Home Remedy for Soothing Eye Reaction

Eyes reactions can stem from a variety of causes---from an infection (such as a sty or conjunctivitis) to simply having red, tired eyes. Allergies to plants, flowers, and grasses are also common culprits, causing reactions in the eye that lead to itching, redness, swelling, and watering. Regardless of the origin of an eye reaction, look to home and herbal remedies first for simple solutions and relief of bothersome irritation.

Infections

Treat infections of the eye, such as sties and conjunctivitis, by using warm compresses saturated in beneficial herbs or herbal supplements, such as eyebright, which is commonly used to treat eye conditions. Because it contains strong anti-inflammatory properties, this compound can help soothe infections of the eye. Apply a warm compress three or four times daily to aid in healing. Put a small handful of dried eyebright in one pint of water and boil for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, and strain the herbs out. Cool enough to ensure you won't burn your skin. Saturate a small, clean, cotton cloth in the mixture, wring out, and place over the affected eye, keeping the eye closed. Leave on for about 5 to 10 minutes.

The herb echinacea is commonly used to fight infection in the body. Build up the body's internal defense system by taking a 325 mg capsule of echinacea three or four times a day to aid in healing of eye infections. Take as long as needed to eliminate the infection.

Garlic is a powerful infection fighter. Like echinacea, it also builds up the immune system. Eat one clove of garlic per day, or if you have a hard time adjusting to the taste of garlic, simply look for garlic supplements in your health food store and follow the dosing instructions.

Other Options

Redness or swelling can often result from lack of sleep. Make sure you're getting at least seven or eight hours of sleep a night. This alone will help your eyes to re-hydrate.

Use commercially prepared eye drops sparingly. Drops that are designed to remove redness from your eyes have an ingredient that constricts blood vessels. While they may work for awhile in alleviating redness and irritation, they often have a rebound effect, causing even more redness after the benefits wear off.

Soothe your eyes by placing a cool, wet washcloth over your closed eyes for a few minutes. Along with moisturizing your eyes, the coolness will help reduce swelling.

For a soothing, easy compress, simply place a teabag that has been saturated in hot water over your closed eye, making sure it's not too hot. For many conditions, the tannins contained in the tea provide soothing relief, along with infection-fighting properties. Repeat as often as you like.