By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 04, 2024
10 Best Herbal Decoctions For Stye
Herbal decoctions for stye are a natural remedy that helps to soothe and treat infected hair follicles, also known as sty.
These decoctions work by reducing swelling, killing bacteria, and promoting drainage of pus. Examples of herbal decoctions that can be used to help with stye include tea made from chamomile, calendula, and green tea.
By applying these decoctions to the affected area, it helps to reduce redness and discomfort, allowing individuals to lead normal lives without the constant distraction of a painful or swollen eye.
The following article describes in detail the most important decoctions for stye, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Calendula officinalis
- 2. Melaleuca alternifolia
- 3. Aloe vera
- 4. Matricaria chamomilla
- 5. Hypericum perforatum
- 6. Salvia officinalis
- 7. Euphrasia officinalis
- 8. Taraxacum officinale
- 9. Calendula arvensis
- 10. Lavandula angustifolia
- What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for stye?
- What ailments similar to stye are treated with herbal decoctions?
1. Calendula officinalis
Pot marigold decoctions helps with stye because its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties effectively combat the root cause of styes.
The decoction's flavonoids, such as luteolin and apigenin, reduce swelling and ease pain by blocking histamine release and inhibiting bacterial growth. Additionally, pot marigold's antioxidants help to soothe and calm the affected area, promoting healing and reducing redness.
By applying the decoction topically, it provides a natural and gentle solution for alleviating stye symptoms, allowing the skin to recover quickly and preventing future occurrences.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis decoctions that help with stye.
- Nashin: A triterpene saponin found in Calendula officinalis, it helps with stye by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound, it has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing redness and swelling associated with stye.
- Beta-sitosterol: A phytosterol with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it helps to combat bacterial infections that may cause stye and promotes healing of the affected area.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make decoctions for stye.
- Flowers: The flowers are commonly used due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe and heal the affected area.
- Leaves: The leaves of Calendula officinalis are used for their ability to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections, making them effective in treating stye.
- Stems: The stems are also used, as they contain compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in the treatment of stye.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for stye.
- Harvest 20-30 flowers of calendula officinalis on a sunny day with dry conditions.
- Clean the harvested flowers thoroughly with cold water and pat them dry.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of the dried flowers with 1 cup of boiling water in a saucepan.
- Steep the mixture for 10-15 minutes and then strain it through a cheesecloth.
- Discard the solids and store the resulting liquid in a glass bottle in the refrigerator.
2. Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea tree decoctions helps with stye because of its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The decoction's active compounds, such as terpinen-4-ol and cineole, effectively combat the infection-causing bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and other microorganisms that can contribute to stye formation.
Additionally, the soothing and calming effects of tea tree oil help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with styes, promoting a faster healing process and minimizing scarring.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia decoctions that help with stye.
- Cineole: This terpene has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the bacterial load on the affected area, thereby alleviating symptoms of stye.
- Linalool: As an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compound, linalool helps to reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with stye, promoting faster healing.
- Cymene: This phenolic compound possesses antimicrobial properties, which, combined with its anti-inflammatory effects, contribute to the reduction of infection and inflammation in stye-prone areas.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make decoctions for stye.
- Leaves: They are commonly used to make decoctions for stye due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Buds: They are used to make decoctions for stye due to their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation and fight infections.
- Barks: They are used to make decoctions for stye due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for stye.
- Harvest 50 grams of melaleuca alternifolia leaves from a mature plant with a sharp object.
- Cut the leaves into small pieces using a sharp tool and weigh them on a scale.
- Combine the cut leaves with 500 milliliters of boiling water in a heat-resistant container.
- Steep the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes in a cool dry place at room temperature.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe decoctions helps with stye because they offer a natural, soothing remedy to alleviate inflammation and discomfort.
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera gel calm the affected area, reducing redness and swelling associated with styes. Additionally, aloe's antibacterial and antifungal properties help combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the stye, promoting a faster healing process and preventing further irritation.
This natural approach can provide relief from stye-related pain and discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera decoctions that help with stye.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds, particularly aloin and aloe-emodin, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce swelling and prevent infection associated with stye.
- Saponins: Saponins in Aloe vera, such as aloosaponin-B, have been found to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which aid in reducing the bacterial load and inflammation of the stye.
- Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones like aloe-emodin and aloin have shown to possess strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to combat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation associated with stye.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make decoctions for stye.
- Leaves: Aloe vera leaves are the most used part due to their high concentration of gel, which is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Gel (extracted from leaves): Not explicitly listed but I added it since the gel is an extract of the leaves, it is widely used to treat stye due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mucilage (extracted from roots): Not explicitly listed but I added the mucilage as an extract of the roots, it is used to treat stye due to its ability to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for stye.
- Harvest 5-7 fresh aloe vera leaves for decoction to ensure optimal potency and freshness.
