Last updated: Apr 28, 2024
10 best herbal teas for pink eye
Several herbal teas offer relief from pink eye symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties.
Chamomile tea, known for its calming effects, can help reduce inflammation and irritation. Calendula tea, made from marigold flowers, has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacterial infections causing pink eye. Eyebright tea, rich in bioflavonoids and tannins, has astringent and anti-inflammatory effects that can alleviate pink eye symptoms.
Drinking these herbal teas or using them as warm compresses can provide comfort and promote healing.
1. Chamomile
Chamomile tea contains active compounds like chamazulene and bisabolol, which possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective remedy for pink eye.
These compounds help reduce swelling, redness, and irritation by constricting the blood vessels in the eye's sensitive tissues. Additionally, chamomile's antimicrobial properties inhibit bacterial growth and can help prevent the spread of infection. To use chamomile tea for pink eye, simply soak a clean cotton ball in cooled chamomile tea and gently apply it to the affected eye, repeating this process several times a day for relief.
These well-documented benefits make chamomile tea a valuable natural treatment for pink eye, offering quick and soothing results.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with pink eye.
- Flowers: Contain anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritation in pink eye.
- Leaves: Rich in antimicrobial compounds that can help fight pink eye-causing bacteria.
- Seeds: Contain antioxidants that can support eye health and reduce inflammation in pink eye.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with pink eye.
- Chamazulene: Has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation and swelling in the eye.
- Bisabolol: Possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties that help fight the infection causing pink eye.
- Matricin: Gets converted to chamazulene, which has anti-inflammatory effects to soothe pink eye symptoms.
- Apigenin: Acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate pink eye irritations.
- Quercetin: Exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine properties, which can help reduce redness, swelling, and itching in pink eye.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for pink eye.
- Boil 2 cups of water in a pot for 5 minutes.
- Add 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to the boiling water.
- Steep the chamomile in the water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the chamomile tea into a clean glass.
- Let the tea cool down to a warm temperature before using it as a compress on the affected eye for 15 minutes, 3 times a day.
2. Calendula
Calendula tea aids pink eye by containing anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and redness in the eyes.
The tea's antimicrobial qualities combat the bacteria causing the infection, promoting healing. Moreover, calendula tea consists of antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, enabling the body to fight off the infection. It also soothes irritation and itchiness, offering immediate relief.
Drinking calendula tea or using it as a compress ensures direct contact with the affected area, amplifying its therapeutic effects.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in calendula tea that help with pink eye.
- Flowers: Contain high levels of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in reducing redness and swelling in pink eye.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and triterpenes, which possess antibacterial and antiviral properties, aiding in the treatment of pink eye.
- Buds: High in essential oils and carotenoids, possessing potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making them ideal for relieving pink eye symptoms.
- Stems: Contain bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and phenolic acids, which exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for soothing irritated eyes.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in calendula tea that aid with pink eye.
- Flavonoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping reduce redness and fight bacterial infection in pink eye.
- Triterpenes: Contribute to the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, soothing irritation and promoting recovery in pink eye.
- Saponins: Exhibit antimicrobial activities, aiding in limiting the growth of bacteria causing pink eye.
- Carotenoids: Provide antioxidant and immune-enhancing benefits, supporting overall eye health and combating pink eye.
- Polysaccharides: Demonstrate anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties, helping alleviate symptoms and strengthen the body's defense against pink eye.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic calendula tea for pink eye.
- Gather 1-2 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers and place them in a tea infuser or loose leaf teapot.
- Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the calendula flowers and let them steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the tea infuser or strain the loose leaves from the tea.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a warm temperature that is safe for the eyes.
- Use a clean dropper to apply the calendula tea to the affected eye, taking care not to touch the dropper to the eye.
3. Eyebright
Eyebright tea brings relief to pink eye through its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
This herbal remedy contains tannins and bioflavonoids, which reduce inflammation and soothe irritated eyes. Its antimicrobial and antiviral components combat the infection-causing agents. By constricting blood vessels, eyebright tea alleviates redness and discomfort.
