With the kind of lifestyle that we lead in modern times, it has become very difficult to keep oneself completely healthy and free from ailments. One such ailment that affects both adults and kids alike is the Pink eye, which is also referred to as conjunctivitis.
This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the outermost layer of an eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Therefore, the affected eyes appear to be pink and hence are called so. One of the most effective options to treat this condition is to use essential oils for the pink eye as they offer quick relief, without any side-effects.
Pink eye can also cause itchy and watery eyes, a grainy feeling in the eye, discharge that forms a dry crust overnight, swelling of the eyelids, cloudy vision, and light sensitivity.
[Also Read: Home Remedies to Cure Eye Infection]
Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
Types of Pink Eye
- Viral
- Neonatal
- Bacterial
- Epidemic
- Herpes simplex
- Allergic
- Chemical
Symptoms
- Itching
- Redness
- Dryness
- Pain
- Sticky tears
- Eye discharge
- Pus
- Excessive tearing
- Running nose
- Swollen eyelids
Causes
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infection
- Inflammatory causes
- Infections
Essential Oils For The Treatment Of Pink Eye
Essential oils offer ample health benefits with their natural properties. One of the most beneficial aspects of their disciplined usage to get rid of the infections, all kinds of infections can be helped and treated with the use of some essential oils.
With their battle with your immune system and other microorganisms, it is perfectly normal for you as a healthy human. The problem starts when their growth crosses a limit which then leads to redness, itching, and discomfort. Though complications may be severe or even fatal if left untreated in certain cases.
Even after trying a lot of medication, sometimes it is just not possible to solve the situations. Medications do show results, but they vanish after the effect of the medication has passed. You might lose faith in getting it back under control. This is where you need to understand the benefits of using essential oils for the Pink Eye.
Why One Should Use Essential Oils?
It is certainly true that a hygienic lifestyle is an integral part of getting rid of Pink Eye. But in many cases, they might still continue to be where they were and cause you all the efforts to keep them at bay. Here you should surely use essential oils for Pink Eye.
How To Use?
Essential oils are plant extracts which should never be applied directly near the eye. One should dilute the essential oils for pink eye in boiling water for its indirect steam to do the work or it should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying on the skin. The direct application may cause irritation, redness and severe allergic reactions.
1. Lavender Oil
Why Does it Work?
Lavender is a part of a group of European plants of the mint family. The benefits of lavender oil were discovered more than 2,500 years ago, and since then it has one of the most popular essential oils because of its antibacterial, antioxidant, calming and anti-depressive properties. Lavender oil has a positive effect on conjunctivitis disease as it possesses the attributes of relieving pain and reducing inflammation.
How to Use?
Although Lavender oil is gentle enough to apply directly on the skin, it is still suggested to diffuse the concentration in a humidifier when coming in close contact with delicate parts of the body like the eyes.
Read More: Lavender Oil Benefits
2. Melaleuca Oil
Why Does it Work?
Melaleuca is a member of the group of shrubs and trees of the myrtle family. It is well known for its antiseptic and therapeutic properties and through various advanced studies, many new features are coming into light. It possesses an attribute of anti-inflammation which therefore has positive effects on conjunctivitis.
How To Use?
It should be used as other essential oils and not directly on the skin. But it should be noted that melaleuca oil should not be overused even when it’s diluted in water or other carrier oils. Before the invention of penicillin, melaleuca oil was widely used anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-bacterial properties.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Why Does it Work?
Tea tree oil is the jack of all trades and the master in most of the fields. It is not only inexpensive, but it is also used as an antiseptic, a promoter of hair growth and even as a treatment for sinus and cold(1).
It also helps in the treatment of conjunctivitis by similar application methods as stated above. Tea tree oil includes various compounds like terpinen-4-ol that have previously been tested to render viruses, fungi, and bacteria inoperative.
How To Use?
Like similar prescribed methods of the essential oils, tea tree oil should also not be used directly on the skin or internally.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
Why Does it Work?
The oil of eucalyptus comes from the leaves of the evergreen leaves of the eucalyptus tree. This essential oil is a clear liquid with a typical smell and taste.
Eucalyptus belongs to Australia, but with its growing popularity, its market has expanded to various parts of the world. Apart from being a natural insect repellent, muscle ache soother, and possessing many more qualities, eucalyptus oil also works wonders for nursing conjunctivitis.
How To Use?
Before using Eucalyptus oil must, consulting with healthcare experts is recommended to prevent irritation. Its usage may also interfere with some ongoing homeopathic treatments.
Read More: Eucalyptus Oil Benefits
5. Clove Oil
Why Does it Work?
Other than being a typical Indian spice, clove has numerous health benefits for the proper maintenance of blood sugar levels and the liver(2). Clove not only has an attractive aroma and flavor but also relieves itching, swelling, and infection on the skin. Consequently, it helps in the treatment of conjunctivitis.
