Updated: Nov 30, 2024
10 Herbal Creams For Pink Eye
Herbal creams for pink eye can be a natural and effective way to soothe and heal this common eye infection.
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, and it can be painful and uncomfortable. Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, is a herb that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and redness in the eyes. When applied topically as a cream, calendula can help to promote healing and prevent the spread of infection. Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower, is another herb that can help to fight off infection and promote recovery. It has antimicrobial properties, which can help to combat bacterial and viral infections.
When used in a cream, echinacea can help to reduce the severity of pink eye symptoms and promote a speedy recovery. Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, is a herb that is well-known for its soothing and calming properties. When applied topically as a cream, aloe vera can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the eyes. It can also help to prevent further irritation and discomfort. When used together, these herbs can provide a powerful and natural way to relieve pink eye symptoms. By applying a cream that contains calendula, echinacea, and aloe vera, you can help to reduce inflammation, combat infection, and promote a speedy recovery.
This can be especially helpful for people who are sensitive to antibiotics or other medications, or for those who want to avoid the side effects of prescription treatments.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for pink eye and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis creams contains triterpenoids, saponins, and flavonoids as its active constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that help soothe and heal irritated eyes. The triterpenoids, specifically, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses, while the saponins help break down and clear out dead cells and debris. The flavonoids, meanwhile, have potent antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
By applying Calendula officinalis creams to the affected area, you can help reduce swelling, promote healing, and clear up pink eye symptoms.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of Calendula officinalis flowers, 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Steep the Calendula flowers in coconut oil for 2-3 weeks. Store in a cool, dark place and shake daily.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a bowl. Discard the solids.
- In a double boiler, melt the beeswax with the strained Calendula oil mixture. Heat until the beeswax is fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add vitamin E oil and olive oil. Stir well and pour into small containers. Let cool and harden before use.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea creams contains alkylamides and glycoproteins, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness associated with pink eye.
The 3,4-didehydro-9-androsten-17-one constituent in Echinacea purpurea has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine and interleukin-1 beta, which contribute to the symptoms of pink eye. The polysaccharides present in Echinacea purpurea have immunomodulatory effects, which can help regulate the immune system's response to infection and reduce the severity of pink eye symptoms. The free radical scavenging activity of Echinacea purpurea's phenolic compounds can also help protect the eyes from oxidative damage caused by inflammation.
By addressing the underlying causes of pink eye, Echinacea purpurea creams may provide relief from its symptoms and support the healing process.
- Gather 1 cup of Echinacea purpurea flowers, 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax, and a double boiler.
- Dry the Echinacea flowers completely and grind them into a fine powder.
- Combine the coconut oil and beeswax in the double boiler and melt them together.
- Add the Echinacea powder to the melted coconut oil mixture and stir well. Remove from heat.
- Let the mixture cool and thicken. Pour into small containers and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
3. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis creams contains various bioactive constituents that help soothe and treat pink eye.
The cream contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as amino acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains glycoproteins, which are known to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, helping to combat the infection that causes pink eye. The aloe vera gel in the cream has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling in the eye, providing relief from discomfort.
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe barbadensis creams can also help to prevent scarring and promote healing of the affected area.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of Aloe barbadensis gel, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, and 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil.
- Mix 1 cup of Aloe barbadensis gel and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl until well combined.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to the mixture and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a clean glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.
- To use, dip a cotton swab into the jar and apply a small amount to the affected eye, 2-3 times a day.
4. Symphytum officinale
Symphytum officinale creams contains the active constituents allantoin, saponins, and rosmarinic acid.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce redness and swelling associated with pink eye. Allantoin, a key component, promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration, which can aid in the recovery of the affected eye. The saponins in Symphytum officinale creams have antimicrobial properties that can help combat bacterial infections that may be contributing to the pink eye.
By reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, Symphytum officinale creams can provide relief from pink eye symptoms.
- Gather ingredients: 2 cups of Symphytum officinale extract, 1 cup of beeswax, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of shea butter, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Remove the melted mixture from the heat and stir in Symphytum officinale extract and vitamin E oil until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar or container and let it cool until it reaches a consistency similar to thick cream.
- Apply the cream to the affected eye 2-3 times a day, gently massaging it into the skin with a clean finger or cotton swab.
5. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica creams contains bioactive constituents such as histamine, flavonoids, and isothiocyanates.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce redness and swelling in the eyes. Histamine in Urtica dioica creams helps stimulate blood flow, which can aid in healing and reducing discharge associated with pink eye. The antimicrobial properties of flavonoids and isothiocyanates help combat bacterial infections that can cause pink eye.
By soothing and protecting the eyes, Urtica dioica creams can provide relief from the discomfort and pain associated with pink eye.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Urtica dioica leaves, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, and 1/4 cup of beeswax.
