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10 Effective Home Remedies for Eye Flu
Are your eyes red and itchy? Do they water incessantly? If your eyes have been hurting for more than a day or two and has accompanied by a yellowish discharge, it is likely that you have contracted an eye flu! Do not neglect an eye flu! It will not disappear as it came. Left unattended an eye flu, can lead to more serious complications. Your eyes are windows to the beautiful world outside. They let you see, capture and express. So, take good care of them! 10 Effective Home Remedies for Eye Flu
Today, we present to you simple home remedies that will not just contain eye flu and give you immense relief. But, before we share the solutions with you, let us tell you what Eye Flu is?
10 Effective Home Remedies for Eye Flu
Eye Flu- What is it?
Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis or pink eye is a viral or a bacterial eye infection. It causes extreme discomfort to the patient and requires proper, timely treatment. Moreover, since it is contagious, precautions are needed to prevent it from spreading to the other family members, especially young children.
Conjunctivitis leads to inflammation to a thin, transparent membrane, conjunctiva that is present in the white coating of the eyes. The blood vessels cause swelling, pain, redness of the eyes, itching, sticky discharge and burning. In severe cases, eye flu can cause pus formation over and under the eyelid, which can be extremely distressful.
Home remedies have been found to be highly effective in treating eye flu caused due to both viral and bacterial infections.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for eye flu:
1. Potato
The Potato that goes into your bag of fries is also used to treat myriad eye and skin conditions, including under dark eye circles, swelling of the eyes and itchiness. It is equally effective in treating and giving your relief from symptoms caused due to eye flu. Take a potato, peel it and then cut it into thin slices. Place these slices over your eyelids and keep them for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this at regular intervals until you get relief from the symptoms of eye flu.
2. Chamomile Flower
Using an eyewash can help abate itchiness and swelling of the eyes. While you can easily buy an OTC eye wash, we suggest you pamper your eyes with an herbal one! You can quickly prepare a homemade eye wash using natural ingredients such as chamomile flower and grape root. It will barely take a few minutes of your time and will be worth the time spent.
- Add 2 tbsp chamomile flower and one tsp of grape root in a bowl of water.
- Boil these two together for 15 minutes in 2 cups of water
- Allow the mixture to cool and then strain.
- Use this eyewash 2 to 3 times a day to get relief from the eye flu symptoms
3. Rose Water
Rose water is used in herbal remedies and beauty packs thanks to its soothing and cleansing properties. Apply Rosewater pads to treat inflammation of the eyes. You can also use rose water as an eye drop for treating pain, burning sensation and itchiness in the eyes. Rose water clears off the sticky substance that causes irritation in the eyes. Put just two to three drops thrice a day to remove your eyes and get immense relief from burning and other symptoms that accompany an eye flu.
4. Coriander Leaves
Green coriander leaves not only add a distinct aroma and flavor to any dish that it has added to, but also help combat an eye infection. These leaves contribute to reducing the yellowy discharge from the eyes that are a common symptom of eye flu. It also reduces inflammation and pain to a great extent.
- Boil a handful of coriander leaves in 1-cup water.
- Strain the liquid and let it cool.
- Use it 2 to 3 times a day as the eyewash for clearing your sultry eyes.
5. Tea Bags
Do not throw away old tea bags that you no longer plan on using. Tea bags can be used as a compress to give you instant relief from pain and irritation that is common when you are suffering from an eye flu. Using tea bags can help in treating swelling, itching and pain due to eye flu.
- Steep a few tea bags in a bath of water.
- Remove the tea bags and set aside.
- After the bags have cooled down a bit, place on your eyelids.
6. Goldthread Leaves
Goldthread leaves have used since time immemorial in treating various eye related problems. Before medicines became prevalent, men used herbs such as the gold threat to treat conjunctivitis. Not only is this herb useful for treating an eye infection, but is also mild and safe to use on your eyes.
- Soak the leaves in water for ½ an hour
- Strain the liquid and use as eyewash
- Repeat for 3 to 4 times or until you get relief from the swelling and pain.
7. Triphala Eyewash
Triphala has highly recommended for treating stomach related problems. But, this Ayurvedic herbal mixture is also effective in treating many other ailments and infections. Naturopaths swear by the efficacy of Triphala in treating eye flu. It is easy to use and affordable too! For preparing eyewash-using Triphala:
Soak the Triphala powder in water overnight and then strain.
- Use the liquid as an eye wash.
- You can also consume this powder for quicker recovery. Mix one tsp of Triphala powder with warm water, and drink
- it up once a day, preferably before going to bed.
8. Indian Gooseberry
Amla or Indian gooseberry is high in vitamin C and has been found to be helpful in curing conjunctivitis. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that are said to help fight multiple infections including eye flu. Do not use gooseberry as an eye wash! Simply drink up the juice of this berry or munch on a few of them, to boost your recovery.
9. Warm Compress
Using a hot compress on the infected eyes also keeps them clean and reduces inflammation and swelling. Be sure to check the temperature, before you use the compress on your eyes, to avoid getting scathed.
10. Include Vitamin A and B2 in your diet
Vitamin A and B2 are eye beneficial vitamins. They improve vision and maintain eye health. Foods rich in vitamin A include green leafy vegetables, pumpkin, carrot, yogurt, papaya, mangoes, and whole milk. Vitamin B2 enriched foods include tomatoes, citrus fruits, almonds, green leafy vegetables, and bananas. Eating these foods when you have afflicted with eye flu, will help to cure conjunctivitis early.
Drinking carrot juice, in particular, is highly effective in treating conjunctivitis. To make this juice all the more potent, add a few leaves of spinach to it. Blend them together and drink it up, for better health and relief from eye flu, both! Another awesome combo is that of raw parsley and carrot. When blended, it has therapeutic properties that will speed up your recovery.
Your eyes are the window to the world outside, and it is prudent that you care for them. These simple tips are safe to use and will make an infection in the eye, in no time at all!
The above are the 10 Effective Home Remedies for Eye Flu.
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