Herbal Remedies For Eye Infections In Children

Eye infections are relatively common among children. KidsHealth.org states that eye infections, also known as conjunctivitis or pinkeye, are a common condition and usually do not cause long-term eye or vision problems. There are many possible causes of eye inflammation in children, including allergies, bacterial and viral infections, and various environmental irritants. Herbal remedies may be helpful in treating eye infections in children, but herbs should always be used with caution and only after discussing their risks and benefits with your child's doctor.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is swelling or inflammation of your conjunctiva -- the membrane that lines your eyelids. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that conjunctivitis may cause numerous symptoms, including blurred vision, eye pain, eye itching and redness; increased sensitivity to light; and a gritty feeling in your eyes. If the cause of your conjunctivitis is of viral origin, you may spread this infection to others -- a common occurrence among children. In most cases, the prognosis for this condition is good with appropriate treatment.

Useful Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies have long been used in treating eye infections, in both children and adults. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many herbs may be helpful in treating conjunctivitis, although herbs should always be used with great care. Useful herbal remedies for conjunctivitis may include eyebright, chamomile, fennel, marigold and plantain, which help combat eye infection and soothe eye irritation. Other helpful herbs for this condition may include flaxseed, ginkgo and goldenseal.

A Commonly Used Botanical

Eyebright is one of the most commonly used botanical remedies in treating eye infections in children. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch states that eyebright helps relieve eye irritation, helps treat discomfort associated with eyestrain and reduces the secretion of eye fluids. Eyebright reduces inflammation in the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, ears and sinuses. Discuss the appropriateness and proper dosage of this remedy with your child's doctor before using this herbal remedy to treat your child's eye infection.

Warning

Because a child's dose is lower than an adult's, always consult a botanically trained health care professional before giving your child herbal remedies to help treat her eye infection. A qualified health care professional can counsel you on what herbs to use and what herbs to avoid. Some herbal remedies may cause serious health side effects if they are used improperly, and some herbs should be avoided entirely if your child has certain medical conditions.