By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Eye Infection
Herbal tinctures for eye infection are natural liquid extracts made from plants, used to treat various types of eye infections, including conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
These tinctures help alleviate symptoms such as redness, itching, and discharge by providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Examples of effective herbal tinctures include goldenseal, echinacea, and calendula, which can be used topically or taken orally to promote healing and soothe the eyes.
By using these natural remedies, individuals with eye infections can experience reduced discomfort, improved vision, and enhanced overall well-being, allowing them to resume daily activities without hindrance.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for eye infection, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Echinacea angustifolia
- 2. Calendula officinalis
- 3. Aloe vera
- 4. Euphrasia officinalis
- 5. Taraxacum officinale
- 6. Symphytum officinale
- 7. Rosa centifolia
- 8. Hydrastis canadensis
- 9. Matricaria chamomilla
- 10. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for eye infection?
- What ailments similar to eye infection are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Echinacea angustifolia
Kansas coneflower tinctures helps with eye infection because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The plant's active compounds, such as echinacein, have been shown to reduce swelling and redness in the eyes, while also fighting off bacterial and viral infections that can cause conjunctivitis and other eye conditions.
Additionally, Kansas coneflower tinctures have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective natural remedy for soothing and healing infected eyes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Iridoids: Iridoids, such as echinacoside, have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial or fungal infections in the eyes.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, including caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the eyes from oxidative damage and inflammation caused by infections.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids, such as echinatin and echinacoside, have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to combat infections and reduce inflammation in the eyes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Roots: They are the primary source of echinacoside and alkylamides, compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate eye infections.
- Leaves: They contain a range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe eye infections.
- Roots: They are also a key source of caffeic acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of eye infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for eye infection.
- Gather 250 grams of dried echinacea angustifolia roots and stems and store them in an airtight container.
- Combine the dried plant material with 750 milliliters of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar occasionally.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
- Store the tincture in the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process and check its potency after 6 weeks.
2. Calendula officinalis
Pot marigold tinctures helps with eye infection because of its potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tincture's flavonoids and carotenoids have been shown to reduce redness, swelling, and discharge associated with conjunctivitis and other eye infections. By soothing the affected area, pot marigold tincture can accelerate healing, reducing the risk of complications like scarring or vision loss.
Additionally, its antimicrobial properties help combat bacterial and fungal growth, promoting a healthy and clear eye environment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area, which is beneficial in treating eye infections caused by irritation and inflammation.
- Carotenoids: As antioxidants, carotenoids protect the eyes from oxidative damage and help reduce the severity of eye infections by preventing the spread of infection and promoting the recovery of damaged tissues.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds help reduce inflammation, prevent bacterial growth, and promote the healing of damaged tissues, all of which are crucial in treating eye infections caused by bacterial or viral agents.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and protect the eyes.
- Leaves: They contain compounds that aid in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, making them beneficial for treating eye infections.
- Stems: Although less commonly mentioned, some herbalists use the stems of Calendula officinalis for their potential antimicrobial properties that can help combat eye infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for eye infection.
- Harvest the flowers of calendula officinalis on a dry sunny morning when they are in full bloom.
- Clean the harvested flowers by rinsing them gently with distilled water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Combine the cleaned flowers with 80 proof vodka in a 1 to 2 ratio by weight to create a tincture mixture.
- Store the tincture mixture in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Strain the tincture mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the solids after 6 weeks.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe tinctures helps with eye infection because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The aloe vera plant contains a range of bioactive compounds, including glycosides, polyphenols, and anthraquinones, which have been shown to effectively combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause eye infections.
By applying the tincture topically or taking it orally, the body is able to absorb these beneficial compounds, providing rapid relief from redness, itching, and discharge, while promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin is a lignan-derived anthraquinone that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and combat bacterial or fungal infections in the eyes.
- Catechins: Catechins, particularly epicatechin and epigallocatechin, are flavonoid phenolics that exhibit strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which can protect the eyes from oxidative stress and infection-causing pathogens.
- Aloe barbadensis polysaccharides: Aloe barbadensis polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the eyes, promoting healing and recovery.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Leaves: The leaves of Aloe vera are rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them effective in treating eye infections.
- Gel (within the leaves): The gel inside the leaves contains aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that can help treat eye infections.
- Aloe latex (from the leaves): Aloe latex, obtained from the leaves, contains aloin, which has been found to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat eye infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for eye infection.
- Harvest 100% organic aloe vera leaves from a trusted source to ensure purity and potency.
- Chop the aloe vera leaves into small pieces weighing approximately 500 grams to increase surface area.
- Combine the chopped aloe vera with 80% ethanol or vodka in a 1:2 ratio by weight to extract.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 to 21 days allowing for maximum extraction.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle to separate solids.
4. Euphrasia officinalis
Eyebright tinctures helps with eye infection because of its unique ability to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and soothe the eyes.
