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.