Updated: Nov 30, 2024
10 Herbal Tinctures For Eye Infection
Herbal tinctures can be a great way to relieve eye infections.
Eye infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses and can be quite painful. Echinacea purpurea is a popular herb used to boost the immune system and fight off infections. When made into a tincture, it can be applied directly to the eye to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, is another herb that's often used to treat eye infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness and swelling in the eye, while its antiseptic properties help to prevent further infection.
Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, is also used to treat eye infections. Its soothing properties help to calm the eye and reduce pain. Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the eye to help soothe and heal the infection. Herbal tinctures can be more effective than traditional treatments because they work with the body's natural defenses to fight off the infection. They're also often free from harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients found in some conventional treatments. To use herbal tinctures for eye infections, simply apply a few drops to a cotton ball and gently apply it to the affected eye.
Be sure to follow proper hygiene and safety precautions to avoid spreading the infection.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for eye infection and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea tinctures contains alkaloids, glycosides, and phenolic acids, which are its key active constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making them effective against eye infections. The glycosides in Echinacea purpurea tinctures, specifically echinacoside and cynarin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause eye infections. The phenolic acids, including kaempferol and quercetin, have antioxidant properties that help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
The combination of these properties makes Echinacea purpurea tinctures a potential natural remedy for eye infections.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Echinacea purpurea flowers, leaves, and stems.
- Combine the Echinacea mixture with 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar.
- Store the Echinacea tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid, 10-20 drops can be taken 3 times a day for eye infections.
2. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis tinctures contains triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids as its main bioactive constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which help to combat eye infections effectively. The flavonoids in calendula tinctures, such as quercetin and kaempferol, exhibit antimicrobial activity against various pathogens that cause eye infections. The saponins in calendula also help to soothe and protect the eyes from damage, while the carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, provide antioxidant protection to the eyes.
By combining these properties, calendula tinctures can help to reduce the severity and duration of eye infections.
- Gather 250ml of 80% vodka, a clean glass jar, a coffee filter, and 30g of dried Calendula officinalis flowers.
- Place the dried flowers in the jar, and cover them with vodka. Close the jar and shake it well.
- Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through the coffee filter into another clean jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in the jar and use 5-7 drops in the affected eye 3-4 times a day.
3. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis tinctures contains bioactive compounds like aloin, aloe-emodin, and acemannan.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce swelling and fight off infections in the eyes. Aloin, in particular, has been shown to exhibit potent antibacterial and antifungal activity, making it effective against eye infections caused by bacterial or fungal pathogens. Aloe-emodin has also been found to exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and discomfort associated with eye infections.
The combination of these compounds in aloe barbadensis tincture makes it a potential treatment for eye infections, as it can help to soothe and heal the affected area.
- Gather 1 cup of Aloe barbadensis gel, 2 cups of 80% vodka, and a clean glass jar.
- Cut the Aloe barbadensis leaf and extract the gel. Place the gel in the glass jar.
- Add 2 cups of 80% vodka to the jar with the Aloe gel. Stir well.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
4. Euphrasia officinalis
Euphrasia officinalis tinctures contains bioactive constituents like anthranoid glycosides, iridoid glycosides, and phenylethanoid glycosides.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and redness in the eyes. The anthranoid glycosides in Euphrasia officinalis have antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacterial and fungal infections that cause eye infections. The iridoid glycosides also have antiseptic and antiviral properties, further aiding in the treatment of eye infections.
The phenylethanoid glycosides in Euphrasia officinalis have antioxidant properties, helping to protect the eyes from further damage.
- Gather 1 cup of Euphrasia officinalis flowers, 1 cup of 80% vodka, and a clean glass jar.
- Combine the Euphrasia officinalis flowers and vodka in the glass jar. Stir well to mix.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Label the jar and store the Euphrasia officinalis tincture in the fridge. Use 5-10 drops in the affected eye 2-3 times a day.
5. Symphytum officinale
Symphytum officinale tinctures contains a combination of bioactive constituents, including allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and phenolic acids.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce swelling and prevent infection in the eyes. Allantoin, in particular, has been shown to promote tissue repair and regeneration, which can aid in the healing process of eye infections. The antimicrobial properties of rosmarinic acid and phenolic acids help to combat bacterial and fungal infections that can cause eye infections.
By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, Symphytum officinale tinctures can help to alleviate symptoms and support the recovery of eye infections.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of fresh Symphytum officinale roots and 2 cups of 80-proof vodka.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar.
- Pour the vodka over the roots, making sure they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discard the solids. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.
6. Silybum marianum
Silybum marianum tinctures contains silymarin, a mixture of flavonoids and polyphenols.
