Home Remedies for Pinkeye

There are two basic home remedies for pinkeye.

Castor Oil

Place a drop of castor oil in each eye morning and night. It may sting initially but don't worry, It will soothe your eye. Be sure to use Palma Christi or Home Health hexane free castor oil as other types of castor oil from the drugstore may harm your eye due to the content of hexane. This remedy is especially effective for eye irritation due to allergies or dust, though it is also useful in infectious pinkeye.

Eye Bath

Make a tea from Barberry root (berberis) or Oregon Grape root. (mahonia). Use 1 tsp of dried herb to 1 cup of distilled water, bring to the boil, simmer for 10 minutes and strain thoroughly. Cool to room temperature and add a third to a half teaspoon of natural sea salt or Real Salt. Bathe your eyes using an eyecup once daily. This is especially effective for infective pinkeye although it can also be useful in allergic irritation of the eye.

For nursing mothers: Squeeze some breast milk into your baby's eye if the eyes are red or irritated.

If only one eye is red or if there is blurring of vision, consult your doctor immediately. This may indicate a severe condition such as iritis or uveitis. You have only one pair of eyes, so guard them carefully!

Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!