Home remedies for pink eye: Conjunctivitis is also popularly known as pink eye. It is a kind of infection that affects the eyes which can occur in adults as well as in children, caused by bacteria, virus or due to allergies. An irritating and uncomfortable sensation in the eye accompanied with redness, watery eyes, itching, inflammation, sensation of foreign body in the eyes, burning etc are some of the symptoms of pink eye. Both the viral and bacterial infections are highly contagious and personal contacts should be avoided during the time of an infection. While the pink eye caused by allergic reactions is not contagious, it is however recommended that you stay away from possible allergens.
Should you notice more severe symptoms like disturbed vision, light sensitivity, pain etc, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately. However, in most cases, pink eye can be treated at the comfort of one’s home. Mentioned below are 10 home remedies for pink eye:
10 Easy Home Remedies for Pink Eye
1. Calendula
Calendula is a popular herb, which abounds in antibacterial and antiviral properties. As a result, it helps in healing conjunctivitis by fighting infection. It also helps in soothing irritation and eye discomfort, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Take a cup of hot water and steep around 2 teaspoons of dried calendula in it. Allow it to cool and then strain the liquid through any kind of clean filter. This solution can be used to rinse your eyes throughout the day. Other than using it as an eyewash, you can also dip a piece of clean cloth in the mixture while it’s still warm and hot compress the eye.
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2. Saline solution
Saline water acts as a natural disinfectant and hence is excellent for treating the problem of conjunctivitis. Take a cup of distilled water and boil it. Add about ½ – 1 teaspoon of salt in it and let the solution cool down. You may use this solution as an eyewash several times in a day. Due to its salinity, sea water is also effective in treating the problem of pink eye.
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3. Boric acid
Boric acid has mild antifungal and antibacterial properties. The ingredient is useful for treating eye problems like tearing, burning sensation, dryness and redness etc. Besides cleansing the eyes, the irritation is also soothed with the properties of this ingredient.
Add 1 teaspoon of boric acid to a cup of boiled water. Boric acid comes in crystal or powder form, thus dissolves in hot water really fast. Apply this solution as an eyewash with a clean cloth or cotton balls. Use lukewarm water to rinse the eyes thoroughly afterwards. Repeat this 2-3 times daily for best results.
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4. Warm or cold compresses
Warm or cold compress can offer relief to about just every eye infection! In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, cold compress proves to be really useful as it eases swelling and itching. Warm compresses are better with viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Warm compresses will also prevent eye discharge from drying on the eyelashes which will make it difficult to open your eyes.
Take a clean cloth and soak it in hot or cold water. Wring out the excess water. Place the cloth on the affected eye and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Do this 3-4 times daily for best results. Refrain from placing the same cloth on both eyes, particularly when only one eye is infected.
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5. Cucumber
Cucumber has always been naturally used to treat particularly dark circles and under eye puffiness. But this natural ingredient also shows great results in minimizing symptoms of eye inflammation and eye irritation. This is because cucumber has cooling properties which can soothe the irritation caused due to conjunctivitis, making it one of the best home remedies for pink eye.
Cut two thin slices of cucumber and place them in ice cold water for about 10 minutes or so. Then take the cucumber slices out and place them on closed eyelids. Make sure to wash your hand thoroughly before doing so.
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6. Potato
Potatoes are a staple vegetable in majority of diets. But little did you know that this natural ingredient is one of the most excellent home remedies for pink eye infection.
Cut thin slices of a potato and place them on your eyes. You will feel an instant cooling effect. Potatoes help in reducing redness and inflammation caused by a pink eye. Ensure that you throw away the slices after placing them on one eye, do not reuse the slices. Do this several times in a day for getting best results.
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7. Apple cider vinegar
The redness and inflammation brought by pink eye can be reduced in no time with the help of this natural ingredient!
Take a cup of warm water and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to it. With the help of a clean cloth or cotton ball, apply it on your eyes. Your eyes will feel more comfortable and less itchy within few minutes upon application.
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8. Fennel seeds
Fennel is a popular condiment used in various kinds of cooking. It has cooling effects, hence why fennel seeds can work wonders on conjunctivitis. In fact, the pain that accompanies pink eye is also minimized considerably with this natural remedy.
Boil a cup of water and add a tablespoon of fennel seeds to it. Cover and let it steep well. Once the solution cools, strain it as use it to rinse your eyes. You will notice that this natural remedy helps in relieving the pain, inflammation and redness of pink eye.
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9. Black tea
Black tea has been used since a long time to get rid of pink eye. Tea contains tannin, which helps in reducing inflammation and itching caused by conjunctivitis. Moreover, tea contains bioflavonoids, which help in combating bacterial and viral infections.
Take black tea bags that are cool and moist and place them on the eyes for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you may also use green tea or chamomile tea bags. Continue doing this three to four times daily. An extremely mild solution of black tea can also be used as eyewash.
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10. Honey as eyewash and eye drop
Honey has great medicinal properties and has been used for treating various kinds of problems skin and health issues. Interestingly, this natural ingredient also made it to our list of home remedies for pink eye.
Add 3 tablespoons of honey to two cups of boiling water and mix well. Once the mixture cools down,you may use it as eyewash. Honey can also be used directly as an eye drop. Although it may feel uncomfortable at first, you will feel relief from the pain and itchiness with time.
Now that you have learnt some of the best home remedies for pink eye, go ahead and try them out and get back to us with your feedback.