The herb's antimicrobial properties allow it to effectively combat bacterial conjunctivitis, while its anti-inflammatory compounds ease redness and discomfort. Additionally, eyebright's astringent properties help to dry up excess discharge and crusts, promoting clear vision and healthy tear function.
As a result, eyebright tinctures can provide fast and effective relief from the symptoms of eye infection.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Euphrasia officinalis tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Alkaloids: Euphrasia alkaloids, such as euphrasin and pseusoephedrin, have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce eye inflammation and combat infections.
- Iridoid glycosides: Iridoid glycosides, particularly euphrasin, exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that aid in the treatment of eye infections by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in Euphrasia officinalis tinctures, such as quercetin and kaempferol, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate eye irritation and promote the healing of ocular tissues.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of eyebright used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Leaves: The leaves of Euphrasia officinalis contain bioactive compounds that are traditionally used to treat eye infections due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Flowers: The flowers of Euphrasia officinalis are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making them useful for treating eye infections.
- Stems: The stems of Euphrasia officinalis also contain bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are used to treat eye infections due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eyebright for eye infection.
- Gather 100g of fresh euphrasia officinalis leaves and flowers or 50g of dried material for tincture preparation.
- Chop the plant material into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for solvent absorption.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 500ml of 25% glycerin and 75% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and place it in a cool dark location for 2-3 weeks to allow for solvent extraction.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean container and discard the solids.
5. Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion tinctures helps with eye infection because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which effectively soothe redness, swelling, and discomfort in the eyes.
The tannins present in dandelion help to reduce puffiness and alleviate conjunctivitis symptoms, while its antimicrobial compounds combat bacterial and viral infections that cause pink eye and other types of eye infections.
Additionally, dandelion's natural astringent properties can help to dry up excess discharge and promote healthy healing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Taraxasterol: A triterpenoid saponin that exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to combat bacterial and fungal infections in the eyes.
- Taraxanthone: A phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the eyes from oxidative damage.
- Inulin: A polysaccharide that has antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause eye infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: They contain bioactive compounds like taraxasterol, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, helping to combat eye infections.
- Roots: The roots of Taraxacum officinale contain inulin and other polysaccharides, which have antimicrobial and soothing properties that can aid in treating eye infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for eye infection.
- Harvest 1 part of taraxacum officinale roots and leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated.
- Clean and chop the taraxacum officinale roots and leaves into small pieces to release their properties.
- Combine the chopped taraxacum officinale with 2 parts of a 80-proof spirit in a clean glass container.
- Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional gentle shaking.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain the final tincture.
6. Symphytum officinale
Comfrey tinctures helps with eye infection because of its potent antimicrobial properties, which target and eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi responsible for conjunctivitis.
The herb's saponins and flavonoids work synergistically to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area. Additionally, comfrey's demulcent properties soothe and calm the eyes, providing instant relief from itching, redness, and discomfort.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate eye infections, offering a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Allantoin: Helps with eye infections by promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy environment for the eyes.
- Saponins: Contributes to the tincture's antimicrobial properties, helping to combat bacterial and fungal infections that can cause eye infections.
- Flavonoids: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce swelling, prevent oxidative damage, and promote healing in the eyes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Leaves: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to soothe and protect the eyes.
- Roots: They contain compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, making them effective in treating eye infections.
- Buds: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce swelling and fight off infections in the eyes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for eye infection.
- Harvest fresh symphytum officinale leaves and stems in the early morning or late afternoon when they are at their highest potency.
- Clean and dry the harvested plant material within 24 hours to prevent spoilage and contamination.
- Chop the dried plant material into small pieces and measure out a dosage of 1 part plant to 2 parts solvent.
- Steep the plant material in a solvent such as 95% ethanol or vodka for 2 to 4 weeks or 30 to 40 days.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store in a cool dark place.
7. Rosa centifolia
Damask rose tinctures helps with eye infection because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb's bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses that cause eye infections, while also reducing swelling and redness in the affected area.
Additionally, damask rose tinctures can help soothe and calm irritated eyes, promoting a faster recovery from infection and alleviating discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosa centifolia tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat bacterial and fungal infections in the eyes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- Catechins: These flavonoid compounds possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and inflammation caused by infection, promoting a healthy environment for healing.
- Flavonoids: These compounds exhibit strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which help combat eye infections by reducing inflammation, preventing the growth of pathogens, and promoting the healing of damaged tissues in the eyes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of damask rose used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make tinctures due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help reduce eye inflammation and prevent infection.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make tinctures because of their antimicrobial properties, which help combat bacterial and fungal infections in the eyes.
- Buds: The buds are used to make tinctures due to their astringent and antiseptic properties, which help reduce eye discharge and prevent infection.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic damask rose for eye infection.
- Harvest rosa centifolia flowers at full bloom when the petals are fully opened and the buds are not yet open.
