Getting struck by pink eye is no fun. The discomfort, itchiness and constant tearing can get on your nerves. Above all, pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is highly contagious. You can easily infect your family members. Usually, the infection goes away in seven to 10 days, but you can hasten healing by going in for tried and tested home remedies.
The Internet is filled with numerous home remedies and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That is why we are bringing you a list of the top 10 home remedies for pink eye. You can use them in combination to get relief from the tears, mucus, inflammation and redness.
Home Remedies for Pink Eye
1. Saltwater Eyewash:
Salt is known for its antiseptic properties. So it goes without saying that it will help you with your pink eye, as long as you don’t mind the stinging! Add one teaspoon of salt in one cup of boiling distilled water. Let the salt dissolve completely and allow the water to cool down. Use an eyedropper to squirt this eyewash into your eyes several times a day. It will provide relief from the symptoms.
2. Boric Acid Eyewash:
Boric acid also has antiseptic properties that can be used to treat pink eye at home. Mix boric acid in clean boiled water. Use it to flush out your eyes and get immediate relief from the symptoms.
3. Honey:
Honey has been used for its antibacterial and antibiotic properties since time immemorial. You can dissolve three tablespoons of honey in two cups of water. Boil the mixture and let it cool. Use this honey eyewash to rinse your eyes. Not only will this alleviate the symptoms, but will also speed up the healing process.
4. Potato:
Set your love for French fries and mashed potatoes aside. This is a different type of recipe! Cut thin slices of raw potato and place them on your eyes. It will reduce the swelling and redness. Discard the slices after use. Apply potato several times during the day and see the results.
5. Black and Green Teas:
Both black and green teas are replete with bio-flavonoids, which help combat bacterial and viral infections and also reduce inflammation. The best way to use tea as a home remedy for pink eye is to soak a couple of tea bags in some water. Apply the bags on your eyes and relax for 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the tea bags after use. The tannin in the tea will reduce the swelling and ease the infection. The water that you used to soak the tea bags can be used as eyewash.
6. Cucumber:
This is one of the most common natural remedies for pink eye that effectively treats eye irritation and inflammation. Cut two slices of cucumber and place them in ice cold water for about 10 minutes. Then, place these cucumber slices on your closed eyelids.
7. Pro-biotic:
You must have read about the ability of pro-biotics to kill harmful bacteria in the body. Well, the same principle also applies to pink eye. Use natural yoghurt or kefir in this case. Soak two balls of cotton in kefir or natural yoghurt and apply them on your eyes. Stay put for 15 to 20 minutes and you will get relief from the symptoms and also reduce the duration of the infection.
8. Hot and Cold Compresses:
Pink eye infection can cause a lot of discomfort, especially with the itching, swelling, discharge and burning sensation. You can get relief from the discharge by applying hot compress on your eyes. Just wet a clean washcloth with some warm water and place it on your eyes for five minutes. The cold compress is great for the burning sensation, itching and inflammation. Place water-soaked sterile gauze in your freezer for 30 minutes. Then place it on your eyes. You will get immediate relief.
9. Milk:
The humble milk can have a soothing effect on your eyes. Dip two balls of cotton in some cold milk and place them on your eyes. You will realize at once why people love this home remedy for pink eye. You can also use warm milk as a hot compress or to wash your eyes. You will enjoy the same soothing effect. If you are using warm milk as eyewash, test it on your skin beforehand, so that you do not burn your eyes!
10. Golden Seal:
This herbal plant has astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It contains a compound called berberine that aids in fighting infections and killing bacteria. Make a concoction by dissolving two teaspoons of golden seal in a cup of boiled water. Dip two balls of cotton in the mixture and apply on your eyes. You can also make eye drops using golden seal, chamomile and comfrey. Let the herbs soak for 15 minutes in a cup of boiled water before straining. Use the strained solution as eye drops.
Try these pink eye home remedies when you or your loved one is afflicted by this infection. You will never go anywhere near conventional medication, ever.
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