Essential oils are great remedies for treating Pink Eye. There are many natural remedies suitable for treating pink eyes, but this article focuses on the Best Essential Oils for Pink Eye.
There are many essential oils out there, and here, you will discover the unique benefit of each essential oil. This enables you to choose the best from the list of essential oils for treating pink eyes.
This ultimate review of essential oils also enables you to know how to use and diffuse essential oils for the pink eye and seek invaluable answers to some FAQs about the best essential oils. Do well to read on to find which essential oils are best for treating pink eyes.
Table of Content
What is Pink Eye?
When the Conjunctiva is inflamed or infected, pink eye or conjunctivitis develops. Conjunctiva is the clear tissue seen over the white part of your eye and usually lines the inside of your eyelid. It is an eye infection common amongst children and adults. It is caused by viruses, allergens, bacteria, or irritants.
Pink Eye Symptoms
The common symptoms associated with Pink Eye are;
- Itchy and irritated eyes
- Redness of the eyes
- Burning and teary eyes
- Redness and swelling of the eyelids
- Eyelids stuck together in the mornings
- Clear, thin, or sometimes colored drainage from the eyes
- The feeling of objects like sand in the eye
Pink eyes lead to a lot of discomfort and irritation. Natural remedies best treat pink eye like essential oils, which helps relieve the infection’s pain and irritation. Essential oils because they have potent anti-inflammatory properties and have a therapeutic effect when applied.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Treating Pink Eye
Essential oils play a significant role in treating pink eye, as they provide both physiological and therapeutic care. The following are the benefits of using essential oils for the treatment of the pink eye.
- Essential oils have significant anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for treating the pink eye for good.
- The therapeutic effect provided by essential oils can give relief to you before getting to a doctor.
- The essential oils have little or no side effects when used, hence, safe for use.
- They are also useful in place of bacterial resistant medications.
How to Choose Best Essential Oils for Treating Pink Eye?
First of all, since the causes of conjunctivitis range from virus and bacteria to irritants and allergens, it may be challenging to ascertain the specific cause. However, many essential oils and other natural remedies have a broad treatment range. To choose the best essential oils for the pink eye, check for the following healing properties.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiviral
- Antibiotic
- Antifungal
The second thing is to go for essential oils with no adverse side effects, no offensive odor, and no irritation. The best essential oils are a combination of most or all of the healing properties. This makes it useful and flexible for use and adequate as a treatment for the pink eye.
Once you have confirmed that the essential oil comes with a full-range of the vital healing properties and has no harmful side-effect, the next thing is to ensure that the oil is pure, authentic, and organic. Verify that the maker is real, and the product has no adverse effect. You may need to get a USDA certification to verify the authenticity of the product.
The 7 Best Essential Oils For Pink Eye
Essential oils are great remedies, therapeutic, cost-effective, and easy to administer for treating Pink Eye. Before reaching medical care, they can soothe and relieve you of the discomfort from the Pink Eye. There are several essential oils, but we will look at the seven best essential oils to treat Pink Eye.
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Myrrh Essential Oil
- Clove Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Roman Chamomile Hydrolat
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
1. Lavender Essential Oil for Pink Eye
Lavender Essential Oil is a recommended essential oil for the pink eye., which is highly efficient and effective as a treatment for pink eye. It is applied around the infected eye and on the infected eyebrow.
You can apply Lavender Essential Oil on the eyelash while allowing it to seep into the eye. It will sting for a minute but will clear the infection quickly.
This Essential Oil is one you would want as your choice for a Pink eye at all times.
Pros:
- It clears the infection almost immediately.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It smells nice.
Cons:
- It cannot be poured directly into the eyes.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree Essential Oil is best known for its antibacterial properties. This helps to reduce the bacteria causing the pink eye infection. Tea Tree Oil must never be applied directly to the eyes as it can irritate the eyes.
You can apply it as a mixture with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply around the eyes and eyebrows and gently massage for practical measures.
Its antibacterial property is a great bonus to treat the pink eye faster and efficiently.
Pros:
- It has antibacterial properties.
- It treats the pink eye faster and effectively.
Cons:
- It cannot be poured directly into the eyes.
- It needs a carrier oil, like coconut oil.
3. Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh Essential Oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is best known as an immune booster, which makes it suitable for pink eye treatment.
When applied around the eyes, it kills the microorganisms that caused the infection, while preventing further infections. It helps to fight against microorganisms by boosting the immune system.
It works well for the prevention and treatment of pink eye infection.
Pros:
- It has antimicrobial properties, hence, is used for broad-spectrum treatment.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It serves as an immune booster.
Cons:
- It cannot be poured directly into the eyes.
4. Clove Essential Oil for Pink Eye
Clove Essential Oil has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antifungal properties. It also has an anesthetic effect and can numb any pain associated with the pink eye.
Apply around the eyes for practical measures. The cloves oil extract is highly medicinal; hence, it will quickly and effectively treat the infection.
It is an all-rounder essential oil for treating pink eye.
Pros:
- It has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antifungal properties.
- It has an anesthetic effect.
- It is highly medicinal, hence, can be used for other medical conditions.
Cons:
- It cannot be poured directly into the eyes.
5. Peppermint Essential Oil for Pink Eye
Peppermint Essential Oil has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antifungal properties. It has healing properties and is highly recommended for treating pink eye infection.
