Natural Remedies Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis: A Brief Explanation

Conjunctivitis also known as ‘pinkeye’ is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the eye, causing the sufferer to experience:

• Redness to the affected eye(s)
• Weeping of fluid (not in all cases)
• Irritation and discomfort
• Blood shot eye balls (not in all cases)

Conjunctivitis is known to be caused by:

• Infection - Contact lense wearers are prone to this
• Chemical or environmental irritation - Cigarette smoke is a known irritant
• Allergy – Can be a symptom of hay fever

If left untreated conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, outbreaks are a common problem in kindergarten due to the close proximity of affected individuals.

A Choice of Natural Remedies: Conjunctivitis

Natural remedies for conjunctivitis are popular. The use of fruit and vegetables, herbs, homeopathic and aromatherapy remedies being the most common choices.

Cleansing the entire body with a diet of fruit and vegetables is believed to be beneficial to remove unwanted toxins from the body which may be the cause of conjunctivitis. In particular the juice of raw spinach and carrots is recommended.

Suggested natural remedy preparations are:

Poultice – Make a poultice of grated apple or grated red potato and place directly onto the eye, leaving it for at least thirty minutes. Perform this once per day and within three days the conjunctivitis is likely to be healed. Goats milk yogurt applied directly to the eye acts as a soothing pain relief for conjunctivitis. Babul leaves (acacia Arabica) when made into a paste and applied to the eyes at night can help lessen the itchiness and irritation of the eye.

Juice Drinks – Mix the juice of Indian gooseberry with two teaspoons of honey, and drink this as a tincture twice per day. The juice of carrots and spinach are well known to have healing and soothing properties for those suffering conjunctivitis.

Eyebaths:

• Cooled Camomile tea is a simple, yet highly beneficial preparation, when used as an eye bath.
• The plant ‘eyebright’ is particularly effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis. A solution made of 3 drops of eye bright tincture (available at health food stores) mixed with one tablespoon of just boiled water, applied as an eye bath once the liquid is cooled.
• A decoction prepared with a handful of coriander mixed with 60mls of water, when used as an eye bath preparation helps to reduce swelling and irritation.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy, for the treatment of conjunctivitis is fast becoming as popular natural remedy. Conjunctivitis sufferers would need to undergo a full physical and psychological assessment before the most appropriate treatment was chosen by the therapist. treatment for those who suffer from the eye complaint. A combined approach to homeopathy is believed to enrich the benefits of the treatment.

• Argentum nitricum – Used to treat eyes when they are swollen and exuding pus.
• Belladona – Best used in the initial stages of conjunctivitis when the eyes are ‘angry’, with swollen and sore lids.
• Sulphur – Best used at the point when the eyes are red and swollen, and exuding unpleasant yellow pus.
• Euphrasia – Also used at the point in which pus is present, it is also helpful for healing the gritty and dry discomfort.
• Pulsatilla - For use when the eye discharge is yellow-green color.

Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils is also a popular practice for treating the symptoms of, and in some cases healing conjunctivitis. The following aromatherapy oils are believed to be beneficial for the treatment of the eye complaint:

• Carrot and celery seed
• Basil
• Cedarwood
• African Bluegrass
• Bergamot
• Clove Bud
• Leaf Oil

Always Seek Advice

As with any alternative remedy, it is essential that a qualified practitioner is consulted, prior to using the treatment. There are contraindications to some treatments particularly if taking other prescribed medication.