Home Remedies for Pink Eye

With colds & flu season upon us, many times ~ especially w/children ~ pink eye, a.k.a. conjunctivitis, comes along w/it. Sadly. It is so hard to keep our kleenex-polluted hands & fingers off of our itchy eyes...especially for children. And step #1 to NOT getting pink eye comes w/keeping our hands as clean as possible & not wiping our eyes.

But...just in case...here are some tried & true home remedies for pink eye:

1) One of the very best remedies is also one of the simplest: Steep 1 ts of chamomile flowers (found in any health food store's bulk area) in 1 cup of boiled water. Let it steep for about 10 mins, strain & let cool. Use as an eye wash &/or an eye compress.

2) Cut a few slices of raw potato. With clean hands, pinch the slice used for each eye a little to release some of the juice. Place a slice over each eye for about 15 mins. OR grate some potato & place a few of the shavings over the eyes (make sure they are closed!) for about 15 mins. Potatoes are natural astringent & will reduce swelling.

3) Use 2ts of Tumeric powder (you can empty out capsules or buy in bulk), steep for 10 mins in boiled water. Soak into a soft, clean wash cloth & use as a compress.

4) Cut out all sugar from the diet; this helps your immune system fight the infection.

5) Remember to keep your hands, & the patient's hands, as clean as possible.

6) One of our daughters was a teenager when she had pink eye &, unfortunately for her, learned the hard way that she HAD to now throw away that new mascara she had just bought. Yes...if you have used mascara or any other eye make-up products & applicators at the time that you noticed symptoms of pink eye, you MUST (must, must, must) throw them all away. Sad but true...especially for all of us who like to play in the pretty colors! '-)

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><