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Natural Remedies for conjunctivitis or pinkeye will be needed if the membrane lining of the inner part of the eyelid becomes inflamed. The eyes may appear swollen and bloodshot, often itchy and irritated. If there is pus, eyelids usually stick together after being closed. There may not be pain but a sensation of sand in the eye.
Conjunctivitis Causes
The conjunctiva is the delicate membrane that connects the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It is usually transparent but turns a blood-red color when irritated or inflamed. There may be some discharge from the eye. If the discharge is thin and watery, its origin may be viral. If it is white and stringy, the cause may be allergenic. If there is pus, it may be bacterial in origin.
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious when a virus causes it. The cause is generally viral or bacterial infection. But physical or chemical injury may be involved (such as injury to the eye, bacterial infection, allergens, dust, animal danders, pollen, medications, contact lens solutions, fumes, smoke, chemicals, cosmetics, tobacco smoke, air pollution, or other foreign substances in the eye).
Be careful when out swimming in pool water. It can cause eye and ear infections. Straining one’s eyes may also produce irritation or congestion of the conjunctiva. It typically occurs during a case of measles. In chronic or persistent cases, conjunctivitis may be related to a lack of vitamin A or toxicity due to liver or kidney dysfunctions.
When the cause is allergens, the infection may reoccur at a particular time each year. In young children, “viral conjunctivitis” can occur from spring until fall and clear up in the winter. Viral conjunctivitis is often found among schoolchildren. Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) is Western civilization’s most common form of eye infection.
Infants born at a hospital, especially those who remain there for extended periods after birth, may be exposed to germs in the nursery. Those born at home are less likely to contract newborn conjunctivitis.
Chlamydial conjunctivitis typically begins five to twelve days after birth, and gonorrheal conjunctivitis usually appears two to four days following birth. Both infections are transmitted from the mother during passage through the birth canal.
Natural Remedies for Conjunctivitis
- Take beta carotene (1000 IU, thrice daily for one week; then 25,000 IU daily). This will provide much-needed vitamin A.
- Take one comprehensive B complex tablet daily. Also, vitamin C with bioflavonoids (1000 to 5000 mg in divided daily doses). Zinc (25 mg daily).
- Apply warm poultices of three percent boric acid on the closed eye. A boric acid ophthalmic ointment may be obtained without a prescription from your local pharmacy.
- Apply charcoal poultices overnight. Mix enough water to make a thick paste. Spread it over a piece of cloth larger than the inflamed area. Hold it in place with an ace bandage and leave it on overnight. Use enough pressure to hold it in place—but not so tight that pressure is placed on the lid or eyeball. To avoid spreading the infection, carefully dispose of the cloth in the morning. Do not save and use it again.
- Slurry charcoal water can be applied during the daytime. Add ¼ teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of powdered charcoal to a cup of water. Boil, let cool, and strain through several layers of cloth. With a dropper, put four to five drops of the clear fluid in the affected eye by pulling back the lower eyelid and applying it every two hours. Wash hands carefully after each treatment.
- Ice-cold compresses can be laid on the eye during the acute stage. The eye should always be closed when doing this. For half an hour, apply a wrung-out washcloth to the eye; change it every two to three minutes; stop for thirty to sixty minutes; and repeat for another thirty minutes.
- Very warm and cold applications can be applied every four hours. But the water should never be too hot. Apply a cloth wrung out of hot water for two minutes, then a cold cloth for thirty seconds. Do this for fifteen minutes.
- Saline irrigations are also excellent. Add two level teaspoons of salt to one-quarter water to rinse discharges from the eyes.
- Bacteria causing the infection may be carried on towels, clothing, paper, toys, or hands. Launder bed and bathroom linens are separate from those of other family members. All family members should frequently wash their hands. Keep fingers away from the face.
- Put a chamomile tea bag in warm (not hot) water for two to three minutes, squeeze out the excess liquid, and place it over the infected eye for two to three minutes. Do this three to four times a day.
Other excellent herbs for compresses and washes include:
- Aloe vera juice
- Chickweed
- Eyebright
- Fennel
- Catnip
- Raspberry leaf
- Slippery elm
- Gauze pads saturated with witch hazel and placed over the closed eyes for fifteen minutes may help relieve irritation.
- Children prone to conjunctivitis should be protected from getting too cold; the body finds it more challenging to resist bacteria when cold.
- If you wear contacts, put them away for the several days these treatments continue. Disinfect or, if necessary, replace contacts.
- Abstain from using eye cosmetics. They sometimes introduce infection into the eyes. Wash hands before using them.
