10 Best Herbal Teas For Stye

Herbal teas can be a natural and soothing remedy for stye, which is an infection of the eyelid glands.

Chamomile tea, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is often recommended due to its ability to reduce redness and swelling. To use it, a cooled chamomile tea bag can be gently applied to the affected eye several times a day. Other herbs like green tea or calendula may also offer similar benefits by promoting healing and easing discomfort.

While herbal teas can provide relief, they should not replace professional medical advice, especially if the stye persists or worsens.

1. St. john's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's wort, is a herbal remedy that has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

While it is more commonly associated with treating mild depression, some studies suggest that it may also help reduce inflammation and promote healing in cases of stye, which is an infection of the eyelid glands. When brewed into a tea, hypericum perforatum can be consumed internally to support the body's natural healing processes. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using it, as it may interact with certain medications.

For external use, the tea can also be applied as a compress to the affected area to provide localized relief and reduce redness.

2. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

When prepared as a tea, it can help reduce swelling and irritation associated with a stye, which is a bacterial infection of the eyelid. To make the tea, fresh or dried nettle leaves are steeped in hot water for several minutes, and the resulting infusion is typically consumed warm. Some individuals may find the taste of stinging nettle tea unpleasant, so adding a bit of honey or lemon can improve its palatability.

While it may offer some relief, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if the stye persists or worsens, as more serious treatment may be necessary.

3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile, is a popular herbal tea often used for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

When brewed as a tea, it can help reduce swelling and irritation associated with a stye, which is an infection of the eyelid glands. The essential oils in chamomile, such as bisabolol and chamazulene, possess antimicrobial and soothing effects that may aid in the healing process. To use chamomile tea for a stye, it is typically cooled and applied as a compress to the affected eye.

While it can provide symptomatic relief, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe cases.

4. Salvia (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, has been traditionally used in herbal teas to help alleviate symptoms of a stye, which is an inflamed eyelid infection.

The tea is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may reduce swelling and combat bacterial growth around the eye. To prepare the tea, dried sage leaves are steeped in hot water for several minutes, and the resulting infusion is cooled before applying it to the affected area with a clean cloth. Some people also use a warm compress in conjunction with sage tea to enhance its soothing effects.

While sage tea may offer some relief, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe stye cases.

5. German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)

Chamomilla recutita, commonly known as German chamomile, is a popular herbal remedy often used in teas to alleviate symptoms of a stye, which is an inflamed, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection.

The tea is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with a stye. To prepare the tea, steep a few chamomile flowers in hot water for several minutes, then allow it to cool before using it as a compress over the affected eye. Regular application of the cooled chamomile tea may provide soothing relief and support the body's natural healing process.

While chamomile tea is generally safe for most people, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have allergies or are taking other medications.

6. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a popular herbal remedy often used in teas to support immune health and reduce inflammation.

While it is not a cure for stye, a bacterial infection of the eyelid, some people use echinacea tea as a complementary therapy to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of echinacea may help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with stye. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using echinacea, especially if you have allergies or are taking other medications.

Echinacea tea should not replace proper medical treatment for stye, which may include warm compresses, antibiotic ointments, or professional care.

7. Camellia (Camellia sinensis)

Camellia sinensis, the plant from which green and black teas are derived, contains bioactive compounds such as catechins and antioxidants that may support eye health and reduce inflammation.

While not a cure for stye, herbal teas made from Camellia sinensis may help alleviate symptoms by soothing the eyelid and reducing bacterial growth due to their antimicrobial properties. Some studies suggest that the polyphenols in these teas can enhance the immune response and promote healing. To use Camellia sinensis tea for a stye, it is recommended to steep the leaves in hot water and apply the cooled liquid to the affected area using a clean cloth.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the stye persists or worsens.

8. Dog rose (Rosa canina)

Rosa canina, also known as rosehip, is a traditional herbal remedy often used in teas to support eye health and reduce inflammation.

The tea is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that may help alleviate symptoms of a stye, which is a bacterial infection of the eyelid. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with the condition. Drinking rosehip tea regularly may support the body's natural healing process and promote overall eye wellness.

While it is not a substitute for medical treatment, it can be a soothing complementary therapy for those suffering from a stye.

9. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a popular herb used in herbal teas to support eye health and alleviate symptoms of stye, a bacterial infection of the eyelid.

The essential oils in rosemary, particularly cineole and camphor, possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce infection and inflammation associated with styes. When brewed into a warm tea, rosemary can be applied as a compress to the affected eye, promoting soothing relief and potentially accelerating healing. While rosemary tea is generally considered safe for topical use, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using it for persistent or severe stye cases.

Overall, rosemary herbal tea offers a natural, complementary approach to managing stye symptoms when used appropriately.

10. Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, is a herbal remedy commonly used in the form of tea to support liver health and potentially reduce inflammation.

While it is not a direct treatment for stye, a stye is an infection of the eyelid, typically caused by a bacterial infection of the oil glands, and may benefit from anti-inflammatory properties found in milk thistle. Some studies suggest that silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could aid in reducing swelling and discomfort associated with eye conditions. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using milk thistle tea for stye or any eye-related issue, as it may interact with certain medications or conditions.

Overall, while milk thistle tea may offer some supportive benefits, it should not replace medical treatment for a stye.