Silymarin has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce swelling and prevent infection in the eyes. The antioxidant properties of silymarin can also help to protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Silymarin's ability to stimulate the immune system can aid in fighting off eye infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
The flavonoids in silymarin, particularly silibinin, have been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, making Silybum marianum tinctures a potential treatment for eye infections.
- Gather 1 cup of Silybum marianum flowers, 2 cups of 80-proof vodka, and a clean glass jar.
- Combine the Silybum marianum flowers and vodka in the glass jar. Stir well.
- Close the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in the dark glass jar and use 5-10 drops in the affected eye 3-4 times a day as needed.
7. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale tinctures contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
These compounds help to reduce swelling and fight off bacterial and fungal infections in the eyes. The tincture's flavonoids, specifically quercetin, have antioxidant properties that protect the delicate tissues of the eyes from damage. The sesquiterpenes in Taraxacum officinale tinctures also have a soothing effect on the eyes, helping to calm redness and irritation.
By using Taraxacum officinale tinctures, the properties of its bioactive constituents can help to alleviate eye infections and promote healing.
- Gather 250g of fresh Taraxacum officinale roots and leaves, and dry them in a low-temperature oven (40°C) for 24 hours.
- Combine the dried roots and leaves with 750ml of 95% ethanol in a glass jar, making sure the plant material is completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily to help the mixture.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a separate container, discarding the plant material.
- Transfer the liquid to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops of the tincture in water or another liquid as needed to treat eye infections.
8. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica tinctures contains a high concentration of bioactive compounds like histamine, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help combat eye infections. The flavonoids, in particular, have antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in the eyes. The ascorbic acid in Urtica dioica tinctures acts as an antimicrobial agent, preventing the growth of bacteria and viruses that cause eye infections.
The combination of these properties makes Urtica dioica tinctures a potential treatment for eye infections, promoting healing and reducing the risk of further complications.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Urtica dioica leaves, roots, and stems. Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
- Combine the gathered Urtica dioica with 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar, making sure the plant material is completely covered.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids and reserve the liquid.
- Store the Urtica dioica tincture in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day, as needed to treat eye infections.
9. Euphorbia peplus
Euphorbia peplus tinctures contains a compound called ingenol mebutate, which has antimicrobial properties that help combat eye infections.
These properties destroy bacteria and fungi that cause eye infections, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Another compound, flavonoids, has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and redness in the eyes. Euphorbia peplus also contains limonoids, which have antiseptic properties that help prevent the spread of infection.
When used as a tincture, these compounds can help treat eye infections by killing the underlying cause and promoting a speedy recovery.
- Gather 1 cup of Euphorbia peplus leaves and stems, and 2 cups of 80% vodka in clean glass containers.
- Chop the Euphorbia peplus into small pieces and fill a clean glass jar 3/4 of the way with the chopped plant.
- Pour the 2 cups of 80% vodka over the chopped Euphorbia peplus, making sure the plant is completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container, and discard the solids.
10. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures contains glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin with anti-inflammatory properties.
This saponin helps reduce swelling and redness associated with eye infections. Glycyrrhizin also has antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that cause eye infections. Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties that help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures make it a potential treatment for eye infections.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of Glycyrrhiza glabra root, 2 cups of vodka (at least 80 proof), and a clean glass jar.
- Cut the root into small pieces and place them in the glass jar.
- Pour vodka over the root pieces, making sure they are completely covered.
- Close the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids and store the tincture in a cool, dark place.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent eye infection from forming?
Some herbal teas, like echinacea and calendula, have antiviral and antibacterial properties that might help prevent eye infections.
These teas may reduce inflammation and fight off germs that can cause infections.
Drinking them regularly, especially when you're feeling stressed or exposed to irritants, could help keep your eyes healthy.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for eye infection every day?
While herbal teas can be soothing for eye infections, consuming them daily may not be safe for everyone.
Some herbs can cause allergic reactions or interact with medications. It's also possible to overdo it and trigger other issues.
Be cautious and consider the potential risks before making it a daily habit.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in eye infection?
Herbal teas can help with eye infections, but it's hard to say exactly when you'll see results.
Some people notice improvement in a few days, while others may take a week or more to feel better.
It usually depends on the severity of the infection and the type of herbal tea being used.
What time of day is best to drink herbal tea for eye infection?
For an eye infection, it's best to drink herbal tea in the morning.
This helps start your day with a soothing and calming effect. Some herbal teas, like chamomile or calendula, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce eye swelling and discomfort.
Drinking in the morning also gives you a boost to tackle the day ahead.