- Do not share towels, washcloths, or cosmetics.
Natural Remedies for Allergenic Conjunctivitis
- Take 1000 to 3000 mg of vitamin C daily in divided doses.
- Take quercetin (1000 mg daily and increase to 5000 mg daily till symptoms are gone). It is one of the bioflavonoids.
- Cold compresses are also suitable for this infection when caused by an allergy. Soak a washcloth in a dish with ice cubes and water. Squeeze excess water, fold it, and place it over both eyes. Keep it there till it warms. Repeat until the itching subsides.
Natural Remedies for Gonorrheal Conjunctivitis
In newborns: Gonococcal germs are sensitive to slight heating or chilling. Therefore, flush the eyes with a bit of saline (salt) solution (heated to 108 degrees Fahrenheit) for one full minute. Immediately afterward, apply an ice water compress, changed every fifteen seconds. Continue for five minutes. Watch the infant for the next five days for signs of recurrence. Get a culture of secretions as soon as possible if gonorrhea is suspected.
When something gets in your eye, get it out. Grasping the eyelash and pulling the upper lid induces tears and helps wash out foreign bodies.
Frequently Asked Question
Are natural remedies for conjunctivitis as helpful as conventional treatments?
Effectiveness varies. While some natural remedies for conjunctivitis, like warm compresses, can soothe discomfort and aid recovery, they may not always address the underlying cause.
Research on the efficacy of many natural remedies is limited. Consult an eye care professional to discuss the best approach based on your conjunctivitis’s specific type and severity.
Can specific dietary changes or supplements help manage conjunctivitis?
Research is ongoing. However, some studies suggest a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (observed in fish and flaxseeds) and antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) may support eye health and immune function.
Supplements like vitamin A and zinc are sometimes recommended, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits for conjunctivitis.
Are essential oils safe and effective for treating conjunctivitis?
Caution: Direct application of essential oils to the eye is NOT recommended and can be dangerous.
Some aromatherapy practices involving diluted essential oils (e.g., tea tree oil) may offer relief, but scientific evidence is limited. Consult an aromatherapist or healthcare professional for safe usage guidelines.
How does hygiene influence the effectiveness of natural remedies for conjunctivitis?
Hygiene is CRUCIAL. Frequent handwashing and keeping away from touching the eyes can prevent infection distribution and enhance any treatment’s effectiveness.
Replace pillowcases, towels, and cosmetics regularly to minimize re-infection risk.
Can honey be used as a natural remedy for conjunctivitis?
Manuka honey, in particular, has shown potential antimicrobial properties in some lab studies. However, using it for conjunctivitis requires further research. Never apply honey directly to the eye. Consult an eye care professional before considering honey-based eye drops.
What are the most promising herbal remedies for conjunctivitis?
Some herbal extracts, like chamomile and eyebright, have been traditionally used for eye conditions. Scientific evidence is limited, but their anti-inflammatory properties may offer soothing effects. Discuss usage with a healthcare professional.
Is colloidal silver effective against conjunctivitis?
Colloidal silver’s effectiveness against conjunctivitis is not well-established. Overuse can lead to argyria, a condition causing bluish-gray skin discoloration. Avoid using colloidal silver without medical supervision.
Can probiotics help with conjunctivitis, mainly if bacteria cause it?
Research is emerging. Some studies suggest probiotics may influence the eye’s microbiome and potentially support immune response. More research is needed to confirm their role in treating bacterial conjunctivitis.
Are there any natural remedies, particularly for allergic conjunctivitis?
Cold compresses and artificial tears can offer temporary relief. Identifying and avoiding allergens is critical to managing allergic conjunctivitis. Some natural antihistamines like quercetin (found in onions and apples) may help, but more research is needed.
How long does it typically take for natural remedies to show results for conjunctivitis?
The time frame varies depending on the remedy used and the type and severity of conjunctivitis.
Some remedies offer immediate relief (e.g., compresses), while others may take days to show noticeable improvement.
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Health Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational uses only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult an authorized healthcare provider for any health concerns before using any herbal or natural remedy. We do not establish, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Reliance on any material from this website is solely at your own risk. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of information or products mentioned on this website.
REFERENCES
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 400, 401. Print. [natural Remedies for conjunctivitis]
- Omega-3 fatty acids and eye health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306148
- Antioxidants and eye health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5329167
- Manuka honey’s antimicrobial properties: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659377
- Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283
- Eyebright traditional use for eye conditions: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12480842
- Colloidal silver and argyria risk: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4128101
- Probiotics and the eye microbiome: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213284
- Quercetin as a natural antihistamine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6152934
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