Red Eyes: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Red eyes, characterized by a reddish or pinkish discoloration of the whites of the eyes, can be a sign of eye irritation, often caused by prolonged screen time, allergies, or dry air.

The condition can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and even vision problems if left untreated. To alleviate red eyes, herbal remedies such as cooled tea bags of chamomile, calendula, or peppermint can be applied to the eyes to reduce inflammation. Additionally, applying a compress soaked in witch hazel or aloe vera gel can also provide relief.

However, it's essential to note that herbal remedies should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as some herbs can cause allergic reactions or interact with medications.

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

The main causes of red eyes are due to increased blood flow to the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye, often resulting from exposure to allergens, irritants, or dry air.

This condition is medically known as conjunctival congestion or conjunctival hyperemia. Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander can trigger allergic reactions, leading to redness and inflammation. Additionally, irritants like smoke, chemicals, or foreign particles can cause the blood vessels in the conjunctiva to dilate, resulting in redness.

In some cases, red eyes can also be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or uveitis.

• Dry Eyes: Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears are of poor quality, leading to inflammation and redness of the eyes.
• Allergies: Allergies cause the blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, leading to redness and itching, often triggered by exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen or dust.
• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye, resulting in redness, discharge, and tearing.
• Rubbing Eyes: Rubbing the eyes can cause small blood vessels in the eyes to break, leading to redness, and can also introduce bacteria into the eyes, causing infection and inflammation.
• Contact Lens Use: Contact lens use can cause redness and irritation, especially if the lenses are not properly cleaned or if the wearer is new to contact lens use.
• Wind: Wind can dry out the eyes, causing redness and discomfort, especially in people with pre-existing dry eye conditions.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause redness and irritation of the eyes due to the chemicals and smoke particles that enter the eyes.
• Fatigue: Prolonged fatigue can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, leading to redness and fatigue.
• Eye Infections: Eye infections, such as blepharitis or keratitis, can cause redness, discharge, and pain in the eyes.
• High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, leading to redness and vision changes.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for red eyes?

The main medicinal herbs used for red eyes are Calendula officinalis, Euphrasia officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Symphytum officinale, Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba, Aloe vera, Echinacea purpurea, Euphorbia peplus, Chrysanthemum parthenium.

Calendula officinalis contains triterpenoids with anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm red eyes. Euphrasia officinalis has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce swelling and combat infections causing red eyes. Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that calm and protect the delicate tissues of the eyes.

Hypericum perforatum, Symphytum officinale, Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpurea, Euphorbia peplus, and Chrysanthemum parthenium have varying degrees of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce redness and soothe irritated eyes.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with red eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that reduce swelling and alleviate irritation in the eyes.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis is used to treat red eyes because its extracts have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects that help to reduce blood flow to the eyes and alleviate symptoms of conjunctivitis.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis provides relief from red eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that calm irritated tissues and reduce swelling in the eyes.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with red eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties that break down mucus and reduce irritation in the eyes.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum may help alleviate red eyes due to its antiviral properties that reduce the severity of viral infections such as pink eye.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly treat red eyes but may be used to improve circulation and reduce the risk of conditions that can lead to red eyes, such as poor vision and eye strain.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps to soothe and calm irritated eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that reduce swelling and alleviate irritation in the eyes.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may be used to prevent or alleviate red eyes due to its immune-boosting properties that help the body fight off infections that can cause conjunctivitis.
• Euphorbia peplus: Euphorbia peplus has been traditionally used to treat red eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms of conjunctivitis.
• Chrysanthemum parthenium: Chrysanthemum parthenium is used in traditional medicine to treat red eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conjunctivitis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for red eyes?

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

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs like Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) which has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness. Decoction of herbs like Calendula (Calendula officinalis) can be used as an eye wash to soothe and calm irritated eyes. Ointment and Salve can be applied topically to protect and moisturize the eyes with ingredients like Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).

Capsule, Gel, Suppository, Poultice, Cream, and Eye Cream may also be used to deliver anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbs like Ginkgo biloba and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) to the eyes.

• Tincture: A tincture of Euphrasia officinalis helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and soothing the conjunctiva due to its antiphlogistic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Decoction: A decoction of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and alleviating conjunctivitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Ointment: An ointment of Calendula officinalis helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the conjunctiva due to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
• Salve: A salve of Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and soothing the conjunctiva due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing extract of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and alleviating conjunctivitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Gel: A gel of Aloe vera helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and soothing the conjunctiva due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
• Suppository: A suppository of Aloe vera helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the conjunctiva due to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
• Poultice: A poultice of Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and alleviating conjunctivitis due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
• Cream: A cream of Avena sativa helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and soothing the conjunctiva due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
• Eye Cream: An eye cream of Ginkgo biloba helps with red eyes by reducing inflammation and alleviating conjunctivitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.