Pink Eye: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent outer layer that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid.

Caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or irritants, it can lead to discomfort, redness, and vision impairment. If left untreated, pink eye can cause complications such as corneal ulcers or even blindness. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like calendula, echinacea, and tea tree oil can be used to create eye drops or compresses.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs to avoid any adverse reactions, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of pink eye, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of pink eye?

The main causes of pink eye are viral or bacterial infections, with adenovirus being the most common cause of viral pink eye, accounting for approximately 70% of cases.

Bacterial pink eye, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, can be spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Poor hygiene, sharing makeup or makeup brushes, and touching the eyes without washing hands can also contribute to the spread of pink eye. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to pink eye.

Other factors, including allergies, chlorine exposure, and foreign objects in the eye, can also trigger pink eye symptoms.

• Viral: Viral conjunctivitis is caused by an infection with a virus, such as the common cold or flu, which leads to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, causing pink eye.
• Bacterial: Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection, typically with Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae, which leads to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, causing pink eye.
• Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, which leads to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, causing pink eye.
• Chemical: Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to chemicals or irritants, such as chlorine or ammonia, which leads to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, causing pink eye.
• Physical: Physical conjunctivitis is caused by physical factors, such as foreign bodies or exposure to wind or sun, which leads to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, causing pink eye.
• Fungal: Fungal conjunctivitis is caused by a fungal infection, which leads to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, causing pink eye, often seen in people with weakened immune systems.
• Parasitic: Parasitic conjunctivitis is caused by a parasitic infection, such as toxoplasmosis, which leads to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, causing pink eye.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for pink eye?

The main medicinal herbs used for pink eye are Calendula officinalis, Euphrasia officinalis, Aloe vera, Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago major, Aloe barbadensis, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Plantago lanceolata.

Calendula officinalis is used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce swelling and combat bacterial and viral infections. Euphrasia officinalis is employed to treat conjunctivitis due to its ability to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response. Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, and Hypericum perforatum are also used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing symptoms and promoting healing.

Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Plantago major, Chrysanthemum parthenium, and Plantago lanceolata are utilized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and promote overall eye health.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with pink eye by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which aid in the recovery of the conjunctiva.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis is used to treat pink eye by reducing the symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as redness and discharge, due to its antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe vera: Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) helps with pink eye by soothing and calming the conjunctiva due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness and promote healing.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory properties that help to boost the immune system and fight off infections that cause pink eye.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale is used to treat pink eye by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the conjunctiva due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum has antiviral and antimicrobial properties that help to fight off infections that cause pink eye and reduce inflammation.
• Plantago major: Plantago major has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce inflammation and fight off infections that cause pink eye.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) helps with pink eye by soothing and calming the conjunctiva due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness and promote healing.
• Chrysanthemum parthenium: Chrysanthemum parthenium has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties that help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of pink eye.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce inflammation and fight off infections that cause pink eye.

What are the main herbal preparations used for pink eye?

The main herbal preparations used for pink eye are Salve, Decoction, Tincture, Poultice, Capsule, Gel, Ointment, Cream, Suppository, Eye Drops.

Salve is typically made from herbs like calendula, plantain, and chamomile, which provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to soothe the affected area. Decoction of herbs like echinacea, goldenseal, and yarrow is used to treat pink eye by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Tincture of herbs like myrrh and tea tree oil is used topically to reduce bacterial and viral infections.

Additionally, herbal preparations like Gel, Ointment, Cream, Suppository, and Eye Drops containing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and eyebright are also used to treat pink eye by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting eye comfort and reducing the severity of symptoms.

• Salve: A salve made from the extract of the Calendula officinalis herb helps with pink eye by providing a protective barrier on the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, which in turn helps to soothe and calm the irritated conjunctiva.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the leaves of the Echinacea spp. plant helps with pink eye by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces swelling and redness in the affected area, thereby alleviating the symptoms of pink eye.
• Tincture: A tincture made from the root of the Echinacea purpurea plant helps with pink eye by containing compounds that exhibit antimicrobial properties, thereby helping to combat the bacterial or viral infection that is causing the pink eye.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the mashed leaves of the Aloe vera plant helps with pink eye by providing a soothing and cooling effect on the affected area, which in turn helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate the discomfort associated with pink eye.
• Capsule: A capsule made from the extract of the Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) herb helps with pink eye by containing compounds that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which in turn help to combat the infection and reduce the inflammation associated with pink eye.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of the Aloe vera plant helps with pink eye by providing a soothing and cooling effect on the affected area, which in turn helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate the discomfort associated with pink eye.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the extract of the Calendula officinalis herb helps with pink eye by providing a protective barrier on the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, which in turn helps to soothe and calm the irritated conjunctiva.
• Cream: A cream made from the extract of the Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) herb helps with pink eye by containing compounds that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which in turn help to combat the infection and reduce the inflammation associated with pink eye.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the extract of the Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) herb helps with pink eye by providing a localized delivery of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to combat the infection and reduce the inflammation associated with pink eye.
• Eye Drops: Eye drops made from the extract of the Echinacea spp. plant help with pink eye by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces swelling and redness in the affected area, thereby alleviating the symptoms of pink eye.