Natural Remedies: Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

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Symptoms

§  Redness in one or both eyes

§  Itchiness in one or both eyes

§  Gritty feeling in one or both eyes

§  Discharge (often forms crust at night) in one or both eyes

§  Tearing

Home Preparations & Body Cleanliness

§  STOP WEARING CONTACTS: These irritate the eyes, and may spread symptoms

§  EYE DROPS: Over-the-counter eye drops often help relieve symptoms.

§  WASH BEDDING: Pillowcases should be changed daily. Wash all bedding frequently.

§  DISINFECT: Disinfect everything with diluted vinegar solutions and hydrogen peroxide.  Make sure to wash toys, counters, doorknobs, and any frequently contacted services.

§  MAKEUP: If wearing makeup, all makeup that may have come in contact with the infection must be immediately disposed of.  Do not wear makeup during infection.

Home Remedies

§  COLD COMPRESS: Soak a lint-free cloth in cold water and place on top of eyes.

§  CHAMOMILE COMPRESS: Make chamomile tea.  Soak lint-free cloth in chamomile tea and wash the immediate area around the eye, as well as the forehead and cheeks.  Cover closed eyes with the wrung out cloth until cool.

§  GINGER COMPRESS: Make a mild ginger-tea, as ginger is an anti-inflammatory agent.  Use when warm as a compress across closed eyes.

§  VINEGAR WASH: Wash hands and around the eyes (BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET IN THE EYES) with a dilute vinegar solution of 1 teaspoon white vinegar to 1 cup of water. This will keep the area virus and bacterial free.

§  EYE DROPS: Over-the-counter eye drops often help relieve symptoms.

Diet

§  INCREASE VITAMIN C: eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as taking a Vitamin C supplement.

§  INCREASE GARLIC: helps fight infection.

§  APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: dilute 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water and drink before every meal.

Other

§  REST as much as possible.

§  DON’T TOUCH: Do not touch the infected eyes or anything that could be contaminated with bare hands.  Make sure to touch it with a disinfected cloth, tissues, or something to protect yourself.

§  WARMTH: keep your body warm, as this will help keep your energy up (instead of your body having to fight to keep you warm!).

§  MEDICATION: If it is a bacterial infection, a doctor will need to prescribe medicine to clear the infection.  If it is a viral infection, it will take 2-3 weeks and must run its course.

PLEASE NOTE: These are only natural home remedies that no professional has reviewed or written.  This is not to take the place of professional medical advice, it is merely to aid you at home.  If you are concerned, it is best to call your doctor and follow instructions given by him/her.

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