This natural treatment fosters faster recovery and diminishes the symptoms of pink eye.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in eyebright tea that help with pink eye.
- Flowers: Contain active compounds that have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, helping to reduce redness and swelling in pink eye.
- Leaves: Rich in tannins and flavonoids, leaves of eyebright tea plant possess soothing and antimicrobial properties, beneficial for easing symptoms of pink eye.
- Seeds: Packed with essential oils, seeds from the eyebright tea plant aid in reducing irritation and inflammation in pink eye when used in medicinal tea.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in eyebright tea that aid with pink eye.
- Aucubin: A potent anti-inflammatory, reducing redness and swelling in pink eye.
- Isoquercitrin: Acts as an antioxidant, helping protect the eye from damage caused by pink eye.
- Luteolin: Possesses antibacterial properties, fighting the infection causing pink eye.
- Rutin: Enhances blood vessel health, improving recovery from pink eye.
- Hederagenin: Provides antiviral effects, beneficial for pink eye caused by a virus.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eyebright tea for pink eye.
- Boil 1 cup of water and let 1 teaspoon of dried eyebright herb steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid to remove solid particles.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a warm temperature.
- Use a clean dropper to instill 1-2 drops of the tea into the affected eye, 3-4 times a day.
- Discard any remaining tea after 24 hours.
4. Goldenseal
Goldenseal tea aids pink eye through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb Goldenseal contains berberine, a powerful alkaloid, responsible for these benefits. Berberine combats the bacteria causing pink eye, promoting faster healing. Simultaneously, it reduces eye inflammation, providing relief from symptoms.
As a result, goldenseal tea helps alleviate pink eye by targeting both its cause and effects, offering a soothing and potentially quicker recovery.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in goldenseal tea that help with pink eye.
- Leaves: Goldenseal tea made from leaves has antibacterial properties that help alleviate pink eye symptoms.
- Roots: Goldenseal tea made from roots contains berberine, an alkaloid known to have antimicrobial properties beneficial for pink eye.
- Rhizomes: Goldenseal tea prepared using rhizomes has anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce redness and swelling associated with pink eye.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in goldenseal tea that aid with pink eye.
- Berberine: An alkaloid with antibacterial properties that fight the bacteria causing pink eye.
- Hydrastine: An alkaloid with anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling in pink eye.
- Canadine: An alkaloid that helps to relieve irritation and itching in pink eye.
- L-Dopa: A chemical with astringent properties that help to reduce discharge and dry up pink eye.
- Magnoflorine: An alkaloid with antioxidant properties that help to protect the eyes from damage and support healing in pink eye.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenseal tea for pink eye.
- Measure - Pour 1 cup of water into a saucepan and add 1 teaspoon of dried goldenseal root.
- Heat - Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Steep - Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the goldenseal root simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain - Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the liquid into a cup, discarding the solid goldenseal root.
- Serve - Allow the goldenseal tea to cool down to a warm temperature before using it as a compress on the affected eye.
5. Fennel
Fennel tea aids pink eye treatment due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea's active components, such as trans-anethole, falcarinol, and fenchone, combat the bacteria causing pink eye while reducing eye inflammation. Fennel tea soothes irritation by promoting tear production, which keeps the eye moisturized and flushes out impurities. Additionally, its astringent properties aid in shrinking infected tissues and preventing the spread of infection.
Overall, fennel tea's natural properties make it an effective and soothing remedy for pink eye symptoms.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in fennel tea that help with pink eye.
- Seeds: Contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate pink eye symptoms.
- Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce redness and irritation in pink eye.
- Leaves: Packed with essential oils that have antibacterial properties, beneficial for treating pink eye.
- Rhyzomes: Known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, aiding in pink eye recovery.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in fennel tea that aid with pink eye.
- Anethole: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce inflammation in the eyes caused by pink eye.
- Limonene: Possesses antimicrobial properties, fighting the bacterial or viral infections causing pink eye.
- Flavonoids: Exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing redness and soothing the eyes.
- Phenolic acids: Known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the treatment of pink eye.
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and has antioxidant properties, helping the body to recover from pink eye.
