Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an uncomfortable eye infection characterized by itching, irritation, inflammation, redness, and tearing from the presence of a foreign body in the eyes. There are cases where your eyes start burning too. A condition that could be allergic or triggered by virus or bacteria, it can easily be managed at home. Here are 10 easy, yet effective home remedies for conjunctivitis.
- Warm Or Cold Compression
Soak a clean, soft , and small piece of cloth in cold or warm water. Squeeze out the excess water and place it atop the affected eye. Leave minutes. Repeat once more. You can use smaller pieces of cloth and keep repeating the compress throughout the day. Just ensure that a cloth once used is disposed as infection can worsen.
- Boric Acid Eyewash
Boil 1 tsp boric acid powder or crystals in 250 ml water. Allow it to turn lukewarm and then use it as an eyewash, You can do this thrice a day to hasten the recovery. Alternatively, you can dip clean cotton balls in boric acid solution and place it over the affected eye for relief.
- Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most effective natural cure for conjunctivitis. Thanks to the rich presence of tannins that offer relief from inflammation and itching along the bioflavonoids that possess anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Place moist and cool teabags on the affected eye for 10 minutes. Alternatively, use cooled black tea as an effective eyewash.
- Honey
Known for its antibiotic and antibacterial nature, honey has been a touted home remedy for various conditions. Mix 3 tbsp honey in 500 ml water and boil it. Allow the mixture to cool well and rinse your eyes with this twice a day for faster healing.
- Cucumber
Ease the inflammation and irritation caused by pink eye with the naturally cooling cucumber. Cut two thin slices of cucumber and immerse them in water laden with ice cubes for 10 to 15 minutes. Place it atop the closed eyelids till the chillness is lost. Repeat four times a day.
- Milk
The goodness of milk goes beyond weight loss and beauty. Just dip clean cotton balls in cold milk and place it atop the burning eyes. The soothing effect it renders is beyond words. You can also use cold milk as an effective eye rinse for pink eye.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Prepare a solution by mixing 2 tsp unpasteurized ACV in 250 ml clean water. Dip clean cotton balls in this mixture and place them atop closed eyelids. Repeat it every four hours till the infection subsides.
- Baking Soda
You can prepare an eyewash by dissolving 1 tbsp baking in 250 ml water. Just ensure that you are using clean, filtered water. It soothes the eyes, paving way for faster healing.
- Yoghurt
A poultice made from live cultured yogurt can be placed on affected eye to ease redness and inflammation from conjunctivitis.
- Lemon Juice
Add a few drops of lemon juice onto clean fingertips. Dab dry the fingertips on clean towel and use this on affected area for quicker relief.
If the symptoms of conjunctivitis still persist after trying out these home remedies, then do visit your doctor.