1. It’s a nice break from giving the stink eye. Gotta mix things up, you know?
2. You can use it to repel awkward interactions – “Don’t come near, I’m CONTAGIOUS!”
3. Sorry, that’s all I’ve got. Who actually loves pink eye???
Fortunately, there are several natural remedies for pink eye out there that mamas swear by. Today I’m going to share them with you, along with studies I’ve found related each remedy. But first, let’s ask one very important question . . .
Is It Viral, Bacterial, or An Allergy?
Viral Pink Eye Is . . .
Typically marked by clear, watery drainage
Contagious
Likely to start in one eye and move to the other
Not treatable with antibiotics. “Most viral pinkeye cases have no specific treatment – you just have to let the virus run its course, which is usually four to seven days” (source)
Often somewhat alleviated by some of the comfort measures listed below. Immune system support may also be helpful.
Often difficult to discern from bacterial pink eye
Bacterial Pink Eye Is . . .
Typically marked by greenish yellow drainage
Contagious
Likely to start in one eye and move to the other
Usually treated with antibiotic eye drops. Some who prefer to avoid antibiotics use some of the natural approaches below.
Often difficult to discern from viral pink eye
Allergic Pink Eye
“Allergic pinkeye (caused by seasonal pollens, animal dander, cosmetics and perfumes) and chemical pinkeye (from chemicals or liquids, including bleach and furniture polish) are not contagious.” (source)
Clear, watery drainage is typical
Usually involves both eyes
“Allergic pinkeye symptoms should improve once the allergen source is removed and the allergy is treated. Chemical pinkeye requires prompt washing of the affected eye(s) for five minutes and an immediate call to the doctor.” (source) Treatments for the allergy may include an antihistamine. Nettle capsules or tea are considered by many to be a natural antihistamine, and preliminary studies suggest that this may indeed be the case. (source )
Inflamed, crusty eyes? Here are 5 home remedies moms swear by. Plus the difference between viral, bacterial, and allergic pinkeye.
Natural Remedies For Pink Eye
Because pink eye can be highly contagious, it is usually recommended that individuals treat both eyes even if only one has symptoms.
Honey
Frank Dougan of Glasgow spent eight years searching for relief from blepharitis, a chronic bacterial eyelid infection that is somewhat similar pink eye. ‘Lots of doctors gave me eyes [sic] drops, I have a whole fridge full and I have spent a fortune but nothing worked,’ he told the UK-based Daily Mail. (emphasis mine)
So what did finally work? According to Frank, it was a jar of honey from the local Tesco. His optician confirmed that she was no longer able to find any traces of blephartis.
Countless studies have affirmed honey’s healing properties. In fact, according to a Cochrane analysis of 19 clinical trials, this pantry staple may work BETTER than antibiotic creams for burns. Here’s how I use it in my first aid kit.
So what do we know about its effectiveness with pink eye? Other than the fact that it’s a known folk remedy, there are a few studies worth mentioning. Though they don’t deal with pink eye specifically, they do seem relevant.
Studies that may support the use of honey for eye infections
In this study, the application of honey significantly reduced the amount of bacteria found on and around the eye in patients that suffer from dry eyes.
This study notes that honey is being ” ‘rediscovered’ by the medical profession, particularly where conventional modern therapeutic agents have failed. Recent published reports describe the effectiveness of honey in rapidly clearing wound infection with minimal adverse effects, and also possible in promoting healing with minimal scar formation. Honey also has antimicrobial action against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, both in laboratory studies and in humans. Its use in the eye ranges from treating post-herpetic corneal opacities, local conjunctival lesions and corneal edema with variable results.” (source, emphasis mine)
Also, though it is not not a study, “there is evidence that the ancient Egyptians used honey to treat eye diseases, the Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with being among the first to record medicinal use of honey for the eyes as far back as 350 B.C. Honey was also widely used in India to treat eye disease and has been used by traditional healers in Mali to prevent scarring of the cornea in cases of measles. There is also evidence that honey was used by the medieval English to treat eye diseases.” (source 1, source 2)
What kind of honey should I use?
While many kinds of honey have demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey is thought to be particularly potent due to high levels of the compound dihydroxyacetone. Personally, I use local, organically raised honey.
How mamas use it:
Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon raw honey
1/4 cup pure water
pinch of salt (optional)
Dissolve raw honey and optional salt in pure warm water. Don’t get the water too hot or it may destroy some of the beneficial properties of the water. If your water is not super pure (reverse osmosis, distilled, etc), consider boiling it and allowing it to cool before creating your mixture. Using a clean dropper, place a 1-2 drops in each eye every few hours as needed.
Breast Milk
Natural Remedies For Pink Eye: Breast MilkAccording to this article, a “particular antibody in the breast milk, called immunoglobulin A, prevents the pink eye bacteria from attaching to the mucosal surface of the eye. This limits the growth of the bacteria, helping to end the eye infection.” (source)
So what does the clinical data say? Well, this article examines three studies that look at the impact of colostrum on newborn eye infections. The antimicrobial properties of colostrum and breast milk are well-documented and there does seem to be some evidence of benefit for use with eye infections, but at least one of the studies where the evidence seems overwhelmingly positive was not well constructed.
On the other hand, moms swear by it.