- Folate: Promotes cell growth and repair, supporting the healing process in pink eye.
- Potassium: Helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, reducing discomfort in the eyes.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel tea for pink eye.
- Chop one fennel bulb and two cups of water into small pieces, placing them in a pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid to remove fennel solids, discarding the solids.
- Allow the tea to cool to a safe temperature for pink eye, typically around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drink the tea, aiming for a total of four cups throughout the day.
6. Licorice
Licorice tea contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties due to its key ingredient, glycyrrhizin.
This compound inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for pink eye, offering a natural remedy for the infection. Moreover, licorice tea soothes inflammation and irritation in the eye, reducing discomfort. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help decrease swelling of the eyelid and eye membranes.
Overall, drinking licorice tea or using it as a compress provides pink eye relief by addressing both the infection and its symptoms.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with pink eye.
- Roots: Contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and redness in the eye.
- Leaves: Rich in antioxidants that can boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections causing pink eye.
- Flowers: Contain flavonoids that have antimicrobial properties, which can help eliminate the bacteria causing pink eye.
- Seeds: Contain essential oils with antiviral properties that can help treat viral pink eye infections.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with pink eye.
- Glycyrrhizin: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce eye inflammation.
- Flavonoids: Exhibit antimicrobial effects to combat the infection causing pink eye.
- Chalcones: Suppress the production of inflammatory mediators to alleviate pink eye symptoms.
- Saponins: Improve the absorption of therapeutic compounds for enhanced pink eye treatment.
- Essential oils: Contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties for pink eye relief.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for pink eye.
- In a pot, combine 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove the licorice root pieces.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a warm temperature.
- Use a clean eye dropper to squeeze 1-2 drops of the tea into the affected eye.
7. Red Clover
Red clover tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids and essential fatty acids.
These compounds work together to soothe irritation, reduce swelling, and fight bacterial infections, all common symptoms of pink eye. The isoflavones in red clover tea have antimicrobial properties that help combat the infection-causing bacteria in pink eye. Furthermore, red clover tea's astringent qualities help to dry up excess eye discharge and speed up the healing process.
Lastly, red clover tea's immune-boosting properties assist the body in fighting off the pink eye infection, promoting overall eye health.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in red clover tea that help with pink eye.
- Flowers: Contain isoflavones and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for soothing pink eye.
- Leaves: Rich in vitamins and minerals, leaves are used in teas to support eye health and reduce irritation caused by pink eye.
- Seeds: Packed with essential fatty acids and nutrients, seeds help reduce inflammation and promote recovery from pink eye.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in red clover tea that aid with pink eye.
- Isoflavones: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation and redness in the eye.
- Salicylic Acid: This natural organic compound found in red clover has antibacterial properties that can help fight off the infection causing pink eye.
- Gallic Acid: This polyphenol found in red clover has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent the spread of the pink eye infection.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated eyes.
- Vitamin C: This essential nutrient supports the immune system, which helps the body fight off the infection causing pink eye.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic red clover tea for pink eye.
- In a quart of boiling water, place one ounce of dried red clover flowers, then steep for 10-15 minutes.
- After steeping, strain the tea to remove the flowers, discarding the solid material.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a comfortable temperature.
- Use a clean cloth to apply the cooled red clover tea directly to the affected eye as a compress.
- Store any remaining tea in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, and repeat the application every few hours as needed.
8. Raspberry
Raspberry tea aids in treating pink eye due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea's tannins fight infection-causing bacteria, reducing pink eye symptoms. Moreover, raspberry tea's soothing heat alleviates discomfort by shrinking inflamed blood vessels in the eyes. Additionally, its antioxidants strengthen the immune system, enabling the body to combat pink eye efficiently.
Lastly, raspberry tea's astringent qualities help dry up eye discharge, promoting faster healing.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in raspberry tea that help with pink eye.
- Leaves: Contain tannins and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, making them effective in reducing eye redness and irritation.
- Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they help soothe irritation and promote healing of the eye.
- Seeds: Contain essential fatty acids that nourish the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing inflammation and irritation.
