10 Best Herbal Teas For Pink Eye
Herbal teas for pink eye are a natural remedy made from various plant extracts, such as chamomile, calendula, and echinacea.
These teas help alleviate symptoms of pink eye by reducing inflammation, soothing the eyes, and promoting healing. Examples include chamomile tea to calm the eyes and calendula tea to speed up the recovery process.
Drinking these teas can improve lives by providing relief from the discomfort and pain associated with pink eye, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities and maintain their overall well-being.
The following article describes in detail the most important teas for pink eye, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
1. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, teas helps with pink eye because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The compounds present in this herb, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, have been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogens and reduce inflammation in the eyes. This can help alleviate the symptoms of pink eye, including redness, swelling, and discharge, allowing for faster recovery and reduced risk of complications.
The soothing effects of the tea can also provide comfort during this time.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with pink eye.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the inflammation and bacterial or viral load associated with pink eye.
- Alkaloids: These compounds possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
- Triterpenoid saponins: These compounds have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat bacterial or viral infections and reduce inflammation in the eyes, thereby aiding in the healing of pink eye.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make teas for pink eye.
- Roots: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of alkylamides, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: They are used for their potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help soothe pink eye symptoms.
- Stems: They contain echinacoside, a compound that may help reduce inflammation and combat infections associated with pink eye.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for pink eye.
- Harvest mature echinacea angustifolia roots in late summer or early fall when their color turns to a deeper brown.
- Dry the harvested roots completely using a dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 8 hours.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of the ground echinacea angustifolia root powder with 1 cup of boiling water.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes before straining and serving the tea hot or chilled.
2. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, teas helps with pink eye because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, help reduce swelling and fight off bacterial and viral infections that cause pink eye. Additionally, calendula's soothing effects can help calm the eye and surrounding skin, promoting a faster recovery and reducing discomfort.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate pink eye symptoms and promote overall eye health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis teas that help with pink eye.
- Calendulin: It helps with pink eye by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged tissue in the eyes.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids, such as oleanolic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate the symptoms of pink eye, including redness and swelling.
- Saponins: Saponins in Calendula officinalis tea may help to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing the severity of pink eye symptoms.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make teas for pink eye.
- Flowers: They are rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making them effective in soothing and treating pink eye.
- Leaves: They contain compounds that help to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections associated with pink eye.
- Seeds: They possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which aid in soothing and healing the affected area.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for pink eye.
- Gather 1 tablespoon of dried calendula officinalis flowers and store them in an airtight container for later use.
- Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan over high heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the boiling water with the dried calendula flowers in a large mug.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the herbal properties to infuse into the water.
- Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve and serve warm.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, teas helps with pink eye because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
The soothing gel from the aloe plant is extracted and infused into the tea, providing relief from redness and swelling associated with pink eye. The tea's antibacterial properties also help combat infections, promoting a healthy environment for the eyes to heal.
This natural remedy is a popular alternative for those seeking a non-pharmaceutical solution to alleviate pink eye symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera teas that help with pink eye.
- Anthraquinones: These compounds, particularly aloe-emodin, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the infection and inflammation associated with pink eye.
- Saponins: Saponins have been found to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can aid in the treatment of pink eye by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing swelling.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate the symptoms of pink eye by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make teas for pink eye.
- Leaves: The leaves are used because they contain the highest concentration of aloe vera's medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe pink eye symptoms.
- Stems: The stems are used because they contain aloe vera's gel, which is extracted and added to teas to provide relief from pink eye inflammation and redness.
- Seeds: The seeds are used because they contain aloe vera's polysaccharides, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with pink eye.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for pink eye.
- Harvest 5 to 6 outer leaves from mature aloe vera plants early in the morning.
- Cut off the yellowed ends and discard to prevent bitterness from entering the tea.
- Peel the thick skin from the inner gel and cut into small cubes.
- Blend the aloe vera cubes with 1 quart of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a large pot.
4. Euphrasia officinalis
Euphrasia officinalis, also known as eyebright, teas helps with pink eye because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The plant's leaves contain bioactive compounds that target the root causes of pink eye, reducing swelling and congestion. Eyebright teas have been traditionally used to soothe and calm the eyes, promoting the healing process and reducing the severity of symptoms.
Its effectiveness lies in its ability to combat the underlying infection, providing relief from the discomfort and redness associated with pink eye.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Euphrasia officinalis teas that help with pink eye.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds, particularly euphrasine and gentiopicroside, exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the severity of pink eye by preventing bacterial growth and soothing irritated tissues.