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
- Add the dried Urtica dioica leaves to the melted mixture and let it steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the solids.
- Let the mixture cool and thicken before transferring it to a jar for storage.
6. Euphrasia officinalis
Euphrasia officinalis creams contains bioactive constituents like caffeic acid, ursolic acid, and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help reduce swelling and redness in the eyes, making it effective in treating pink eye. The ursolic acid in Euphrasia officinalis creams has antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and other pathogens that can cause pink eye. Caffeic acid also has antioxidant properties, which help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
By reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of pathogens, Euphrasia officinalis creams can help alleviate symptoms of pink eye.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of Euphrasia officinalis flowers, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Infuse the Euphrasia officinalis flowers in the coconut oil in a double boiler for 2 hours. Strain the mixture and discard the flowers.
- Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Add the shea butter and stir until melted.
- Combine the infused coconut oil mixture with the melted beeswax and shea butter mixture. Stir in the vitamin E oil.
- Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify. Once solid, use the Euphrasia officinalis cream as needed to treat pink eye.
7. Plantago major
Plantago major creams contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Aucubin, a key constituent of Plantago major, has been shown to have antimicrobial effects, helping to reduce bacterial load and combat infection. The plant's triterpenoid saponins also exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, which can help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with pink eye. Additionally, the cream's soothing properties can calm the affected area, promoting a faster recovery.
By addressing the root causes of pink eye, Plantago major creams can provide relief and promote healing.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Plantago major leaves, 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, and 2 tablespoons of shea butter.
- Clean and dry the Plantago major leaves, then chop them into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped Plantago major leaves and coconut oil in a saucepan, heat over low heat for 2 hours, then let cool.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl, discard the solids, and mix in the olive oil, beeswax, and shea butter.
- Pour the mixture into small containers and let it cool and solidify before use as a cream for pink eye.
8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra creams contains active constituents like glycyrrhetic acid and licoricidin, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties help reduce swelling and redness in the eyes, common symptoms of pink eye. The creams also contain flavonoids, which have antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial and viral infections. The combination of these properties in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams makes it effective in soothing and healing the eyes affected by pink eye.
The soothing and antimicrobial properties in the creams can help reduce discomfort and promote healing.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of distilled water, 2 tablespoons of glycerin, 2 tablespoons of glycyrrhiza glabra root powder, 1 tablespoon of beeswax, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
- Combine distilled water and glycyrrhiza glabra root powder in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until powder dissolves.
- Remove saucepan from heat and add glycerin, beeswax, and vitamin E oil. Stir until beeswax melts.
- Let mixture cool and thicken. This may take about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Pour mixture into a clean container and refrigerate until cooled and solidified. Use as eye cream for pink eye.
9. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia creams contains boiactive constituents like cymene, borneol, and cineole.
These compounds have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the infection and swelling associated with pink eye. The antiseptic properties of cineole also help prevent the spread of the infection, while borneol's anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and discomfort. Cymene's antimicrobial properties help control the growth of bacteria, promoting a faster recovery from pink eye.
By applying Melaleuca alternifolia creams, you can help soothe and heal the affected area, reducing the severity of pink eye symptoms.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil.
- Melt beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Once melted, add distilled water and olive oil. Stir until combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil. Let cool until mixture thickens.
- Pour mixture into a clean container and let cool completely before use. Store in a cool, dry place.
10. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus creams contains essential oils with bioactive constituents like cineole, globulol, and alpha-pinene.
These compounds have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the infection and swelling associated with pink eye. Cineole, in particular, has a decongestant effect that can help relieve the redness and discharge caused by the condition. Globulol has antioxidant properties that can help protect the eye from further damage and promote healing.
By applying eucalyptus globulus creams to the affected area, the bioactive constituents can help soothe and calm the eye, reducing the symptoms of pink eye.
- Gather 1 cup of distilled water and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over low heat until the coconut oil melts.
- Add 1/4 cup of dried Eucalyptus globulus leaves to the mixture and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl and discard the Eucalyptus leaves.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of shea butter into the cooled mixture to create a thick cream.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent pink eye from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help soothe irritated eyes, but it's unlikely to prevent pink eye from forming. Some herbal teas, like chamomile, have anti-inflammatory properties that might reduce eye irritation, but they don't have any proven ability to stop pink eye from developing.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for pink eye every day?
Consuming herbal teas for pink eye every day is not recommended.
While some herbal teas may help reduce redness and swelling, relying on them as a treatment can lead to prolonged recovery.
It's essential to address the underlying cause of pink eye, usually a bacterial or viral infection, with proper treatment to prevent complications and promote healing.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in pink eye?
Herbal teas can help soothe pink eye symptoms, but they don't cure it.
It may take a few days to a week to see some improvement. The eye's redness and swelling may decrease, and the discharge may thin out.
This is because herbal teas calm the eye and help it heal naturally.