Pink eye or conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva - the clear membrane that covers the white area of the eyes and in the inner portion of the eyelids too. This inflammation is infectious and spreads easily, so it is important to find home remedies for pink eye. The remedies depend on the cause of the pink eye. Pink eye occurs due to- viruses, bacteria, harmful chemicals, dust, fumes and allergies. The eyes swell up and they become red in color and there is a whitish or greenish discharge. There is difficulty in looking at bright lights.
A cool compress is one of the main home remedies for pink eye or conjunctivitis. Dip a clean cloth in cold water, remove excess water and place it on your eyes. This relaxes your eyes immediately. Continue taking the cool compress by changing the cloth and water. Chamomile or else Elderberry can be added to the cold water to soothe your eyes. You can make hot tea with them and drink it to get good results too. Drinking green tea or black tea or eyebright tea is helpful too. Tea contains bioflavonoid and tannic acid that soothes the irritating itch of pink eye.
Aroma therapists suggest warm compress with various oils - rose, chamomile or else lavender. Pour a few drops on a warm cloth and place it on your eyes. Leave it till the cloth cools. These drops help in removing infection from the eyes and are easily available in food stores. One of the most effective home remedies for pink eye is to apply one drop of castor oil three times a day in each eye. Pure honey is a natural remedy to cure pink eyes. Honey is known to have antibacterial properties that heal the eyes.
Giving your eye a bath regularly is one of the commonest home remedies for pink eye or conjunctivitis. There are various eye bath solutions available that has to be used with a clean cotton ball. You have to make a fresh solution every time you take an eye bath. The solution can be made of golden seal or eyebright and used thrice daily with the help of sterile water and utensils. These solutions are either made by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water or by adding a tablespoon of boric acid to a quart of water along with these herbal solutions. In place of sterile water you may use tepid milk too.
Colloidal silver can be used as drops, as it is known for its antibacterial properties. Taking homeopathy medicines like Belladonna and Calcarea carbonicum is helpful too. One of the most important home remedies for pink eye or conjunctivitis is taking vitamin C and E. A daily supplement of anti-inflammatory vitamins should be taken along with multivitamins. Usually pink eye takes a minimum of 10 days to cure and their symptoms are similar to that of common cold. Staying indoors helps in the healing process. But in case it lasts for a longer tenure, it is best to visit a doctor.