- Flavonoids: The flavonoids present in Euphrasia officinalis, such as kaempferol and quercetin, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and protect the eyes from oxidative stress associated with pink eye.
- Triterpenoid saponins: Triterpenoid saponins in Euphrasia officinalis, such as euphoroside B, have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which help to combat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation in the eyes, making them a beneficial component in treating pink eye.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of eyebright used to make teas for pink eye.
- Leaves: Rich in bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammation and soothe the affected eye.
- Flowers: Contain flavonoids and alkaloids that aid in reducing swelling and promoting healing.
- Roots: Contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and saponins, that help to reduce inflammation and combat infection.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eyebright for pink eye.
- Harvest 10-20 fresh leaves and flowers from the plant in the early morning when they are at their most potent.
- Clean and dry the harvested plant material thoroughly to prevent contamination and preserve its properties.
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried euphrasia officinalis leaves and flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the plant material and any sediment.
- Drink the herbal tea immediately while it is still warm and within 30 minutes of preparation.
5. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with pink eye because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The plant's root and leaves contain compounds that have been traditionally used to soothe eye infections and promote healing.
The antioxidants present in dandelion tea may also help reduce redness and swelling associated with pink eye, while its natural antibacterial properties can combat the underlying bacterial infection, facilitating a faster recovery and reducing the risk of complications.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale teas that help with pink eye.
- Taraxasterol: A triterpene that has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and redness associated with pink eye.
- Kaempferol: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce the severity of pink eye symptoms and promote healing.
- Saponins: A group of glycosides with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help combat bacterial or viral infections causing pink eye and reduce inflammation.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make teas for pink eye.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for pink eye due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: Used to make teas for pink eye due to their antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
- Roots: Used to make teas for pink eye due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for pink eye.
- Harvest taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers from a clean area to ensure their potency.
- Dry the harvested taraxacum officinale parts at a low temperature of 40 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
- Measure out 2 teaspoons of dried taraxacum officinale per 8 oz of boiling water.
- Steep the dried taraxacum officinale in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release its properties.
- Strain the tea and serve it immediately to avoid any further deterioration of its properties.
6. Plantago major
Plantago major, also known as plantain, teas helps with pink eye because its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties effectively combat the underlying bacterial or viral infection.
The tea's soothing properties calm irritated eyes, reducing redness and swelling, while its immunomodulatory effects enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms to fight off the infection.
Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and promote overall eye health, making it a popular natural remedy for pink eye.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major teas that help with pink eye.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections associated with pink eye.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid that exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate symptoms of pink eye, such as redness and swelling.
- Caffeic acid: A phenolic acid that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat bacterial and viral infections, as well as reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with pink eye.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make teas for pink eye.
- Leaves: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help to soothe and treat pink eye.
- Stems: They contain compounds that aid in reducing inflammation and fighting off infections associated with pink eye.
- Seeds: They are used to make teas that help to reduce swelling and combat bacterial infections in the eyes.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for pink eye.
- Harvest the plantago major leaves in the morning after the dew has dried completely to ensure freshness.
- Rinse the harvested leaves thoroughly with cold water to remove dirt and debris.
- Dry the rinsed leaves in a single layer on paper towels for 24 hours to remove excess moisture.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried plantago major leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release active compounds.
- Strain the herbal tea and let it cool to room temperature before serving in a cup.
7. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, teas helps with pink eye because of its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to combat bacterial and viral infections.
The tea's high concentration of flavonoids and antioxidants helps to reduce redness and swelling associated with pink eye. Additionally, the tea's antimicrobial properties may help to clear up the infection and promote healing in the affected area, providing relief from the discomfort and itchiness associated with pink eye.
This natural remedy is a popular alternative to conventional treatments.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica teas that help with pink eye.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling associated with pink eye.
- Steroids: Urtica dioica contains triterpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bacterial and viral infections causing pink eye.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which can help prevent the spread of infection and reduce oxidative stress in the eyes associated with pink eye.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make teas for pink eye.
- Leaves: They contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making them effective in treating pink eye symptoms.
- Stems: The stems of Urtica dioica contain similar compounds to the leaves, which help reduce inflammation and fight infection.
- Roots: The roots are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in soothing and healing the affected eye area.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for pink eye.
- Gather 1-2 ounces of fresh urtica dioica leaves and stems or 1/2 cup of dried leaves for tea preparation.
