Itchy Eyes: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Itchy eyes, medically known as conjunctival itch or ocular pruritus, is a condition characterized by an intense urge to rub or scratch the eyes due to irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eyes.

Itchy eyes can be caused by allergies, dry eyes, conjunctivitis, or exposure to irritants such as pollen, dust, or chemicals. Prolonged itchy eyes can lead to eye infections, vision problems, and even mental health issues due to discomfort and stress.

Fortunately, herbal remedies can provide relief. Aloe vera gel, chamomile tea, and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can calm itchy eyes. Calendula and eyebright have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat conjunctivitis.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have sensitive eyes or are allergic to any ingredients.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of itchy eyes, 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 itchy eyes?

The main causes of itchy eyes are allergic reactions to environmental factors such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, which stimulate the release of histamine, a chemical that increases blood flow and leads to itching.

Irritants like smoke, chemicals, and fragrances can also cause itchy eyes by damaging the ocular surface and triggering a response. Infections such as conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, can lead to itchy eyes due to inflammation and the release of chemical mediators. Dry eye syndrome, which occurs when the tear glands don't produce enough tears, can cause itchy eyes by irritating the ocular surface.

Certain medical conditions, such as blepharitis, thyroid eye disease, and rosacea, can also cause itchy eyes due to inflammation and the release of chemical mediators.

• Allergies: Itchy eyes are commonly caused by allergies, particularly to pollen, dust, and pet dander, which trigger the release of histamine, leading to increased mucus production and inflammation in the eyes.
• Dry eyes: Dry eyes are a common cause of itchy eyes due to inadequate tear production or poor tear quality, resulting in irritation and inflammation of the ocular surface.
• Contact lenses: Itchy eyes can be caused by contact lenses, especially if they are not properly fitted, cleaned, or maintained, leading to irritation and inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, is a common cause of itchy eyes due to the presence of demodex mites, meibomian gland dysfunction, or other factors that lead to inflammation and irritation of the eyelids.
• Rosacea: Rosacea, a chronic skin condition, can cause itchy eyes due to the presence of rosacea-like lesions on the eyelids, which can lead to inflammation and irritation of the eyes.
• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common cause of itchy eyes due to viral or bacterial infections, which lead to inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva.
• Iritis: Iritis, an inflammation of the iris, can cause itchy eyes due to the presence of inflammatory cells and the release of chemical mediators, leading to pain and irritation of the eyes.
• Uveitis: Uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea, can cause itchy eyes due to the presence of inflammatory cells and the release of chemical mediators, leading to pain and irritation of the eyes.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss, can cause itchy eyes due to increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to irritation and pain in the eyes.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, can cause itchy eyes due to the presence of bacterial or viral infections, which can lead to inflammation and irritation of the eyes.
• Sjögren's syndrome: Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, can cause itchy eyes due to the presence of autoantibodies that target the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to dry eyes and irritation.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for itchy eyes?

The main medicinal herbs used for itchy eyes are Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, Symphytum officinale, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago major, Euphorbia peplus, Hypericum perforatum, Echinacea purpurea, Chamomilla recutita, Aloe barbadensis.

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties due to its sesquiterpene lactones, which soothe itchy eyes by reducing inflammation. Aloe vera's mucilages and flavonoids have a cooling effect on the eyes, calming itchy and irritated conditions. Symphytum officinale's allantoin and glycosides help to regenerate corneal epithelial cells, promoting healing and reducing itchiness.

Herbs like Echinacea purpurea, Chamomilla recutita and Hypericum perforatum have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which help to protect the eyes from infection and oxidative stress, thereby reducing itchiness and promoting healthy eye function.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that soothe and protect the eyes from infections and irritations.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with itchy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce redness and irritation in the eyes, and its gel can be applied topically to calm and moisturize the eyelids and surrounding skin.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with itchy eyes by its demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties, which can form a protective barrier on the surface of the eyes and soothe irritated tissues.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis, also known as Eyebright, helps with itchy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which can reduce swelling and excess discharge in the eyes.
• Plantago major: Plantago major helps with itchy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can calm and protect the eyes from irritations and infections.
• Euphorbia peplus: Euphorbia peplus helps with itchy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce redness and irritation in the eyes, and its sap can be used topically to treat eye infections.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, helps with itchy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce redness and irritation in the eyes, and its oil can be applied topically to calm and protect the eyes.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with itchy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the eyes.
• Chamomilla recutita: Chamomilla recutita helps with itchy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can calm and soothe irritated tissues in the eyes.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with itchy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce redness and irritation in the eyes, and its gel can be applied topically to calm and moisturize the eyelids and surrounding skin.

What are the main herbal preparations used for itchy eyes?

The main herbal preparations used for itchy eyes are Tincture, Salve, Decoction, Ointment, Gel, Capsule, Cream, Suppository, Poultice, Eye Drops.

Tincture of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) or Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is used to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections. Salve of Calendula (Calendula officinalis) soothes and protects the eye area, while Decoction of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) calms the eyes. Ointment or Cream of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) or Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) reduces inflammation and has antimicrobial properties.

Eye Drops of Pupalia (Pupalia lappacea) or Eyebright are used to directly treat itchy eyes, while Capsules of Quercetin (Quercus robur) and Suppositories of Goldenseal are taken internally to reduce inflammation.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the flower extract of Calendula officinalis helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that reduce swelling and prevent infection in the conjunctiva.
• Salve: A salve containing the root extract of Echinacea purpurea helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that reduce the severity of allergic reactions and promote healing in the conjunctiva.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the leaf extract of Plantago major helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that reduce swelling and dry out excess mucus in the conjunctiva.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the flower extract of Chamomilla recutita helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that reduce swelling and prevent spasms in the conjunctiva.
• Gel: A gel made from the stem extract of Aloe barbadensis helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that reduce swelling and provide relief from discomfort in the conjunctiva.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the seed extract of Nigella sativa helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce swelling and prevent oxidative stress in the conjunctiva.
• Cream: A cream made from the root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that reduce swelling and prevent spasms in the conjunctiva.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the leaf extract of Plantago lanceolata helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that reduce swelling and dry out excess mucus in the conjunctiva.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the flower extract of Marigold (Calendula officinalis) helps with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that reduce swelling and prevent infection in the conjunctiva.
• Eye Drops: Eye drops made from the extract of Euphrasia officinalis help with itchy eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties that reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels in the conjunctiva.