The term "pinkeye" is used to refer to any condition that makes the whites of your eyes look red or pink. So many factors contribute to this condition, but conjunctivitis is the most common cause. It refers to the inflammation of the conjunctive, which is the layer of tissue covering the white of your eyes. Allergies and infections can both lead to conjunctivitis. Thankfully, you can use certain home remedies to reduce the discomfort and accelerate recovery.
Home Remedies for Pink Eye
Using home treatment for pink eye can help reduce your pain and accelerate recovery. It also prevents drainage from the eyes. For starters, ensure that you do not wear contacts until you have recovered completely. Here are some other steps to take:
1. Use a Cool Water Compress
To soothe your eyes, you can make use of a cool water compress. Take a clean, lint-free cloth, soak it in cool water, wring it out, and apply directly to your eyes for a few minutes. Do it several times a day to treat the issue. Keep in mind that you can use a warm compress as well, if that feels better. Also, ensure that you do not use the same cloth for both eyes.
2. Try Barberry Root
Barberry root provides you with berberine that has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties. It helps treat infections, digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, and indigestion. You can use it as eyewash and clear the infection. Simply take the barberry root and boil it in water. Once boiled, leave it for a while until it becomes cool. Now, use this solution to rinse your eyes.
3. Make Use of Honey
Thanks to its powerful antibiotic and antibacterial properties, honey can serve as one of the most effective home remedies for pink eye. You can make it more effective by mixing it with milk or water. You can apply honey directly to your eyes or mix 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of honey to prepare a solution. Simply rinse your eyes with this solution to clear the infection.
4. Try Goldenseal
This perennial plant comes with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It also contains berberine that helps clear infection and treats conjunctivitis.
Mix a cup of boiled water and 2 teaspoons of goldenseal. You can use it to deal with your infection. You can also make eye drops by adding 1/8 teaspoon of goldenseal to a cup of boiled water along with comfrey and chamomile. Let it steep for 15 minutes, strain it, and use as eye drop.
5. Use Probiotics
Increasing your intake of probiotics helps increase the number of good bacteria in your body. This improves your immune system and makes it easier for your body to handle infections, such as pink eye. Kefir and colostrums are among the best probiotics.
6. Opt for Turmeric
With its healing compounds, turmeric is among the best home remedies for pink eye. It also possesses strong antibacterial properties and can help eliminate bacteria that cause pink eye symptoms. Take a cup of boiled water and add two tbsp. of turmeric powder to it. Mix well and then soak a clean washcloth in it. Apply it to your eyes as a warm compress to clear your infection.
7. Enjoy the Benefits of Neem Oil
Neem oil has soothing properties and is therefore a good remedy to help deal with irritated skin caused by pink eye. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also relieve other symptoms of conjunctivitis. Simply take some neem oil and apply it around your eye and eyelid before going to sleep at night.
8. Try Salt Water
It is a good idea to try salt water to clear the infection and relieve the symptoms of pink eye. You can use Himalayan pink rock salt for good results, but regular salt will also do. Boil some water and then add a teaspoon of salt to it. Mix well, and when cool enough, soak a cotton ball in it and use it to wipe the affected area.
9. Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar can make your body more acidic, which in turn will make it difficult for bacteria to survive in this environment. It has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties and is among the best home remedies for pink eye. It strengthens your defense from the inside and gives your body the power to eliminate bacteria that may be causing symptoms of pink eye. It also helps improve the number of good bacteria in your system and boosts immunity. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of water. Soak a clean cloth in this mixture and use it to wipe clean the affected area.
10.Let Aloe Vera Do the Magic
Aloe Vera gel is the mixture of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. With these properties, it works great for conjunctivitis. Take a piece of fresh Aloe Vera and extract its gel. Take a few drops and apply directly to your eyes. Do it several times a day until you notice some relief.