There may be a peppery sensation; hence, a warm compress is highly recommended. Add the peppermint essential oil in drops in a small bowl of warm water. Put in a towel, squeeze thoroughly and apply for up to 10 minutes on your closed eyes.
It is highly effective and efficient with all its excellent properties.
Pros:
- It has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antifungal properties.
- It has healing properties.
Cons:
- It cannot be poured directly into the eyes.
6. Roman Chamomile Hydrolat for Pink Eye
Roman Chamomile Hydrolat is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to lessen the inflammation of the Conjunctiva. It also soothes the itching of the skin around the eyes.
This essential oil is applied around the eyes for practical measures. It kills the viruses and bacteria, causing the pink eye infection.
It gives comfort and relieves anyone with a pink eye.
Pros:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It has therapeutic effects.
- It relieves discomfort from itchiness of the eyes.
Cons:
- It cannot be poured directly into the eyes.
7. Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Pink Eye
Eucalyptus Essential Oil is one of the best home remedies for treating pink eye. It has antimicrobial properties that help kill viruses, bacteria, and even fungi causing the pink eye infection.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be applied as many times as possible in a day around the eyes. Ensure it does not get in contact with the eyes.
It is a home friendly essential oil for Pink eye.
Pros:
- It has antimicrobial properties, hence, is used for broad-spectrum treatment.
- Home friendly remedy for pink eye.
Cons:
- It cannot be poured directly into the eyes.
How to Use and Diffuse Essential Oils for Pink Eye
For the effective use of essential oils for the pink eye, it is best to use a diffuser or humidifier. This will help prevent direct contact of the oils with your eyeballs. Oils directly applied to the eyeballs can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation of the eyes; hence, avoid it.
The following methods are useful for applying essential oils for pink eye:
- Pour the oil on your washed hands or a cotton swab, and then rub gently around your eyes. Avoid putting it in your eyes. Some essential oils need oil carriers like coconut oil to lessen the action of irritation and burning sensation.
- Diffuse the essential oils in water vapor, then use a diffuser or humidifier to apply it to the affected area.
- Alternatively, add a few drops of your selected essential oil into a pot of boiling water, then slowly lean into it, to allow it to steam over your eyes.
- You can also put a towel into a mixture of essential oils and warm water, squeeze thoroughly, then apply over your closed eyes. The warm compress helps to avoid direct contact of the oils to your eyes, preventing irritation.
Other Natural Remedies for Treating of Pink Eye
There are other natural remedies for the treatment of pink eye asides essential oils. They include:
Raw honey drops
Honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties that help treat pink eye. To prepare it for use, add raw honey to a small bowl of warm water. Using a dropper, apply a few drops into the eye to treat your pink eye.
Aloe Vera Gel
Just like Honey, Aloe Vera Gel has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Apply the Gel on the eyelids and around the eyes to reduce the infection, and speed up the healing process.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric powder, also known as curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can be taken orally or added into a boiling water cup and used as a warm compress. Placing the the warm compress over your closed eyes does the job.
Green Tea
Green Tea has been proven to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat pink eye. Steep the Green Teabags in hot water for a few minutes, squeeze out excess liquid and allow cooling for 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooled, place over your closed eyes for 15 to 30 minutes.
FAQs on the treatment of Pink Eye
1. Does Coconut Oil Help Treat Pink Eyes?
Coconut oil is not a natural essential oil. However, it contains many nutrients and organic compounds that are beneficial to the body. Coconut oil is an immune booster; hence, it can fight off any infection, including pink eye infection.
Its immune-boosting property helps to ensure the pink eye infection is treated as quickly as possible. However, it does not have a therapeutic effect; hence, it may not prevent itching or irritation until the infection clears off.
For effective use of coconut oil, ensure it is pure and free of unwanted chemicals that may worsen the pink eye infection.
2. Can Essential Oils Damage Eyes?
Essential oils can damage the eyes when applied directly onto the eyeballs. They can cause irritation, redness, itching, and discomfort. When panic is involved, it may compound into urgent medical attention.
Use a diffuser or humidifier to apply the essential oils. Alternatively, the oils can be rubbed gently around the eyes. Ensure you avoid direct contact with the eyeballs or the inside of the eyes.
A warm compress can serve as a suitable alternative when applied over closed eyes, or you can lean carefully into a pot of boiling water mixed with the oil.
3. How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Pink Eye
Tea Tree Oil has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can treat the Pink Eye. When applied, the oil helps to reduce the bacteria and microorganisms, causing the pink eye infection.
Things needed:
- Three drops of Tea Tree Oil
- Two drops of carrier oil- Coconut Oil
How to Use:
- Mix the drops of Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil thoroughly.
- Apply it with a cotton swab or your clean hands around your eyes.
- Gently massage it around your eyes, and avoid direct contact with the eyes. It will only worsen it.
4. How to Treat Pink Eye During Pregnancy
Pink eyes are highly contagious during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have contracted the pink eye, you must seek medical treatment from a physician.
Saline eye drops or antibiotics are mostly prescribed, so they are safe to use during pregnancy. Essential oils can also be used in place of antibiotics to prevent bacterial resistance.
However, before the use of any medicine or treatment procedure, consult a doctor regarding your pregnancy.
Conclusion
After several reviews of the best essential oils for the pink eye, we have chosen the Clove Essential Oil. It can do all regarding treating pink eyes. It has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal properties, and anesthetic effects.
Asides the pink eye treatment, it can also be used to treat various medical conditions. It will help if you get an essential oil for a pink eye that can do all and more.