Thursday, November 28, 2013

Not Everything is Pretty in Pink - Natural Remedies For Conjunctivitis Or Pink Eye

Pink eye is a common ailment that affects the eyes.  While pink eye is extremely common, pink eye is easily treatable and doesn't cause a real threat to the eye.  Here is some general information on pink eye and some natural treatments which may help it clear up faster.Pink eye is a common ailment which real name is conjunctivitis.  The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye ball.  When the conjunctiva gets inflamed it turns red and thus is called pink eye.  Pink eye can come in many forms.  The most common forms are viral pink eye, bacterial pink eye and allergic pink eye.Viral pink eye is very common and is characterized by watering eyes and light discharge in one eye.  Bacterial pink eye is similar to viral pink eye in the exception that there is heavy discharge.  Allergen pink eye causes both eyes to be pink or red with tearing, no discharge and sometimes affecting the nose.For viral discharge, the best treatment is usually just to wait a few days; you can gently cleanse the eye with eye drops.  Because viruses are immune to antibiotics, there are no effective treatments except to wait for the virus to run its course.For bacterial pink eye, an antibiotic may be prescribed as well as keeping the eye clean and rinse occasionally with eye drops. For allergen pink eye you may want to use an antihistamine as well as eye drops to counter the effects.  If you notice bacterial discharge from the eye, it is advised that you seek medical attention to treat your condition quickly instead of allowing it to linger and possibly get worse.Although natural remedies for pink eye have not been extensively studied, research has shown that EyeBright and chamomile can be very effective home remedies.1) Make yourself a cup of Chamomile tea, remove the tea bag and let it cool. Then place the cool, moist chamomile tea bag on each eye for about 10-15 minutes, repeating every couple of hours. Make sure chamomile is the only ingredient of the tea bag.2) You can also use Eyebright. Infuse a teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water. Allow to cool, strain. Put the tea in an eye cup (available at pharmacies) and use it in the recommended way.3) Steep 1 teaspoon dried Eyebright in 1 cup boiling hot water for 10 minutes and strain WELL. Soak a washcloth in the solution (as warm as you can stand it), gently wring it, and apply it to the stye for 15 minutes two or three times a day.Because conjunctivitis can be a bacterial infection, I add one teaspoon of dried or powdered Goldenseal (you can use capsules for this, just take apart and pour in) and 1 teaspoon of dried Calendula flowers.This blend is also very effective for sties.4) Steep 2 tablespoons of dried calendula (also called pot marigold) in 1 cup of hot water (covered) for about an hour. Allow to cool. Take a square of cotton, dip in the tea, place some drops in eye and put cotton over eye for about 10 minutes. Use as needed. Refrigerate the remainder and use next day same way. No stinging, no burning, very soothing.Reference: learningherbs.com



Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Dr. of Reflexology and a natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Remedies4.com at http://www.remedies4.com/ - a large directory full of free natural health ebooks covering common ailments, illnesses, health conditions and natural healing techniques.** You are free to use/reprint this article as long as the Author information/bio AND any links within the article stay active and in tact!

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