How To Use?
Clove oil needs dilution with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil, and it then should be applied to the skin and not directly. Clove essential oil is an integral part of various lotions, creams and even bed sheets for skin aids and insect repellent, respectively.
6. Chamomile Oil
Why Does it Work?
During the days of conjunctivitis, it is imperative and necessary to take care of the area around the eyes. A well-known home remedy includes a compound mixture of chamomile oil and raw honey.
How To Use?
This mixture should be made and stored in small quantities in airtight containers. These natural ointments have a high susceptibility of being attacked by bacterial therefore spoiling it in a very short span of time.
Read More: Chamomile Tea Benefits
7. Myrrh Oil
Why Does it Work?
The reference of Myrrh oil features in the bible for 152 times. It is popularly and commonly known for its connection with Jesus in the New Testament. Myrrh oil was used as a spice, natural remedy and in the process of purification of the dead. Myrrh oil comes from a tree named Commiphora myrrha. This oil is an antiseptic to cure wounds and infections.
How To Use?
It can either be used by inhaling, diffusing or can be added to hot boiling water for the steam.
8. Peppermint Oil
Why Does it Work?
Through specific reports presented by the USDA human nutrition research center, peppermint oil has been proved to contain antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Peppermint oil features in the Greek mythology and ancient Egyptian pyramids. This oil relieves one from itchiness which is even established by various statistical data.
How To Use?
It should not be applied directly to the skin but through a diffuser or a mixture of other carrier oils.
Other Oils for Pink Eye
In addition to using essential oils for the pink eye, you can also use some other oils which offer significant relief from the condition.
1. Coconut Oil
Why Does it Work?
Although coconut oil is not a pure essential oil, it is believed to possess many nutrients and health beneficiary elements that help in the welfare of the immune system by combating infections. Therefore, coconut oil is also useful in treating pink eye disease.
How To Use ?
It is essential for the patient to use pure or virgin coconut oil and not the hydrogenated form of the coconut oil because the latter contains many other chemical compositions that might hurt the infected eye area.
The person in question should damp a small cotton ball or a clean piece of cloth with coconut oil and gently hold against the infected area with no amounts of pressure. If there is irritation, stop the process immediately.
2. Castor Oil For Pink Eye
Why one should Use Castor Oil For Pink Eye?
Castor oil is a pale-yellow oil extracted from the castor plant generally used as an industrial lubricant and as a laxative(3). Castor oil has been a part of Ophthalmology from time immemorial and it was used to prevent irritation during an eye examination. It has the power to treat pink eye disease overnight if the treatment starts from an earlier stage of the infection.
How To Use?
It is best to apply castor oil generously on both the upper and lower eyelids of the infected eye. A clouded and unclear vision usually follows the application because of the dense consistency of the oil. Therefore, it is best to apply castor oil at night while going to sleep.
In more severe cases, it is suggested to employ a castor oil pack. A castor oil pack includes the application of a thick cloth saturated with castor oil on the eye followed by a warm compress for 20-30 minutes.
Risk And Precaution
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, whose use requires adequate knowledge about its pros and cons. Many essential oils for pink eye are harmful for internal use, and they must only be used on the surface in a diluted form.
Experts suggest not to rely on the use of essential oils entirely because some of their attributes are yet unknown. Some essential oils reflect properties similar to antibiotics. During pregnancy, it is also evident to cross the placenta and reach the baby.
Therefore, the use of essential oils for the pink eye requires controlling as much as possible. Essential oils should be more diluted in the case of babies or instead should not be used on babies. Essential oils for the pink eye even can eat through plastic.
Other Home Remedies For Pink Eye Treatment
In addition to the various essential oils for the pink eye mentioned above, various other natural remedies can be used to manage the problem of Pinkeye. Here are some of the most useful home remedies for pink eye.
- Saltwater wash: It is an age-old method to clean the bacteria-infected area of any part of the body. Similarly, it is also used in conjunctivitis to clean not only the area but also kill all the microorganisms that are affecting the area.
- Boric acid: It is also known for its antiseptic attributes. It is to be mixed merely with clean and pure water and then applied to the affected area for a few days for maximum results.
- Potato: It is also known for its treatment of inflammation and reddishness. All you must do is cut thin slices of potato and then apply them to the eyes for single-use for more than once per day.
FAQs
1. Are essential oils similar to perfumes?
Essential oils are naturally extracted oils derived from plants that happen to have a perfume-like property, but the fragrances are chemically obtained properties and not entirely natural.
2. Can I use essential oils internally?
It is recommended not to because of its high concentration level. Apply externally in diluted forms.
Essential oils for pink eye, therefore like any other commodity have its positive and negative sides. New and advanced research is being published which tells us more about their effects and their uses.
It’s instructed to do proper research and consult an expert before engaging in its use. If used correctly and minimum amounts, essential oils can make our physical, mental and emotional lives better.
