Herbal Remedies for Conjunctivitis

Herbal Remedies for Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is also known as 'red eye'. It is an inflammation of the mucous membrane surrounding the eyeball.

It is usually caused by infection, but can be caused by dusty air, pollution, and drying of the eyes through aging.

It can cause discomfort to those who are suffering from it, with watery eyes, and a feeling of 'grit' in the eyes.

Conjunctivitis can be contagious, so you should use your own towel during periods of active infection.

Treatments include:

Infusion of eyebright, marigold, chamomile, fennel and rose petals. Use in an eyebath.

Taking garlic daily can help boost the immune system and so prevent infection.

Caution: if the condition has not cleared within three days, then it would be sensible to seek medical attention.

It would also be worth seeking medical intervention if the conjunctivitis involves seeing haloes around lights.

Using cold, wet teabags placed over the eyes can bring relief to sore eyes, especially teabags such as chamomile or fennel.

Sulphur is a remedy that could be useful in the treatment of conjunctivitis: This remedy may be helpful if the eyes are very red with burning, smarting, sticking pains and itching. The whites of the eyes appear a bit bloodshot, and the tears feel hot. Symptoms are worse when exposed to heat, and light will hurt the eyes. The eyelids may look contracted. This is a homeopathic treatment and the dosage would need to be advised by a homeopathic consultant.

If the eyes are producing a thick yellow sticky discharge, then Pulsitilla would be recommended for the treatment of the conjunctivitis. This type of conjunctivitis might indicate the need for the patient to be out in the fresh, cooling and soothing air, as opposed to being in a warm room.

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