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Pink eye is also known as viral conjunctivitis. It is a very contagious viral infection that occurs on the outermost layer of the eye and the inner layer of the eye lash. It is very common during pollen season and winters when allergies are rampant and viral infections are doing the rounds.
The common symptoms of conjunctivitis are tearing, swelling, redness, itching and mucus production that can cause the eyelids to stick together when you are asleep. In most cases, eye drops and medicines are used to treat the condition but pink eye can be easily treated and remedied with the help of natural cures.
Natural Ways to Cure Pink Eye
Eyewash
Eyewash can be easily prepared at home to wash the eye. Take a teaspoon of salt and boil it in a cup of water. Wait for the water to cool. Now with the help of this water, wash your eye well. Keep doing this throughout the day to get symptomatic relief from pink eye.
Herbal Eye Wash
You can also prepare a herbal eye wash using raspberry leaf, goldenseal root, comfrey root and a cup of water. Boil the herbs and leaves in this water and strain. Wait for the water to cool and then use it as a suitable eye wash.
Tea Bag Remedy
Take some freshly used tea bags and chill them in the refrigerator for an hour. Now gently apply these tea bags on your eyes. The tannin in the tea will help to reduce the swelling and the inflammation in the eye and make you feel better. The cooling effect of the tea bags will also help to subside the itching.
Warm Compresses
In case your eyelids are stuck together due to mucous production, use a warm compress to dab your eyelid. This helps to loosen up the stuck mucous and will enable you to open your eyelid.
Valerian Tincture
The tincture of valerian root will induce drowsiness and help to subside the itching and the burning in the eyes. Give the tincture orally by dissolving it in a cup of chamomile tea. The tea will also soothe and calm your nerves.
Cold Milk
It is said that mother’s milk is full of antibodies that help to ward off infections. If you are breastfeeding and your child is suffering from pink eye, express some milk in a cup and chill it in the refrigerator for an hour. Now with the help of cotton gently dab some of this milk on the child’s eye.
The child will begin to feel better. Re-apply the breast milk when necessary and as deemed fit. On adults, the application of cow’s milk has proven to be beneficial. Milk has cooling properties as well as antiseptic properties that help to fight off an infection.
Charcoal Poultice
A poultice made from charcoal dissolved in water is said to be highly effective in the treatment of pink eye. Make a paste of charcoal and water and apply this to the poultice.
Now put the poultice on your eye and hold the poultice in place with the help of a head bandage. The head bandage should not be so tight that it compresses the eye balls.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another effective remedy is the use of apple cider vinegar in the treatment of pink eye. Put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and mix well. Now with the help of an eye dropper put this solution in the affected eye. Continue with this treatment. You will feel a noticeable difference in a few hours. Apple cider vinegar is said to be very effective in reducing itching from the eye.
Cold Compresses
You can also use cold compresses on the eye to reduce excessive redness and swelling. Take ice in a soft cloth and wrap it well. Now apply this gently on the eye. You will find that your swelling has subsided after a few hours.
Milk and Honey Eye Drops
We all know that honey has loads of antiseptic properties. Dissolve a tablespoon of honey in warm milk and keep stirring it until the honey is completely dissolved.
Now with the help of an eye dropper, apply a few drops of this honey and milk concoction. Keep repeating this every two hours. You will find your infection clearing up within a day or two.
Also Read
Home Remedies For Conjunctivitis
Home Remedies For Conjunctivitis In Adults
Effective Natural Treatment for Pink Eye
11 Home Remedies For Pink Eye Or Conjunctivitis
Potato
Cut a potato and apply a cold slice of raw potato on the eye. Potato acts like an astringent and helps to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the eye.
Coriander
Chop some fresh coriander and boil it in water. Now strain this water and use it as a cool compress or as an eye wash with the help of a dropper.
Fennel Seeds to Reduce Pain
You can boil some fennel seeds in water. Now use this water as an eye wash. Fennel seeds are very good for reducing the pain in the eye.
Turmeric Poultice
In case your eye has become infected and has started to ooze pus, using a poultice can help to drain out the pus. Apply some turmeric on the poultice along with hot oil.
Now put this poultice on the eye. Wrap a tight bandage around the poultice to hold it in place. When you get up in the morning, the pus would have started to ooze out, thus subsiding the infection. This will in turn reduce the swelling, pain and redness.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.