Natural herbal & homeopathic remedies for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - CONJUNCTIVITIS

· General Description · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Conjunctivitis is basically an inflammation of the conjunctiva; the delicate, thin, clear mucus membranes covering the front of the eye. These membranes stretch from the inside of your eyelids to the outer part of your eye. There are several forms of conjunctivitis, the most common of them being infective conjunctivitis. It is known as ‘pink eye’ as it turns the white of your eye into pink. It spreads from person to person through direct contact (hand-to-eye) and is highly contagious because of which, overcrowding and filthy, unhealthy living conditions can even take this infection to epidemic proportions.

Symptoms Causes Media / mode of infection Discharge of thick pus, white or yellow in color Spread of infection is quite rapid Eye lashes stick together during sleep as the pus dries up Bacterial Person to person by hand-to-eye contact Sharing of towels and face cloths Sharing of cosmetics Eyes become red and extremely watery Hardly any pus discharge Slight fever and sore throat Viruses(usually cold virus, like in case of influenza) Same as in bacterial infections Watery eyes Intense itching Swollen eyelids Discharge of very sticky pus Asthma & other allergies Seasonal allergies Watery eyes Intense itching Difficulty in opening the eyes Chemicals Exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, air pollutants, chlorine and contact lens solution Red eyes Slight ache Sensitivity to light Eye strain Over exposure to sun, smog or wind Prolonged work under artificial light

Conjunctivitis is, as such, not a serious problem by itself and shall go away by itself in a few days time. You should however consult your ophthalmologist who would prescribe proper medications according to the symptoms and condition of your eyes. Moreover, chronic conjunctivitis, if left untreated, is a potential permanent eye damager. So, meet your doctor if your infection is getting worse after 5 days instead of clearing of and if your conjunctivitis is accompanied by pain, vision alteration and too much pus discharge.

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Conjunctivitis caused by viral and bacterial infections is usually treated with topical antibiotic ointments or sodium containing eye drops to prevent secondary bacterial infections. In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe oral anti-histamines - however, these may dry the eyes causing further complications. It is important to investigate all possible side effects of any medication your doctor may recommend and make an informed decision on what treatment will best suit you! Conjunctivitis, like many eye ailments, is frustrating and bothersome as your eye probably feels twice as large as it actually is and it may feel like your eyelids have turned to sandpaper. Luckily, nature has a few effective herbal and homeopathic remedies that help with overall eye health and swift recovery! Herbal ingredients such as Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and Sutherlandia frutescens are powerful anti-oxidants and help to maintain a healthy supply of blood, oxygen and essential nutrients to the eye – all of which are essential to the rapid recovery from any eye condition. Another essential herb commonly used for eye health is Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) which is used to strengthen eye capillaries, prevent eye-related disease and infection, and restore the eyes to their healthy, bright and problem-free state. Euphrasia (6C) is used to keep eyes healthy and bright. It is very beneficial taken internally. Other benefits include the maintenance of good vision and eye health. (Stoss M, Michels C, Peter E, Beutke R, Gorter RW. "Prospective cohort trial of Euphrasia single-dose eye drops in conjunctivitis." Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa. J Altern Complement Med. 2000 Dec;6(6):499-508.) Pulsatilla (12C) is a naturally gentle and soothing tonic to support eye health. Psorinum (12C) is a homeopathic ingredient used to address symptoms often aggravated by heat. Merc sol (6C) is good for eye complaints where the eyelids are red, swollen, and stuck together, or stinging, watery, aching eyes. Graphites (6C) is a great homeopathic remedy to address excess production of gummy secretions. Calendula (3X) is one of the most well-known homeopathic ingredients to soothe. Calendula helps to support healthy tissues, and also acts as an excellent general tonic for the eye. Agrimony (3X) is a well-known astringent well known for its supportive capacity.