Best Home Remedies for Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, which is also known as pink eye, is a common eye disease
which is contagious in nature. The ailment is characterized by inflammation and
soreness of the eyes, with symptoms like pain, redness, itching and a
yellowish-green discharge from the eyes. Caused by a bacteria or virus, the
infection can last up to 1-2 weeks. Smoke, dust, allergy or irritants like
shampoos can also cause conjunctivitis. You have to consult an eye-specialist
as soon as the symptoms of this problem surface and he may recommend some
antibiotic eye-drops for treating it. In addition to medication, you can use
some home remedies to alleviate the pain and soreness caused by conjunctivitis.
Here are ten simple home remedies for conjunctivitis:
1. Water
The easiest and best home remedy for conjunctivitis is water. You can
either use a cold or warm compress to help treat the infection. While an ice
cube wrapped in a clean piece of cloth can be used as a cold compress for the
infection, a warm compress can be made by dipping a cotton ball in some warm,
salted water. Both can soothe up your inflamed and sore eyes.
2. Honey
Another commonly used home remedy for conjunctivitis is pure honey. You can
prepare a natural eye drop by diluting a drop of honey with 2 table spoons of
warm water. Cool it down and use a dropper to put in your affected eyes twice a
day. The anti biotic action of honey can be helpful for treating the pain and
soreness. Alternatively, you can wash your eyes with a mixture of milk and
honey.
3. Potato
Cut thin slices of potatoes and put them on your eyelids for a few minutes.
It can have a wonderful soothing effect on your sore and hurting eyes.
Similarly, shredded raw potato can also be applied on your eyelids.
4. Fennel
Another amazing home remedy for conjunctivitis is a common kitchen herb
called fennel. You can prepare soothing eyewash at home by boiling some fennel
seeds in water and cooling it down. Wash your eyes with this concoction at
least twice a day. Also, chewing these seeds can speed up the recovery from
conjunctivitis.
5. Coriander
Another herbal home remedy for conjunctivitis is coriander. It can be
helpful in relieving the burning and itching sensation in your eyes. Prepare
eyewash by boiling some dry coriander in water and straining and cooling it.
Alternatively, you can apply it as a compress by dipping a cotton ball in it
and placing it over your eyelids.
6. Turmeric
The common kitchen spice called turmeric works magic with a host of health
problems on account of its anti bacterial and healing properties. It can also
alleviate the symptoms of conjunctivitis, when used to wash eyes, about 2
teaspoons of it mixed in a cup of boiled water.
7. Rose Water
Rose water is a traditional remedy for numerous eye problems, one of which
is conjunctivitis, as it has amazing cooling and soothing action. You can
simply use a dropper to put a few drops of cold rose water in your eyes 2-3
times a day to get rid of pain and itching.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a classic remedy for a large number
of health problems, one of which is conjunctivitis. A solution of a few drops
of aloe vera juice in a cup of boiled and cooled water can be used as eyewash.
Alternatively, you can prepare a compress with a cotton ball dipped in aloe
vera juice.
9. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
Another effective home remedy for conjunctivitis is Indian Gooseberry
(amla). This herb is considered as a boon for eye health. A cup of its juice
sweetened with a teaspoon of honey can be drank twice a day to relieve the
symptoms of conjunctivitis.
10. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is an easily available home remedy for this problem.
Application of a few drops of lemon juice around the eyes can alleviate the
problem in a few days. The remedy is a bit painful, but it gives quick results.
Conjunctivitis is a highly infectious condition, which spreads rapidly
through contact or sharing personal items. Therefore, one needs to take some
precautions to control the spread of the disease. Pay attention to personal
hygiene and cleanliness. Also, the patient must wear dark glasses to avoid its
spread and ease up the pain.