Many types of infections can affect your eyes, but conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common type of eye infection. Symptoms often result in itching, surface irritation, discharge and inflammation of your eyelids. Conjunctivitis will often resolve without treatment, but severe symptoms may require medication. If you want to avoid using prescription medications, you should talk with your doctor about herbal remedies that may help relieve symptoms of an eye infection.
Licorice Root
The licorice plant grows in parts of Europe and Asia, and supplements come from the roots and underground stems. Extract from licorice root may help treat infections, such as those caused by the common cold virus. Viral conjunctivitis is often a result of the cold virus, and, in theory, licorice root could have possible benefits in reducing symptoms of the infection. If you and your doctor feel licorice root could help your condition, she will tell you the dose you need to take each day and how long to use licorice root.
Eyebright
Eyebright, also known as euphrasia, is a flowering herb that some believe may help reduce inflammation and other symptoms related to eye infections. Before you start using eyebright, you should talk with your doctor since eyebright may not offer the best form of treatment for your condition. Eyebright may result in a number of conditions such as eye irritation, vision changes, weakness, insomnia and sweating.
Elderberry
Elderberries, from the elder tree, may help reduce inflammation and other symptoms associated with the common cold virus. Your doctor will evaluate your eye condition, and if she feels that elderberry could offer some relief, she will inform you as to the best way to take elderberry. She will also tell you how much elderberry extract to use and when to stop taking the herbal supplement. If you use raw berries, you must cook the berries prior to use since, uncooked, the berries have a poisonous effect, much like cyanide, per the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
If you have symptoms of an eye infection, you should contact your doctor for an examination. In some instances, you may have a more serious infection that requires prescription medications for treatment. Your doctor can help you determine the best method of treatment and help you determine the right herbal supplement if necessary.
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