Bonus awesome breast milk fact: A few years ago researchers noticed that cancerous lung cells in a test tube died on contact with breast milk, so they isolated the key compound responsible and began injecting it into tumors. So far, trials with rats have shown that “after just seven weeks a highly invasive brain cancer called glioblastoma was seven times smaller in those treated with HAMLET [the nickname for the breast milk compound].” (source)
How to use it
Squirt a little breast milk directly onto the surface of the eye. “Lift your eyelid slightly to help the breast milk circulate underneath. Continue this treatment three times a day for a couple of days, or until the eye infection has cleared. If your symptoms persist or worsen, though, seek medical advice.” (source)
Colloidal Silver
Natural Remedies For Pink Eye: Colloidal SIlverThe use of silver solutions for eye infections is nothing new. Until the creation of erythromycin, an antibiotic ointment, silver nitrate drops were routinely used in newborn’s eyes to prevent certain types of bacterial infection. In some hospitals they are still used, but most doctors prefer the ointment because silver nitrate can cause irritation.
Silver nitrate is created by combining silver with nitric acid, while colloidal silver contains only silver particles suspended in water. It is my understanding that colloidal silver is less irritating. (Please note that in mentioning its routine use in newborns is not an endorsement. I recommend that you research before consenting to it or any other newborn procedure.)
Did I find any resounding endorsements from physicians? Not really, but I did find comments from M.D.’s who said simply that their patients swear by it and that it might be worth trying. (source 1, source 2)
Wondering if colloidal silver is safe? I like Emily of Holistic Squids take on it.
How to use it
Those who rave about this remedy typically say they use 1-2 drops in each eye three to four times per day.
Natural Remedies For Pink Eye - Tea
Herbal Tea Poultices
According to Prescription For Nutritional Healing, “Calendula, chamomile, fennel and/or eyebright teas can be used to make hot compresses. Eyebright can also be taken orally in capsule or tea form. It is good for any eye irritation or inflammation. The tea can also be used to rinse the eyes.
Caution: Do not use chamomile or calendula if you are allergic to ragweed. Some sources, such as Prescription For Nutritional Healing, say not to use during pregnancy or nursing. (p. 421) However, many herbalists and OB-GYN’s say chamomile is perfectly fine during pregnancy and while nursing. (source)
Some individuals add a little salt to their tea as it brews to boost the astringent quality of the poultice.
How to use it
According to some sources, distilled water is recommended because any impurities in water could exacerbate the infection. You can find instructions for making chamomile and calendula eye soothers at Mother Earth News.
Natural Remedies For Pink Eye - Saline Wash
Salt Water Wash
Saline (salt water) eye drops are often recommended for pink eye. Some store bought brands contain lubricants and other medications for various conditions, but you can make a simple solution at home. Kathryn Darden, a Rodan + Fields Dermatologists consultant, explains how to use a salt water wash:
“Distilled water is recommended since tap water can contain chemicals and impurities, but many people use plain tap water. Boil one cup of water with one half teaspoon (up to one teaspoon) of salt and let the liquid cool completely before using.
Use an eye cup or an eye dropper to rinse the eye with the cooled salt solution. The solution can be used as an eye rinse and also as a nasal solution for sinus and allergy issues.
Rinse the affected eye several times a day. After rinsing, a gentle eye cream can help soothe the delicate skin of the eyelids but should be kept out of the eyes to avoid further irritation.” (source) According to Kathryn, you should discard the solution after two days and make a new one to avoid bacterial contamination. I personally would probably make a new batch each day.
Comfort Measures
Warm Or Cold Compress
“To reduce pain and to remove the discharge of bacterial or viral pinkeye, use a cold or warm compress on the eyes. Make sure to use a different washcloth for each eye to prevent spreading any infection. And use clean washcloths each time. Clean the eye from drainage by wiping from the inside to the outside of the eye area.” (source)
Raw Potatoes
Fresh slices of cold, raw potato are also said to be soothing.
Pink Eye Prevention
Natural Remedies For Pink Eye: Cod Liver OilRecurring pink eye infections are associated with Vitamin A and B (especially B2) deficiencies, so it may be worth exploring supplementation if infections continue to occur. (source 1, source 2,)
As I write about here, fermented cod liver oil is one of the best sources of natural Vitamin A. Here’s why:
Almost all brands of cod liver oil on the market go through a process that removes naturally occurring vitamins A&D. Green Pastures makes the only traditionally fermented cod liver oil, which preserves naturally occurring vitamins and also contains co-factors that may increase the body’s ability to absorb the A&D.
You can order Green Pastures fermented cod liver oil here. If this brand is not an option, the Weston A. Price Foundation recommends different brands of cod liver oil that have the correct ratio’s of synthetic vitamins A&D here.
Fermented cod liver oil is also a source of Vitamin B2. (source)
When To See A Doctor
According to the CDC, “Most cases of pink eye are mild and get better without treatment. However, some forms are more severe. Severe cases need to be looked at by a health care provider and may require specific treatment and close follow-up. If you have pink eye, you should see your health care provider if you have—
Moderate to severe pain in your eye(s)
Blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light
Intense redness in the eye(s)
A weakened immune system, for example, from HIV or cancer treatment
Bacterial pink eye that does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use
Symptoms that get worse or don’t improve
Pre-existing eye conditions that may put you at risk for complications or severe infection” (source)
The CDC also recommends that all babies with pink eye symptoms be seen by a health care provider.
Source: www.mommypotamus.com
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