How to Treat Conjunctivitis With Herbal Remedies

Conjunctivitis, sometimes called pinkeye, is an inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid and can cover most of the white of the eye. The eye appears to be bloodshot and swollen; it may be itchy. Upon awakening, the eyelids may be stuck together with pus from the inflammation. Most cases of conjunctivitis are viral in nature, although the cause may sometimes be a bacterial infection or, in very rare cases, a fungus. These cases sometimes arise from allergies or eye irritants. Lasting bacterial infections may need treatment with antibiotics. Sometimes, all that is needed is the frequent application of warm compresses. There are some herbal remedies that can help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Try a tincture made from barberry, taking 1 to 1-1/2 tsp. in 1/4 cup of water three times a day. Use this remedy for no longer than 2 weeks at a time. Barberry was being used as far back as ancient Egypt. It contains a chemical named berberine, which can inhibit bacterial growth.

2. Treat swollen eyelids with calendula eye drops or eye washes, applying as directed on the label. Calendula will also act as both an antiviral and antibacterial agent. A second type of antibacterial eye drops can be made from the eyebright plant. This liquid can also be used in a compress. Eyebright should not be used by people with contact lenses or who have undergone previous eye procedures, except under the advisement of a doctor.

3. Use a chamomile teabag prepared with 1 cup of water as a compress. Apply this to the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes two or three times a day. Fennel-seed tea can serve the same purpose, applied to a sterile compress. Place on the eye for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day.

4. Take goldenseal for no more than 1 week for conjunctivitis. Native Americans used goldenseal to treat many problems, including eye irritation. It contains a strong antibacterial compound. The herb should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or those with high blood pressure.

5. Make a tea from chrysanthemum leaves and apply it as a compress. or take three capsules two to three times a day. Tea made from chickweed is another substance that can be used as a compress or poultice.

Tips & Warnings

• Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are extremely contagious, so anyone with the condition or who is caring for someone who has it should practice good sanitary measures, washing hands carefully after any contact. People with the form of the disease called inclusion conjunctivitis frequently have other symptoms not associated with the eyes. This form is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, and should be evaluated by a doctor. This particular type may last for months.
• Consult a medical practitioner before using herbal products on children. Herbal or other supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Tests have shown that many such products may not contain the labeled amount of ingredients, or may be contaminated with harmful substances like lead. Buy products from reputable pharmacies or herbal stores. Better still, check out a testing site such as Consumer Lab (see the link in Resources). The information in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose, recommend or cure any illness. Always check with a physician before taking any products or following any medical advice on the web. Certain herbs and holistic remedies may not be advised if you are pregnant or nursing, and should be approved by a doctor before use.

Resources

• Viral Conjunctivitis
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis

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