- Dry rosa centifolia flowers in a single layer at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks or using a food dehydrator for 6 to 8 hours.
- Combine 1 part dried rosa centifolia flowers with 2 parts 80 proof vodka in a glass jar and seal tightly.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar every day to ensure even extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discard the solids and store the tincture in a cool dark place.
8. Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal tinctures helps with eye infection because it contains berberine, a powerful antimicrobial agent that effectively targets and eliminates the underlying bacterial or fungal causes of the infection.
Berberine also has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness, swelling, and discharge associated with eye infections. Additionally, goldenseal's natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds help to soothe and calm the eyes, promoting a speedy recovery and reducing the risk of complications.
By using herbal goldenseal tinctures, individuals can naturally address eye infections and restore clear vision.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hydrastis canadensis tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Alkaloid berberine: Berberine helps alleviate eye infection by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- Alkaloid berbamine: Berbamine contributes to the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects of Hydrastis canadensis, helping to combat eye infections by reducing swelling and killing microorganisms.
- Phenolic compound berbascone: Berbascone possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help to soothe and protect the eyes from infection, promoting a healthy environment for healing and reducing the risk of complications.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of goldenseal used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high concentration of berberine, a compound with antimicrobial properties that helps combat eye infections.
- Rhyzomes: They contain a similar composition to the roots and are often used as a substitute when roots are not available, also utilizing berberine to fight infections.
- Leaves: While not as potent as roots or rhyzomes, leaves are still used in tinctures for eye infections, though their berberine content is lower, they still possess some antimicrobial properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenseal for eye infection.
- Harvest fresh hydrastis canadensis roots in the spring or fall season when the plant is in its dormant stage.
- Clean and chop 1 part of the roots into small pieces and store them in a glass jar.
- Combine the chopped roots with 2-3 parts of 80-proof vodka in the glass jar and seal it tightly.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks shaking the jar every few days.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a separate glass bottle discarding the solids.
9. Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile tinctures helps with eye infection because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The apigenin present in chamomile has been shown to reduce inflammation and irritation in the eyes, making it an effective natural remedy for treating eye infections such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Additionally, chamomile's antimicrobial properties help to combat bacterial and viral infections, promoting healing and reducing redness and swelling in the affected area.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing redness and swelling associated with eye infections.
- Chamazulene: This sesquiterpene lactone has antimicrobial properties, helping to combat bacterial and fungal infections in the eyes.
- Luteolin: This flavonoid has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help soothe and calm irritated eye tissues, promoting healing and reducing the risk of further infection.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help reduce redness and discomfort in the eyes.
- Leaves: They are used because of their antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bacterial and fungal infections that cause eye infections.
- Roots: They are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in the healing process of eye infections and reduce swelling.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for eye infection.
- Harvest 1 part of dried flowers of matricaria chamomilla at the optimal time when they are in full bloom.
- Chop the dried flowers into fine pieces to increase their surface area for extraction.
- Mix the chopped flowers with 2 parts of high-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks to allow for extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.
10. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with eye infection because it contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
When used topically as an eye drop or applied as a compress, herbal licorice tincture can help soothe redness, swelling, and itchiness associated with eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
Additionally, its antimicrobial properties can aid in eliminating the underlying bacterial or viral infection, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of complications.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with eye infection.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin helps with eye infections by reducing inflammation and preventing the proliferation of bacteria and fungi in the eyes, thus promoting a healthy environment for healing.
- Licodione: Licodione has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in treating eye infections by eliminating the causative pathogens and soothing the irritated tissues.
- Isoliquiritigenin: Isoliquiritigenin exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which help protect the eyes from oxidative damage and inflammation caused by eye infections, promoting faster recovery.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for eye infection.
- Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part of Glycyrrhiza glabra, as they contain a high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help treat eye infections.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain flavonoids and other compounds that have been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can aid in treating eye infections.
- (optional, if you want a third item) root barks: However, root bark is not typically used as it's not as commonly used as root.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for eye infection.
- Harvest 1 part of dried roots of glycyrrhiza glabra and chop them into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped roots with 2 parts of 80-proof vodka or ethanol in a glass container.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place and steep for 2 to 6 weeks.
- Strain the liquid from the roots through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another container.
- Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for eye infection?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with eye infection is a blend of Echinacea, Eyebright, and Goldenseal.
Echinacea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Eyebright for its ability to soothe and calm the eyes, and Goldenseal for its antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial and fungal infections. Taking a few drops of each tincture in equal parts, three times a day, can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing of the eye infection.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.
What ailments similar to eye infection are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to eye infections that are treated with herbal tinctures are ear infections, sinusitis, and throat infections.
These conditions often share common causes such as bacterial or fungal overgrowth, inflammation, and congestion.
Herbal tinctures like garlic, goldenseal, and echinacea can help combat these issues by reducing inflammation, fighting off pathogens, and boosting the immune system.