Home Remedies For Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or redness of the lining of the white part of the eye and the underside of the eyelid (conjunctiva) that can be caused by infection, allergic reaction, or physical agents like infrared or ultraviolet light.

If your eyes are red, watery and itchy, you may have allergies or just some dust in your eye. But if your eyes are VERY itchy, you may have the serious (and extremely contagious) infection known as pinkeye.

Natural home remedies

Once every day, make a poultice of grated apple or grated raw red potato and place it on your closed eye. Let it stay that way for a half hour. Within two days-or three at the most-the condition should completely clear up.
The juice of the Indian gooseberry, mixed with honey, is useful in conjunctivitis. A cup of this juice should be taken mixed with two teaspoons of honey twice daily in treating this condition.
Vitamin C 2-6,000 mg daily in divided doses. Vitamin C promotes healing.
Prepare chamomile tea. When it cools, use it as an eyewash twice a day until the conjunctivitis is gone.
A decoction prepared with a handful of dried coriander in 60 ml of water is an excellent eye-wash in conjunctivitis. It is said to relieve burning and reduces pain and swelling.

CAUTION: Conjunctivitis is a severe and contagious viral infection. If the condition doesn't show signs of improvement within a day or two, see a health professional.

The Eyes Have It

The plant eye bright is particularly effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Add 3 drops of tincture of eye bright (available at health food stores) to 1 tablespoon of just-boiled water. When cool enough to use, bathe the eye in the mixture.
A decoction prepared with a handful of dried coriander in 60 ml of water is an excellent eye-wash in conjunctivitis. It is said to relieve burning and reduces pain and swelling.

Since this condition is a very contagious one, wash the eye cup thoroughly after you've washed one eye, then mix a new batch of eye bright with water before you wash the other eye. Do this three or four times a day until the condition clears up. Or, use the eyewashes listed on pages 79-80.

Goat milk yogurt can also help clear up this uncomfortable condition. Apply a yogurt poultice to the infected eye(s) daily.

Also, eat a portion or two of the yogurt each day. The active culture in yogurt can provide you with healthy bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract. Goat milk yogurt is available at some health food stores and specialty markets or can be ordered online.

Prevention

Conjunctivitis can, in many cases, be prevented, or at least the course of the disease can be shortened by following some simple practices.

Frequently wash hands using antiseptic soap, and use single-use towels during the disease to prevent spreading the infection.
Avoid chemical irritants and known allergens.
If in an area where welding occurs, use the proper protective eye wear and screens to prevent damaging the eyes.
Use a clean tissue to remove discharge from eyes, and wash hands to prevent the spread of infection.

Home remedies are a great way to show you care about health. You don't need a bunch of expensive home health care products, just minor adjustments to your daily lifestyle. Fresh vegetables, vitamins, herbs and clean drinking water are a must for optimum body care.

Disclaimer :- The information contained in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should not use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, but should always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any major dietary changes. We will not be liable for any complications or other medical accidents arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance upon any information on this web site.