Natural Remedies for Pink Eye - Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis = Pink Eye

{or vice versa}

Conjunctivitis is commonly called Pink Eye, it's a common infection among kids and at our house, our dog.  How many mornings did you wake up to find that somebody in the household had goopy, crusty eyes?  

Pink Eye can be a bacterial or viral infection depending on symptoms or, allergy related and very contagious!

PINK EYE Types and Symptoms

Bacterial or viral, the symptoms include irritation and inflammation of the eyes affecting the outer membrane of the eyes and the inner lining of the eyelids.

Also known as conjunctiva, the infection is very contagious so be sure to practice good hand washing skills and trade towels out for clean ones after use.

Bacterial

Pink eye caused by a bacterial infection affects both eyes at once and the discharge is usually yellowish green and thick.

Viral

Usually one eye becomes infected with the other eye to follow suit a few days later.  The discharge is generally watery.

Allergy

Pink eye can also be caused by allergies.

USING ESSENTIAL OILS

Use 1 drop of pure Lavender diluted in a 1/2 tsp of carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil or almond oil.  Caution: Lavender can be very strong near the eye - always treat around the eye.  Apply diluted Lavender lightly to the brow and facial bones surrounding the eyes, never directly on lids.  For young children, you can apply topically to their forehead, down their nose and across cheek bones.  Remind them not to rub their eyes afterwards.  Do this several times a day until symptoms go away.

I used the All Purpose Healing Stick for pink eye too, when I was traveling.  I basically used the same protocol as above (no need to dilute), worked so well I used it on our Newfie too! 

The TEA BAG Method

Last year I read about using black tea bags as a natural alternative to prescription eye creams that most doctors readily write up.  My Cultured Palate was the first to introduce me to this remedy so I have to give her credit!  

1.  Make a cup of organic black tea with 1 or 2 teabags depending on whether you're treating one or both eyes.

2.  Let the tea bags steep for 5 minutes.

3.  Lift the tea bags out of the water but don't squeeze them.  You want them wet.  

4.  Place them on a clean plate to cool until warm, hot tea bags aren't fun but a warm tea bag will feel nice.

6.  Lay back and place the tea bags over the eyes for up to 15 min. Occasionally squeeze the tea bag so the tea pools over eyes, letting the tea seep in thru the eyelids is a good thing.  If applied several times during the day the tea will calm the the inflammation and soothe the irritation.  You should see rapid improvement, if not, switch to the Lavender routine.

  Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

This is my daughter in law Ava's technique for little ones and it works brilliantly! 

You'll need a small pitcher and up to a 1/2 cup of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.  

Put your child in the bath filled with warm water.  Fill your pitcher with water from the faucet or heated filtered water and add 1/2 cup ACV.  Slowly pour some of the warm water a little at a time over your child's head as if you were rinsing shampoo from their hair - you want to get small amounts of ACV water in their eyes.  It may sting a little but it's a natural alternative that works!  Use your good judgement, pour small amounts and praise them for being so brave :)

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