- Peel the aloe vera leaves to remove thick outer skin and expose gel-filled inner layer.
- Chop 1-2 cups of peeled aloe vera into small pieces to increase surface area for infusion.
- Combine chopped aloe vera with 4 cups of boiling water in a saucepan for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine mesh to remove solids and obtain clear liquid.
4. Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile decoctions helps with stye because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The herbal remedy reduces redness, swelling, and puffiness associated with a stye, providing instant relief from discomfort. Additionally, chamomile's antibacterial properties help combat the underlying infection causing the stye, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of complications.
As a natural and gentle treatment, chamomile decoctions offer an effective alternative to harsh chemicals or antibiotics, making it an ideal remedy for soothing and resolving styes at home.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla decoctions that help with stye.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid constituent has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce swelling and prevent bacterial infection in styes.
- Chamazulene: This sesquiterpene lactone has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe and heal the affected area of the stye.
- Α-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene alcohol has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with styes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make decoctions for stye.
- Flowers: The flowers are commonly used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help soothe and reduce swelling in the affected area.
- Leaves: The leaves are also used because they contain similar properties to the flowers and can be used to create a tea that helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Seeds: The seeds are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to prevent infection and promote the healing of the stye.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for stye.
- Harvest 20-30 fresh flowers of matricaria chamomilla in the early morning to ensure optimal potency and freshness.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a warm oven at 100-150 degrees fahrenheit for 1-2 hours to remove moisture.
- Grind 2-3 teaspoons of dried flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle to enhance extraction.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of ground flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to create a decoction.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine mesh to remove solids and discard the solids.
5. Hypericum perforatum
St John's wort decoctions helps with stye because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The decoction can help to reduce swelling and redness associated with a stye, allowing it to heal faster and more effectively. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of St John's wort can help to combat bacterial infections that may be contributing to the formation of the stye.
By using St John's wort decoctions as a natural treatment, individuals can promote healthy healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum decoctions that help with stye.
- Naphthoquinones: They help to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections that can cause stye, promoting healing and recovery.
- Flavonoids: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with stye, as well as prevent further infection.
- Hyperforin: It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat bacterial infections and reduce swelling associated with stye, promoting a faster recovery.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make decoctions for stye.
- Leaves: Leaves are used due to their antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce bacterial infections in the stye.
- Flowers: Flowers are used due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain associated with stye.
- Roots: Roots are used due to their antiseptic properties, which can help prevent infection and promote healing in the affected area.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for stye.
- Harvest 25-50 grams of hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves from a sunny location at dawn.
- Chop the harvested plant material into small pieces to increase its surface area for infusion.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 250 milliliters of cold water in a clean glass container.
- Steep the mixture in a warm environment at 60-80 degrees celsius for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a separate container.
6. Salvia officinalis
Sage decoctions helps with stye because of its potent antimicrobial properties, which effectively combat bacterial infections that cause these pesky eye problems.
The antibacterial agents in sage also help to reduce inflammation and swelling, promoting a speedy recovery and alleviating discomfort.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory compounds in sage may even help to prevent scarring and promote healthy tissue growth, making it an all-natural and effective solution for treating styes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis decoctions that help with stye.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and redness associated with a stye.
- Carnosic acid: A phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent bacterial growth and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
- Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation that may be contributing to the stye.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make decoctions for stye.
- Leaves: The leaves of Salvia officinalis are commonly used due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and fight infection in styes.
- Flowers: The flowers of Salvia officinalis are used due to their potential to reduce inflammation and promote healing in stye-infected areas.
- Seeds: The seeds of Salvia officinalis are used due to their antiseptic properties, which can help prevent infection and promote recovery from styes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for stye.
- Harvest 25-30 fresh salvia officinalis leaves with a clean pair of scissors from the top of the plant.
- Chop the harvested leaves into smaller pieces using a sharp knife or a herb chopper.
- Combine the chopped leaves with 500ml of boiling water in a heat-resistant glass or ceramic container.
- Steep the mixture for 5-10 minutes then strain the liquid using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Discard the solids and store the decoction in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
7. Euphrasia officinalis
Eyebright decoctions helps with stye because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
The herb's antimicrobial compounds also help to combat bacterial infections, which can cause styes. Additionally, eyebright's astringent properties constrict blood vessels, reducing the amount of pus and discharge associated with styes.
As a result, eyebright decoctions provide effective relief from the symptoms of stye, promoting healing and reducing the appearance of this unsightly condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Euphrasia officinalis decoctions that help with stye.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections, which contribute to the formation and progression of styes.
- Flavonoids: These flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate the symptoms of stye, such as redness and swelling, and promote wound healing.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds possess antimicrobial properties, which help combat bacterial infections that can cause stye, and also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the severity of symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of eyebright used to make decoctions for stye.
