Coconut oil for pink eye is one best home remedies to soothe the pain and discomfort caused by a pink eye. Pink eye(1) is considered as an infection or inflammation that occurs to the conjunctiva, a clear tissue of the eye. This inflammation could be caused by bacteria, allergens, and different kinds of irritants. No matter what the cause could be, coconut oil helps to soothe the symptoms and give relief.
Coconut oil is the best alternative to reduce your discomfort and also helps prevent transmission to others.
Around 3 million Americans suffer from pink eye each year(1)? That’ an amazing figure worth comprehending!
Coconut oil has many fatty acids, which have the potential of antiviral and antibacterial activity. Lauric acid is the most important of these fatty acids which get converted into a new substance called monolaurin when it gets digested by the body. Lauric acid has different health benefits and boosts metabolism to kill harmful bacteria. It is said to inhibit the maturation of virus and stopping the growth, through its antiviral activity.
Lauric acid and other fatty acids are linked to inactivation of the virus. Coconut oil(2), on the whole, has many health benefits. It is a potent antiviral agent. It helps a lot to reduce inflammation and can promote eye health. It can also prevent the development of other infections of the eye. These remarkable benefits make it a “must-try” remedy!
[ Also Read: Natural Remedies For Pink Eye ]
Coconut oil is mild oil and often used as a carrier oil. It has innumerable health benefits and antibacterial and antifungal properties(2). You can use virgin coconut oil to treat dry eyes as it helps to moisturize it. Though there is no proven research regarding this, many people have reported that coconut oil works wonders.
You can dip a small ball of cotton in coconut oil and place it on your eyes. It helps in reducing swelling, redness, and irritation. Oral consumption of coconut oil for pink eye also helps a lot to reduce infection. You can replace your cooking oil or take a spoonful of coconut oil every day. But do not exceed the limit of a maximum of two spoons a day.
[ Also Read: Coconut Oil: Health Benefits And Uses ]
There is no certain dosage one can recommend in the treatment process. When you are applying to your eyes, you can use 3 to 4 drops of coconut oil every time. The following points should help you:
However, coconut oil may not be safe or effective to treat pink eye alone without medication. Thus, it should be combined with proper medication to cure the infection completely.
[ Also Read: Honey to Treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) ]
When you are applying coconut oil on your eyes, you should be very careful as they are delicate and susceptible to injuries. Most people are not allergic to coconut oil. However, since any potential allergies to coconut oil could aggravate the condition, it is advisable to do a test before totally applying coconut oil on the pink eye.
If you plan to take it orally, choose only minimum doses. This is a form of fat which, when consumed, can increase your cholesterol levels. So, if you are having any other problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, consult a doctor before taking it.
Coconut oil undoubtedly has myriad health benefits that have been in use since ages. Coconut oil for Conjunctivitis is the best and most available home remedy. It helps reduce the symptoms and discomfort and also, prevents the occurrence of a pink eye. Coconut oil for eye infection is the best method to get comfort from the available items at home. Since everyone has this oil, they need not search for it or run for it in emergencies.
Pregnant women can always apply coconut oil on their eyes and also other body parts. It helps a lot to reduce the formation of stretch marks too. But in case of infection, have a patch test before using it on the affected area.
When the infection is severe, the discomfort must also be very severe. So, you should use coconut oil on your eyes along with the prescribed medication given by your doctor. You can also opt for oral consumption of coconut oil.
Pink eyes are of two types – namely Viral conjunctivitis and Bacterial Conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis or pink eye usually heal without medical treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis takes a longer period to heal and requires medical attention.