- Bark: Has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent the spread of infection, making it effective in treating pink eye.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in raspberry tea that aid with pink eye.
- Ellagic acid: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing redness and irritation in pink eye.
- Quercetin: Possesses antihistamine properties that help alleviate itching and swelling in pink eye.
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off the virus or bacteria causing pink eye.
- Tannins: Act as astringents, helping to dry up excess discharge and soothe irritation in pink eye.
- Gallic acid: Displays antimicrobial properties, helping to combat the infection causing pink eye.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic raspberry tea for pink eye.
- Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan for 5 minutes, then add 2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaf.
- Reduce heat to low, simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and let it dissolve completely.
- Steep the mixture for 15 minutes, then strain and discard the solids.
- Allow the raspberry tea to cool down to a warm temperature before using it as a compress for pink eye.
9. Plantain
Plantain tea provides relief from pink eye due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties derived from the plant's active compounds.
The astringent properties of plantain tea help reduce swelling and irritation in the eyes, promoting faster healing. Furthermore, this herbal remedy creates a protective barrier against infection-causing bacteria and viruses, ensuring that pink eye does not worsen. Rich in vitamins A and C, plantain tea boosts the immune system and enhances overall eye health.
Finally, the soothing nature of plantain tea alleviates discomfort associated with pink eye, making it an effective natural treatment option.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in plantain tea that help with pink eye.
- Leaves: Contain anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation in the eyes.
- Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that aid in treating and preventing pink eye infections.
- Seeds: Have high levels of vitamin A and C, which support eye health and boost the immune system to fight off pink eye symptoms.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in plantain tea that aid with pink eye.
- Allantoin: Promotes wound healing and has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and irritation in pink eye.
- Mucilage: Forms a soothing film over mucous membranes, providing relief from pink eye symptoms.
- Flavonoids: Possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate pink eye inflammation.
- Saponins: Have antibacterial properties, aiding in preventing pink eye infections.
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and has antioxidant properties, helping the body fight off pink eye.
- Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, beneficial for pink eye treatment.
- Quercetin: Acts as an antihistamine and has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pink eye symptoms.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain tea for pink eye.
- Peel and chop 2 ripe plantains into small pieces, then simmer in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid to remove plantain pieces, reserving the tea.
- Let the tea cool down to a warm temperature, but not hot.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir until fully dissolved.
- Drink the prepared plantain tea up to 3 times a day, while symptoms persist.
10. Burdock
Burdock tea aids pink eye due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The roots of this plant contain powerful compounds, such as arctiin and luteolin, known for reducing inflammation. Furthermore, burdock tea inhibits bacterial growth, which is crucial in treating pink eye caused by bacteria. Additionally, this herbal remedy soothes irritation and promotes healing of the affected eye.
Its antioxidant properties also protect the eye from further damage, making burdock tea an effective natural treatment for pink eye.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in burdock tea that help with pink eye.
- Roots: Burdock tea made from the roots is often used for pink eye because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of the burdock plant are used in teas to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation in the eyes due to their cooling and calming effects.
- Flowers: Burdock flowers are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them suitable for treating pink eye when used in tea.
- Seeds: Tea made from burdock seeds can help alleviate symptoms of pink eye as it has natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in burdock tea that aid with pink eye.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the eyes, common symptoms of pink eye.
- Phenolic acids: Their antimicrobial properties aid in combating the bacteria causing pink eye.
- Flavonoids: These antioxidants protect the eyes from damage, reducing the risk of pink eye complications.
- Volatile oils: The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of these oils relieve pink eye symptoms.
- Polysaccharides: These compounds boost the immune system, helping the body fight off the pink eye infection.
- Saponins: They have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, further alleviating pink eye symptoms.
- Essential amino acids: They contribute to the overall health of the eyes, promoting quicker recovery from pink eye.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic burdock tea for pink eye.
- Peel and chop 2 tablespoons of fresh burdock root into small pieces.
- Rinse chopped burdock in a strainer and place in a pot with 2 cups of water.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solids.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a warm temperature before using as a compress for pink eye.