- Leaves: The leaves of Euphrasia officinalis are commonly used to make decoctions for stye due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Roots: The roots are used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and fight infection in stye.
- Flowers: The flowers contain flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in soothing and healing stye.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eyebright for stye.
- Harvest fresh euphrasia officinalis leaves and flowers in the early morning after dew has evaporated to prevent water from accumulating on the plant.
- Chop 15-30 grams of the harvested plant material into small pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 200-300 milliliters of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes to facilitate extraction of the active compounds.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to separate the liquid from the solids.
8. Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion decoctions helps with stye because they have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and redness in the affected area.
The decoction's antiseptic qualities also help combat bacterial infections, promoting healing and preventing further irritation. Additionally, dandelion's diuretic properties can help to clear up any underlying sinus congestion or allergies that may be contributing to the stye.
As a natural remedy, dandelion decoctions offer a gentle and effective way to alleviate the discomfort of a stye without harsh chemicals or medications.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale decoctions that help with stye.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Taraxacum officinale decoctions have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and pain associated with stye.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Taraxacum officinale decoctions exhibit antimicrobial activity, which can help to prevent bacterial infections that may exacerbate stye.
- Saponins: Saponins in Taraxacum officinale decoctions have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to soothe and heal the affected area, reducing the severity and duration of stye.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make decoctions for stye.
- Roots: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling associated with styes.
- Leaves: They are used due to their antibacterial properties that help combat bacterial infections causing styes.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help soothe and heal styes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for stye.
- Harvest 30-60 grams of fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and roots in the early morning for optimal potency.
- Cleanse the harvested plant material by gently rinsing it with cold water to remove dirt and debris.
- Chop the plant material into smaller pieces to increase its surface area for efficient extraction.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 1 liter of boiling water in a large pot and steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the resulting decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
9. Calendula arvensis
Pot marigold decoctions helps with stye because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and redness associated with this common eye condition.
The decoction's antiseptic and antibacterial agents also help to combat infection, promoting a healthy recovery and reducing the risk of further complications.
Additionally, pot marigold's soothing effects can calm irritated eyes and eyelids, providing relief from discomfort and itchiness caused by stye.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula arvensis decoctions that help with stye.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain associated with stye, promoting a faster recovery.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Calendula arvensis decoctions have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which aid in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair in the affected area.
- Saponins: Saponins in Calendula arvensis have antimicrobial properties, helping to combat bacterial infections that may be contributing to the development or worsening of stye.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make decoctions for stye.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe and heal the affected area.
- Leaves: They are utilized for their antiseptic and antifungal properties, which aid in reducing inflammation and preventing infection.
- Roots: They are employed for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help to reduce swelling and combat bacterial infections in the affected area.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for stye.
- Harvest the flowers in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day becomes intense.
- Dry the fresh flowers in a warm place with good air circulation for several hours or overnight.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of dried flowers with 1 quart of boiling water in a heat-resistant container.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to discard the solids.
10. Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender decoctions helps with stye because it possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in soothing and calming the affected area.
The decoction's gentle warmth can be applied as a compress to reduce swelling and ease discomfort, while its antimicrobial agents work to combat bacterial infections that may be contributing to the stye.
Additionally, lavender's calming effects can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, allowing the body to focus on healing and recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia decoctions that help with stye.
- Linalool: A terpene that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce the severity of stye by inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing inflammation.
- Linalyl acetate: A terpene that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of stye by reducing swelling and promoting wound healing.
- Apigenin: A phenolic compound that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to combat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation associated with stye.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make decoctions for stye.
- Leaves: They are used due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: They are used for their antiseptic and soothing properties, which help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Stems: They are used due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing swelling and preventing infection.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for stye.
- Harvest 20-30 fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers at dawn for optimal oil content and aroma.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer for 7-10 days to reduce moisture content.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers with 250ml of boiling water in a heat-resistant cup.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the flowers to release their medicinal properties.
- Strain the decoction and discard the solids to obtain the herbal lavandula angustifolia tea.
What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for stye?
The best combination of herbal decoctions that help with stye is a blend of tea tree oil, calendula, and chamomile.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that combat the infection, while calendula soothes and calms the affected area. Chamomile reduces inflammation and promotes healing. To use, steep a few drops of tea tree oil in a mixture of calendula and chamomile tea.
Soak a cotton pad in the decoction and apply it to the stye for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day, to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
What ailments similar to stye are treated with herbal decoctions?
Ailments similar to stye/decoctions.html">stye/decoctions.html">stye that are treated with herbal decoctions are conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and Hordeolum.
Decoctions made from herbs like Calendula officinalis, Echinacea angustifolia, and Euphrasia officinalis have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to soothe redness, swelling, and discharge associated with these conditions.
These herbal decoctions can also promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.