Conjunctivitis
Pink Eye
Definition
The conjuctiva is the mucous membrane that lines eyelids and is reflected
onto the eyeball. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of this mucous
membrane.
Causes
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious when it is caused by a viral
infection. Factors that can contribute to the disease include: bacterial
infection, injury to the eye, allergies,
and substances that are irritating to the eye such as fumes, smoke,
contact lens solutions, chlorine from swimming pools, chemicals, make-up,
or any other foreign substance that enters the eye.
Symptoms
Eyes may appear swollen and bloodshot; they are often itchy and irritated.
Because the infected membrane is often filled with pus in conjuncivitis,
the eyelids often stick together after being closed for long periods.
If pain and blurred vision occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment
Herbal Medicine Formulas and Recipes
Chinese Formulas
Ayurvedic Formulas
Nutrients
Vitamin A emulsion, 100,000 IU daily for a month, then 25,000
IU daily from capsule form, helps promote immunity to viral
infection. Vitamin C, 2,000-6,000 mg. per
day in divided doses, protects the eye from further inflammation and
enhances healing. Zinc, 50 mg. per day, is important
in all eye disorders and enhances immune response.
Herbs
TB
- Acacia
- Agrimony
- Angelica
- Aloe
- Alum root
- Barberry
- Bayberry
- Bilberry
- Borage
- Castor bean
- Celandine, greater
- Chamomile
- Cicely, sweet
- Clover, red
- Comfrey
- Cornflower
- Cucumber
- Elderberry
- Elm, slippery
- Eryngo
- Eyebright, red
- Fennel
- Flaxseed
- Frostweed
- Goldenseal
- Groundsel
- Gum plant
- Heal-all
- Herb Robert
- Honeysuckle
- Horsetail
- Houseleek
- Indian-pipe
- Jasmine flowers
- Lady's mantle
- Linseed
- Lovage
- Maple
- Marigold, tea
- Meadowsweet
- Mimosa, prairie
- Motherwort
- Myrrh
- Osage-orange, root
- Pokeroot
- Pomegranate
- Pot marigold
- Raspberry, red, leaves
- Rose flowers
- Rue
- Sagebrush
- Salsify
- Sandalwood
- Sanicle
- Sassafras
- Savory
- Speedwell
- Vervain
- Watercress
- Wild cherry bark
- Willow
Suggestions
Pink eye associated with hay fever can be treated with drops containing
steroids, which must be obtained from the doctor, and used under his
supervision.
A bacterial infection is typically treated with antibiotics if the
eye does not heal within 4 days of supplemental use.
If the eyelids are swollen, try a peeled and grated fresh potato,
wrap it with gauze, and place it over the eyes. It acts as an astringent
and has a healing effect.
To make a good eye wash, dissolve 1/2 tsp. aloe and 1 tsp. boric
acid in 1 cup of water.
Another eye wash: steep 1 tsp. goldenseal, 1/2 tsp. myrrh and 2 heaping
tsp. boric acid in 1 pint boiling water. Add 1 tsp. of the infusion
to 1/2 cup water and use.
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