees just love and is originally from Asia, but is now cultivated in France, Tunisia and Yugoslavia.

The name is derived from the Latin 'Rosmarinus' or 'sea dew'. The Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks and Romans considered the herb as sacred and even in the Middle Ages it was used to ward off evils spirits and used as a protection against the plague. It was burnt in French hospitals during epidemics.

SAFETY DATA
Avoid in epilepsy, hypertension, and while pregnant. Avoid with homeopathics.

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) Essential Oil

Petitgrain Essential Oil

BOTANICAL NAME
Citrus aurantium var. amara

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distilled

PARTS USED
Leaves and twigs

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Top to Middle

AROMA
Fresh-floral, citrus scent and a woody-herbaceous undertone

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
France and North Africa

TRADITIONAL USE

Mostly used in perfumery.

Petitgrain oil can help with nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions and in particular anger and panic. It calms and soothes the mind, while relaxing the body, easing breathing, reducing rapid heart beat, relaxing muscle spasms and stomach pains.

It is great oil to use for convalescing after an illness and also for insomnia and helps to clear up a greasy skin, acne and excessive perspiration, while toning the skin.

Petitgrain oil helps with nervous problems, soothes aches and pains, and helps clear and tone the skin.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, petitgrain oil can help with convalescence, anger, panic, depression and anxiety, calming irritation, while relaxing the body and boosting the conscious intellectual side of the mind.

Blended oil or in the bath
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, it assist with convalescence, anxiety, irritability, anger, panic, tension, rapid heartbeat, pain and insomnia, while calming and relaxing the body and fighting skin blemishes.

Cream or lotion
When used in a cream or lotion, it is very useful to help clear up greasy skin and to release the congestion of such a skin, while at the same time helping to clear up acne, pimples and other skin blemishes.

PROPERTIES
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, deodorant, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
The chemical components of petitgrain oil are geraniol, linalool, nerol, y-terpineol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, myrcene, neryl acetate and trans-ocimene.


BLENDS WELL WITH
Benzoin, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus lemon, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, marjoram, neroli, oakmoss, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, ylang ylang

OF INTEREST
At first the oil was extracted from the small green unripe oranges. The name petitgrain comes from this, meaning little grains.

This is one of the three oils obtained from the orange tree, the others are neroli from the flowers and orange from the rind of the fruit.

Petitgrain oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree but was once extracted from the green unripe oranges, when they were still the size of cherries, hence the name Petitgrain or 'little grains.'

It is widely used in pharmaceutical products and perfumery and is the classic ingredient of eau-de-cologne.

SAFETY DATA
Generally considered safe.