- Clean and dry the urtica dioica leaves and stems thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried urtica dioica in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and discard the solids to remove any remaining plant material.
- Store the tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before consumption.
8. Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, teas helps with pink eye because its anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm the irritated conjunctiva.
The tea's flavonoids and essential oils reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with pink eye. Chamomile's antimicrobial properties also help combat the underlying bacterial or viral infection, promoting a faster recovery.
Additionally, its soothing effects promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can exacerbate pink eye symptoms, allowing the body to focus on healing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla teas that help with pink eye.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing redness and swelling associated with pink eye.
- Matricine: A sesquiterpene lactone, matricine exhibits antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial and viral infections causing pink eye.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, luteolin helps alleviate symptoms of pink eye by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make teas for pink eye.
- Flowers: The flowers are the most commonly used part of Matricaria chamomilla to make teas for pink eye due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Leaves: The leaves are used in some herbal teas for pink eye due to their potential antimicrobial and antihistamine effects, although less commonly than the flowers.
- Seeds: The seeds may be used in some herbal teas for pink eye, but their use is less documented compared to the flowers and leaves, and their efficacy is not as well established.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for pink eye.
- Harvest 1 tablespoon of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers or 2 tablespoons of fresh flowers.
- Steep the dried flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the flowers.
- Add honey to taste to sweeten the tea if desired.
- Drink the tea immediately while it is still warm and fragrant.
9. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with pink eye because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated tissues. This can help alleviate the symptoms of pink eye, including redness, swelling, and discharge. Additionally, licorice root has antimicrobial properties, which can help combat the underlying infection that causes pink eye, promoting faster recovery and relief from discomfort.
This natural remedy can provide relief from pink eye symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with pink eye.
- Licorice saponins: These saponins have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the swelling and redness associated with pink eye.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has antimicrobial properties, which help to combat the bacterial or viral infection that causes pink eye, while also reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- Flavonoids: The flavonoids present in Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as licoisoflavone-M, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and promote healing in the affected eye.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for pink eye.
- Roots: They are rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce swelling and soothe eye irritation.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections associated with pink eye.
- Flowers: They have been traditionally used to treat eye infections and inflammation due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for pink eye.
- Harvest 30 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra root and clean it thoroughly with a soft brush to remove any debris.
- Chop the dried root into small pieces and steep 5 grams in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the root particles.
- Add honey to taste and stir well to combine with the herbal tea.
- Let the tea cool to a comfortable temperature before serving and enjoy its sweet flavor.
10. Malva sylvestris
Malva sylvestris, also known as mallow, teas helps with pink eye because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The plant's leaves and roots contain mucilages, which soothe and calm irritated tissues, reducing redness and swelling associated with pink eye. Additionally, the tea's antimicrobial properties help combat bacterial infections, promoting faster healing of the eye and surrounding tissues.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery from pink eye.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Malva sylvestris teas that help with pink eye.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eyes and the inner eyelids, which is affected in pink eye.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat the viral or bacterial infections that cause pink eye and alleviate associated symptoms like redness and swelling.
- Mucilages: The mucilaginous properties of Malva sylvestris may help soothe and protect the eyes, reducing irritation and discomfort associated with pink eye, while also potentially aiding in the removal of debris and excess mucus.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of mallow used to make teas for pink eye.
- Leaves: The leaves of Malva sylvestris are used to make teas for pink eye due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Flowers: The flowers of Malva sylvestris are used to make teas for pink eye due to their mucilaginous content, which helps to soothe and protect the eyes.
- Roots: The roots of Malva sylvestris are used to make teas for pink eye due to their rich content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mallow for pink eye.
- Harvest fresh flowers and leaves of malva sylvestris at peak bloom for maximum potency.
- Rinse the harvested flowers and leaves with cold running water to remove dirt and debris.
- Combine 1-2 teaspoons of dried malva sylvestris flowers with 1 cup of boiling water to steep.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 5-10 minutes to release the herbal properties and flavors.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids to serve.
What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for pink eye?
The best combination of herbal teas that help with pink eye is a blend of Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Calendula.
Echinacea's anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling, while Goldenseal's antibacterial properties combat infection. Calendula's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm the affected area. Steeping 1 teaspoon of each herb in boiling water and letting it cool before applying it as a compress or drinking it as a tea can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
This combination can help alleviate pink eye symptoms and promote a speedy recovery.