Eye Irritation: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Eye irritation, characterized by redness, dryness, and discomfort in the eyes, is a common condition caused by exposure to allergens, irritants, or foreign particles.

Prolonged eye irritation can lead to vision problems, increased risk of infection, and even long-term damage to the cornea. Herbal remedies can provide relief, with chamomile and calendula soothing the eyes, while peppermint and eucalyptus help to reduce inflammation. To use medicinal herbs safely, dilute them in water or a carrier oil, and avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands.

Always consult a healthcare professional before applying any new treatments.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of eye irritation, 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 eye irritation?

The main causes of eye irritation are exposure to allergens, irritants, and toxins.

Dry air and low humidity can cause eyes to become dry and irritated, while exposure to wind, dust, and smoke can exacerbate this condition. Chemicals such as cleaning agents, pesticides, and solvents can also cause eye irritation by disrupting the tear film and damaging the cornea. Infections like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and keratitis can cause eye irritation, often accompanied by discharge, redness, and swelling.

Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as blepharospasm, rosacea, and dry eye syndrome, can also lead to eye irritation.

• Dust: Dust particles can enter the eyes and cause irritation due to their abrasive nature and the body's natural response to foreign particles, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
• Pollution: Air pollution, particularly particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, can cause eye irritation by damaging the cornea and conjunctiva, and triggering an inflammatory response.
• Contact lenses: Contact lenses can cause eye irritation due to the buildup of protein deposits and other substances on the lenses, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
• Allergies: Allergies to substances such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can cause eye irritation by triggering an allergic reaction, leading to increased mucus production and inflammation.
• Makeup: Makeup, particularly eyeshadow and mascara, can cause eye irritation due to the presence of chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the eyes and cause an allergic reaction.
• Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals, such as cleaning products and pesticides, can cause eye irritation due to their ability to damage the cornea and conjunctiva, and trigger an inflammatory response.
• Infections: Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis, can cause eye irritation due to the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi that can damage the eyes and trigger an inflammatory response.
• Dry air: Dry air can cause eye irritation due to its ability to dry out the eyes and disrupt the tear film, leading to increased mucus production and inflammation.
• Computer screens: Prolonged exposure to computer screens and other digital devices can cause eye irritation due to the blue light emitted by these devices, which can cause digital eye strain and discomfort.
• Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause eye irritation due to the UV radiation emitted by the sun, which can cause damage to the eyes and trigger an inflammatory response.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for eye irritation?

The main medicinal herbs used for eye irritation are Calendula officinalis, Symphytum officinale, Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, Echinacea purpurea, Euphrasia officinalis, Euphorbia peplus, Plantago major, Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba.

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and redness in the eyes, while Symphytum officinale's anti-inflammatory and mucilaginous compounds soothe and protect the ocular surface. Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis contain aloe-emodin, a compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve wound healing, making them effective in treating eye irritation. Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory effects help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, while Euphrasia officinalis' alkaloids have been traditionally used to treat eye infections and inflammation.

Ginkgo biloba, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps protect the eyes from oxidative stress and inflammation, while Hypericum perforatum and Plantago major's anti-inflammatory compounds and Euphorbia peplus' salicylic acid help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the eyes.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with eye irritation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce redness and prevent infection in the affected area.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with eye irritation by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, thanks to its high concentration of allantoin, which has soothing and protective properties for the eyes.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with eye irritation by providing immediate relief due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can calm the eyes and reduce redness and swelling.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with eye irritation by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce redness and prevent infection in the affected area.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea does not directly help with eye irritation, but it can indirectly support eye health by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation in the body, which may help alleviate eye irritation symptoms.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis helps with eye irritation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce redness and prevent infection in the affected area.
• Euphorbia peplus: Euphorbia peplus has been traditionally used to treat eye irritation, but its effectiveness has not been extensively scientifically proven; however, it may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate eye irritation symptoms.
• Plantago major: Plantago major has been traditionally used to treat eye irritation, and its leaves contain mucilage, which may help soothe and protect the eyes.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum does not directly help with eye irritation, but it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can support overall eye health and reduce inflammation in the body, which may help alleviate eye irritation symptoms.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with eye irritation, but it may improve blood flow to the eyes and reduce inflammation, which can help alleviate eye irritation symptoms and support overall eye health.

What are the main herbal preparations used for eye irritation?

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

Tincture is often used to treat eye irritation due to its ability to quickly absorb into the bloodstream, making it effective against infections caused by herbs like Echinacea and Calendula. Decoction is used to treat eye irritation caused by inflammation, as it helps to reduce swelling and promote healing with herbs like Chamomile and Peppermint. Topical preparations like Salve, Gel, Cream, and Ointment are effective in treating eye irritation caused by dryness, redness, and itchiness, as they provide a protective barrier and soothe the area with herbs like Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil.

Capsule, Poultice, Suppository, and Eye Drop are used to deliver the medicinal properties of herbs directly to the eye, reducing inflammation and promoting healing with herbs like Ginkgo Biloba and Eyebright.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the plant Aloe vera helps with eye irritation by reducing inflammation and providing soothing relief due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps with eye irritation by reducing redness and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Calendula officinalis helps with eye irritation by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) helps with eye irritation by reducing puffiness and swelling due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cream: A cream made from the plant Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with eye irritation by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the plant Plantain (Plantago major) helps with eye irritation by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the plant Quercetin-rich Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) helps with eye irritation by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Aloe vera helps with eye irritation by reducing inflammation and providing soothing relief due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the plant Bacillus subtilis has antimicrobial properties that help with eye irritation by reducing bacterial and fungal infections.
• Eye Drop: An eye drop made from the plant N-acetyl cysteine-rich Nettle (Urtica dioica) helps with eye irritation by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.