Eye Irritation Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Eye irritation is a common condition characterized by redness, itching, and swelling of the eyes, often caused by exposure to allergens, irritants, or environmental factors.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat eye irritation due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and soothing properties.
Herbs such as chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera are commonly used to treat eye irritation because of their ability to calm and soothe the eyes, while herbs like eyebright, goldenseal, and mullein are used to reduce inflammation and fight off infections.
Herbal preparations such as eye drops, infusions, and salves made from herbs like green tea, peppermint, and witch hazel can also provide relief from eye irritation, as they help to reduce puffiness, cool the eyes, and promote healing.
What causes eye irritation?
The primary causes of eye irritation are exposure to allergens, irritants, and dry air, which can trigger an inflammatory response and disrupt the delicate balance of the ocular surface.
Secondary causes of eye irritation can include prolonged screen time, which can lead to dry eyes, and using expired or low-quality contact lenses, which can cause infection and inflammation.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing eye irritation include working in dusty or polluted environments, such as construction or manufacturing, and neglecting to wear protective eyewear while engaging in activities like gardening or woodworking, which can expose the eyes to harmful particles and chemicals.
Additionally, individuals who live in dry or windy climates may also be more prone to eye irritation due to the dry air, which can exacerbate existing conditions and make the eyes more susceptible to irritation.
What herbs heal eye irritation?
The medicinal herbs used to treat eye irritation are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, and carotenoids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Examples of herbs that have therapeutic actions to soothe and calm irritated eyes include chamomile, whose apigenin content reduces inflammation, and calendula, whose triterpenoid saponins exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The soothing effects of herbs like eyebright and licorice root are also attributed to their flavonoid and glycoside content, which reduce redness and swelling.
By incorporating these herbs into eye care products or using them as teas or infusions, individuals can find natural relief from eye irritation.
What preparations treat eye irritation?
The herbal preparations used to treat eye irritation are soothing infusions that can be drunk or applied directly to the eyes, such as cooled tea bags or compresses soaked in calming infusions.
These preparations can also be applied as eye washes, like a gentle stream of cooled infusion or a splash of revitalizing herbal water.
Some herbal preparations, like concentrated infusions or extracts, can be applied directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Additionally, herbal balms and salves can be applied to the eyelids to provide long-lasting relief from eye irritation.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat eye irritation.