In this article, we will discuss the best remedies to treat pink eye naturally. Pink eye, also referred as conjunctivitis, is an irritating and uncomfortable condition. The common symptoms of pink eye are redness, inflammation, itching, tearing, and sensations of a foreign body or burning in the eyes. Bacteria, a virus, or allergies can be the possible causes of this.
When infected by bacteria, it usually affects both eyes and is followed by pus draining from the eyes. On the other hand, when caused by a viral infection, it tends to affect one eye first, followed by the other eye, after a few days. The discharge from the eyes is thin, clear and watery. In the both cases, the infection is highly contagious.
Similar symptoms might be seen by allergic conjunctivitis, affecting both eyes and causing clear and watery discharge, but it is not contagious. It is very common among people who have hay fever and other allergic diseases. Allergens like smoke, pollen, air pollution, dust mites, makeup, or eye drops can trigger this.
Top Remedies to Treat Pink Eye:
1.) Organic Coconut Oil to Treat Pink Eye
Coconut oil is considered as the top home remedy to cure pink eye naturally. It is a rich source of antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. That is why this remedy is known to be one of the most effective and popular remedies to treat the pink eye quickly. Dip a Q-tip into the coconut oil and directly apply the oil in the tear duct of the infected eye. You should evenly apply this organic coconut oil on your eyelids of your infected eye. This treatment should do just before going to bed. Repeat the treatment for at least two days or until there are no signs of eye infections.
2.) Potato Slice to Treat Pink Eye
Potato is well-known for its astringent properties, which can help you fight the bacteria and fungus that causes infections. You just need to put the slice of raw potato over your infected eye for ten minutes. Repeat the process three times in a day for two days to treat pink eye.
3.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Pink Eye
The antimicrobial properties present in the apple cider vinegar can help fight an infection causing pink eye. Especially, the malic acid contained by unpasteurized apple cider vinegar fights bacterial infections. Add two teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar in a cup of filtered water. Soak a cotton ball or a clean cloth in the solution. Close the infected eye and wipe it carefully with the cotton ball or cloth. Do this every few hours for two to three days. You may also put a drop of this mixture in the eye, but be careful as it is likely to sting.
4.) Aloe Vera to Treat Pink Eye
Aloe Vera is one of the most useful and multipurpose herbs. Conjunctivitis can be cured by Aloe Vera due to its antibiotic and astringent properties. Extract the gel from fresh Aloe Vera leaves. And soak chunks of the gel in a cup of cooled, boiled water until it turns out to be pale green. You can also blend the small pieces with water in a blender. Apply a few drops of this mixture in the affected eye, thrice day. You can also use it to wash your eyes.
Warning: Avoid using this remedy on children.
5.) Cold or Warm Compress to Treat Pink Eye
The itching and swelling caused by pink eye can be effectively reduced by a cold compress, especially when caused by allergic conjunctivitis. Warm compresses also help soothe the eyes. They also prevent the discharge that comes out from your eyes, from drying on your eyelashes. Dip a clean cloth in warm or cold water and wring it out. Put the cloth on the affected eye gently. Leave it on for five to ten minutes. Follow this process three or four times a day. Do not use the same cloth on both the eyes, particularly when only one eye is infected.
6.) Boric Acid to Treat Pink Eye
Due to the presence of mild antibacterial and antifungal properties, boric acid can be an excellent remedy for a number of eye problems. Dryness, redness, a burning sensation, and tearing and other eye infections can also be treated with boric acid. It also soothes eye irritation and cleanses the eyes. Mix a cup of water with one teaspoon of boric acid (available as the white powder or colorless crystals), and boil the mixture. Use it to wash off your eye or apply it to the eye with a clean piece of cloth or cotton balls. Wash your eyes with lukewarm water. Repeat this two or three times a day.
7.) Calendula to Treat Pink Eye
Antibacterial and antiviral properties of calendula (a herb) help fight infection and relieve conjunctivitis. Moreover, it is also an anti-inflammatory, hence soothes eye discomfort and irritation. Steep two teaspoons of dried calendula flower in a bowl and pour hot water into it. Let it cool and then filter the solution through a cheesecloth or a clean paper coffee filter. Use the mixture to wash your eye several times in the day. You can also soak a washcloth in this herbal mixture while it is still warm and use it as a hot compress.
8.) Black Tea to Treat Pink Eye
Black tea contains tannins that help reduce itching and inflammation. Hence it is a great home remedy for pink eye. Also, black tea combats viral and bacterial infections because of the bioflavonoids present in it. Put cooled, moist black tea bags on the affected eyes for ten to fifteen minutes. Follow this method four or five times a day, every few hours. You can also use chamomile tea or green tea bags. You can also use a weak solution of black tea as an eyewash.
9.) Saline Solution to Treat Pink Eye
This is perhaps the most popular and effective home remedy for conjunctivitis as it works as a natural disinfectant. Add one-half to one teaspoon of salt into a cup of distilled water and boil it. Let it cool on its own and then use it as an eyewash, using an eyedropper or eyecup. Follow the process multiple times a day. Sea salt is also a good remedy for treating pink eye. Put one tablespoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water, stir it with a spoon until it gets dissolved completely. Use an eyedropper or a cotton ball to put two to three drops of this solution in the corner of the affected eye. Do this twice a day for few days.
10.) Eyebright to Treat Pink Eye
Eyebright is an another herb also known as Euphrasia Officinalis, effective in many eye problems, including pink eye, sties, strained eyes, bloodshot, and weeping eyes. It’s astringent and antibacterial properties help heal pink eye. Boil a cup of water and let it cool on its own. Mix five drops of eyebright tincture to the cool water. Use it to wash your eye, preferably in an eyecup. Alternatively, Put one teaspoon of eyebright herb in a cup of water and boil it for about 10 to 15 minutes, let it cool. Then, strain the solution and use it to wash your eye. You can also add rose-water to it. Follow the process every four hours. You can also sheer equal parts of eyebright and chamomile in boiling water. Allow the solution to cool, strain it, and use it as an eyewash. Make a combination of two drops of eyebright tincture, two tablespoons of rosewater and one tablespoon of boiled water (lukewarm), and apply a compress. Take this herb in capsule or tablet form or drink eyebright tea.
11.) Breast Milk to Treat Pink Eye
It seems unusual but this remedy is considered highly effective in getting relieve of pink eye, particularly in babies. Many doctors admit that breast milk has healing properties that help treat minor diseases, including ear infections and pink eye probably because it contains certain antibodies, especially immunoglobulin E. Apply a few drops of breast milk in the affected eye. Repeat this as needed.
12.) Milk and Honey to Treat Pink Eye
A combination of warm milk and honey can be used to soothe and treat pink eye naturally. Milk has a soothing effect and soothes the swelling, and honey has antimicrobial properties. Slightly warm one tablespoon of whole milk. Mix in an equal proportion of organic honey, stir it until it becomes smooth. Apply two to three drops of this mixture in the affected eye using an eyedropper. Do this several times a day. You can use it in a warm compress too.
