Pounce on Pink Eye Conjunctivitis With Effective Herbal Options

Early this Spring I noticed an abundance of this plant growing in my yard and garden (wild), and I immediately grabbed a clump and exclaimed, “Someone’s going to need this!”

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants and typically manifests as redness, itching, and discharge.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by:

• Viruses: Most common cause of pink eye, including adenoviruses, herpes simplex viruses, and other viruses.
  

🦜🦠👀 There is a particular virus in the news lately, and pink eye has been associated with it. 👀🦠🦜

• Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Chlamydia trachomatis are common bacterial causes of pink eye.

• Allergens: Allergies to pollen, dust, smoke, or other substances can cause pink eye.

• Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals, such as those found in cleaning products or pesticides, can cause pink eye.

• Fungi: Fungal infections, such as Candida, can cause pink eye.

• Foreign objects: Getting something in the eye, such as sand or a piece of a foreign object, can cause pink eye.

If you don’t have the time or desire to make your own, grab mine HERE!

Otherwise, here are some effective herbal options for combatting conjunctivitis.

1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can help reduce irritation and redness associated with conjunctivitis. Here's how you can use it:

- Chamomile Tea Compress: Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Soak a clean cloth or cotton pad in the tea and place it over the closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes. Repeat several times a day for relief.

2. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid known for its antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacterial conjunctivitis.

- Goldenseal Eyewash: Prepare a solution by adding a pinch of goldenseal powder to a cup of boiling water. Let it cool and strain. Use the solution as an eyewash, applying it with a clean dropper or by soaking a cotton pad and gently wiping the affected area.

3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a versatile remedy for conjunctivitis.

- Calendula Infusion: Steep calendula flowers in boiling water for 15 minutes. Once cooled, strain the liquid and use it as an eyewash or a compress.

4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. It can provide relief from itching and swelling.

- Aloe Vera Drops: Extract the clear gel from an aloe vera leaf and dilute it with an equal amount of sterile water. Using a clean dropper, place a few drops in the affected eye twice a day.

5. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

Eyebright has been traditionally used to treat eye conditions due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

- Eyebright Tea Compress: Brew eyebright tea, let it cool, and use a clean cloth or cotton pad to apply the tea as a compress on the closed eyelids for 15 minutes.

6. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated eyes.

- Green Tea Bags: After steeping green tea bags in hot water, let them cool down. Place the cooled tea bags over your closed eyes for about 15 minutes to reduce swelling and discomfort.

7. Usnea (Usnea spp.)

Usnea is a species of lichen, which are a combination of fungus and algae that grow together on host trees found world-wide. Usnea is on my top-5 list of most loved medicinal herbs because of its versatility, being anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and immune supportive. It has an affinity to the respiratory and urinary tracts, but also has many other uses, of which combatting conjunctivitis is one of them. It contains Usneic acid as the main active compound responsible for its anti-microbial properties. It is one of the herbs in my tried and true pink eye formula.

- Usnea Decoction: A simple tea isn’t the best extraction method for Usnea. It requires a strong arm to extract the maximum benefit, so we use a decoction method. Add the Usnea to a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain well and let cool before using as an eye wash.

- Venus’ Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata)

Venus’ Looking Glass shares many of the same properties with Eyebright (above) and include anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties, as well as applications in treating eye conditions, thus making it a valid substitute for Eyebright, used in the same way.

- Venus’ Looking Glass Tea: Steep leaves in boiling water for 15 minutes. Once cooled, strain the liquid and use it as an eyewash or a compress.

Early this Spring I noticed an abundance of this plant growing in my yard and garden (wild), and I immediately grabbed a clump and exclaimed, “Someone’s going to need this!” About a month later a good friend’s daughter came down with pink eye, then her baby got it, and now, as I’m typing this, I have it in both eyes! I could write another blog post on where I think this affliction originated, but maybe we’ll save that for later.

👀🦜🦠Let’s just say that I don’t think this is “regular” pink eye! I won’t be headed to the doc to be another statistic and invite investigation from big brother into my life though. 👀🦜🦠

The above herbs are all valid options for combatting pink eye, but my favorite combination is Usnea and Eyebright (or Venus’ Looking Glass). This time I did add Calendula because I had some handy. I think it provided a nice soothing quality to the combination.

If you don’t have the time or desire to make your own, grab mine HERE!

Student Subscribers may access my full recipe for both the eye wash AND a soothing compress here: https://www.highergroundal.com/post/pink-eye-recipes-for-students-only

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Learn more here: https://www.highergroundal.com/herbs

👩🏼‍🌾🙌🏻We make all of our herbal products with only natural ingredients! No fake fragrances (hormone disruptors), AND everything is Biblically Clean, meaning no pork🐷or shellfish🦞in any of our formulas!

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