Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink eye or Eye Flu, is an irritation or infection of the conjunctive membrane of the eye. I recently encountered it during a bout of flu. I used this recipe as an eye compress, although it could easily be used as an eye soak if you have an eye cup.
Be aware that to effectively treat the viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, you will be likely to need to take an internal medicine as well. An antiseptic herb such as Oregon grape root, goldenseal, or garlic would be examples of good choices.
For more information on conjunctivitis, see The Practical Herbalist Herbal First Aid: Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye and the Mayo Clinic’s site.
Ingredients
- 2 parts chamomile
- 1 part rose petal
- 1 part calendula
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- measuring cups
- 1 spoon
- a sealable container large enough to hold four dried cups of herbs
- a label
Procedure
- Pour the herbs into the mixing bowl and gently stir them with a spoon. Try not to break up the plant parts since this will release the essential oils.
- Pour the mix into a resealable container.
- Label the container with the name of the mix, ingredients, and date mixed.
Storage and Use
Store your Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye Infusion Mix in a cool dark place.
To use your conjunctivitis and pink eye mixture, make an infusion of about 1 teaspoon of herb per eye using 2 to 4 ounces of boiling water. Let the infusion stand until it is cool enough to apply to your eyes. Strain off the herbs, then apply the resulting infusion as an eye compress or an eye soak as best suits you.
