Boric Acid and Calendula for Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, popularly known as pink eye, is a condition that causes discomfort and irritation and has symptoms such as burning sensation in the eyes, redness, tearing, inflammation and itching. This annoying problem can be triggered by allergies, a virus or bacteria. The conjunctivitis caused by bacteria will normally affect both eyes. However, even if it’s viral or bacterial, you should be very careful, as the infection is contagious. Conjunctivitis can be cured with over the counter medicine, but you can also opt for natural treatments as the ones presented below.

Boric Acid

This product is effective in treating numerous eye problems including burning sensations, dryness and redness. The boric acid has antifungal and antibacterial properties and at the same time it cleanses the eyes and soothes the eye irritation. Mix boric acid (1 teaspoon) with boiling water (one cup) and allow it to cool down before washing your eyes with the solution. Apply the mixture with a clean cotton ball or washcloth. After that, you can use lukewarm water to rinse the eyes. Repeat the process 3 times daily, until the conjunctivitis symptoms disappear.

Salty Water

This home remedy is extremely popular and it one of the most natural disinfectants. Use a cup of distilled water and boil it. Then add almost one tablespoon of salt. Let the solution cool and after that wash your eyes with it, using a dropper or an eyecup. Sea salt in particular is efficient in treating conjunctivitis.

Calendula

This miraculous herb has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and can immediately combat the infection triggered by conjunctivitis. At the same time, calendula soothes the irritation and the discomfort of the eye, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. Make a calendula tea from one cup of water and 2 teaspoons of calendula flowers. Let the tea cool and after that strain the tea. Wash your eyes with this solution several times daily until you see the improvement.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is one of the most beneficial natural remedies. Apple cider vinegar comes with antimicrobial properties and can immediately combat the infection. Mix filtered water (one cup) with organic apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons) and use a cotton ball to apply the solution on your eyes. Keep in mind to close the eye before applying the vinegar solution because it can sting.

Black Tea

This home remedy is extremely useful when it comes to treating conjunctivitis. Black tea is high in tannins, compounds that reduce the inflammation and the itching. At the same time, this type of tea contains bioflavonoids that can fight against both bacterial and viral infections. Boil a couple of tea bags and they allow them cool. When they’re cool and still moist, you can apply them on your eyes. Let them sit for almost 10 minutes and repeat the process up to 4 times daily so as to notice any improvement. The same soothing and curing properties can also be obtained by using chamomile tea or green tea bags.

Other home remedies highly used to treat conjunctivitis are eyebright, cold compresses, aloe vera and honey and milk.