Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that is contagious. Though it is mostly seen in children, it can spread and happen to anyone of any age.
The common symptoms of this eye infection are
- redness of eyes
- blurred vision
- continuous discharge
- itchiness
- watery eyes and
- sometimes also forms a bump under the eyelid
Conjunctivitis is said to be spread due to viruses and also quite often the cause is bacteria, irritants, or any allergy.
Because conjunctivitis is highly contagious, it is recommended to treat it as soon as possible.
Though it is treatable, doctors do not offer any conventional treatment as such. Eye drops are suggested or the eyes get naturally healed within a week.
However, to soothe the irritating symptoms, natural remedies are readily available. One of the best remedies for pink eye is essential oil.
Now you must be wondering how highly concentrated essential oils can relieve painful eyes.
Usually, it is recommended to dilute and use essential oils to reduce its power but in the case of pink eyes, this won’t work.
The only way to use essential oils for pink eye is to diffuse them in water vapor. To diffuse the essential oil, add it to the humidifier or add a few drops of oil to boiling water and take steam so that it reaches your face.
You can also soak diluted essential oil in a cotton ball and place it over your closed eyes but just for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure the oil doesn’t come in direct contact with the eyeball.
Applications of essential oils for pink eye
So if you have decided to embrace essential oil to relieve the pain and irritation of conjunctivitis, here are the best essential oils:
Tea tree essential oil
Get rid of the bacteria and virus causing pink eye. The powerful antibacterial components present in the oil help to kill the bacteria.
Tea tree essential oil is a traditional medicine that is known to prevent infection and faster healing.
The natural can cause more irritation and pain if directly applied to the eyes. Make sure to use it in a diluted form.
The safest way to use this oil is by adding 2 drops of tea tree oil in steaming water and then taking steam. It helps to heal the eyes more quickly.
Roman chamomile hydrolat essential oil
The anti-inflammatory properties of Roman chamomile hydrolat fight itchiness and help to keep your eyes calm when affected by conjunctivitis.
It also effectively kills the bacteria and virus that causes the infection called pink eye.
This aromatic essential oil soothes the eyes and reduces redness in the eyes. Make sure it is mixed well before use.
Neem essential oil
With its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, neem essential is proven to be beneficial to heal the pink eye.
It fights the bacteria and helps to soothe the eyes and reduce inflammation. It also lessens the pain and irritation caused.
The best way to use essential oil for conjunctivitis is by blending it with tea tree essential oil. The properties of both oils will lead to more and quick improvement of this contagious eye infection.
The symptoms become really tolerable until the infection completely goes off.
Lavender essential oil
It is the ultimate essential oil with a myriad of health benefits. Lavender essential oil is suitable for everyone and mostly for every type of infection.
The soothing and therapeutic advantages of lavender essential oil make it the best choice to relieve pink eye infections.
It kills the bacteria and helps to tolerate almost all symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Learn More: Lavender Essential Oil for Dry Eyes
Clove essential oil
Right from ancient times, clove is popularly known as a natural pain killer.
The powerful anti-viral properties in clove essential oil make it favorable to kill the virus and reduce the infection before time.
This essential oil also possesses anti-bacterial properties that help to kill bacteria. It reduces most of the symptoms of pink eye.
Make sure you blend it well with any carrier oil before use.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Extracted from the effective Eucalyptus leaves, the origin of Australia, eucalyptus essential oil can fight the virus that causes conjunctivitis in the eyes.
Eucalyptus essential oil can be used to get rid of eye infections by blending it with any carrier oil.
You can either use it as a diffuser or add a few drops to boiling water and take steam for better results.
Peppermint essential oil
To get rid of the bacteria causing eye infections, peppermint essential oil is simply best.
If you are suffering from conjunctivitis because of the bacteria then use peppermint essential oil.
It smells great and works excellent in relieving the symptoms. The oil also helps to keep your mood alleviated and fresh.
It naturally cleans your eyes and reduces inflammation, irritation, redness, and itchiness.
Peppermint essential oil needs to be blended with any carrier oil for the best result without leading to any additional pain.
Myrrh essential oil
Initially, myrrh essential oil was not used for pink eye infection but later it proved to be beneficial to beat the irritation caused due to infection.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of myrrh essential oil help to lessen the inflammation caused due to pink eye infections.
It’s been used for centuries to naturally improve many health conditions. Myrrh essential oil also helps in relaxation.
For the best results and safety, do not forget to blend the essential oil with any suitable carrier oil.
Best carrier oil
Coconut oil is the best blend. It itself contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties which when mixed with any essential oil offers double benefit.
It reduces irritation, redness, dryness, and other symptoms of pink eye infection. After blending and applying the oil, make sure you later carefully rinse your eyes with warm water.
Remember, if accidentally the essential oil enters your eyes, use a mild carrier oil, soak it in a soft cloth and wipe it off.
Though essential oil has not come up as a mainstream medicine to treat pink eye research says the powerful healing properties can help heal pink eye infection effectively.
Note: Do not use essential oils to treat pink eye in toddlers or infants.
