Conjunctivitis

This is a pitta condition involving inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes, which makes the eyes red and photophobic (highly sensitive to light), with discharge and a burning sensation. Here are some effective remedies:

CILANTRO LEAVES. Apply the pulp of fresh cilantro leaves on closed eyelids. Blend a handful of cilantro leaves with ¼ to ⅓ cup water; strain out the juice, and apply the pulp to your closed eyelids. Drinking the liquid will also be beneficial.

CORIANDER EYEWASH. Make an eyewash by steeping 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds in 1 cup boiling water for at least 15 minutes. Strain thoroughly, and cool before using the water on your closed eyes. (Don’t worry if a little goes into the eyes.) Careful: Don’t use it either too hot or too cold.

GOATS MILK COMPRESS. Dip a sterilized cotton ball in goat’s milk, and put it over your eyes. This will cool down pitta and allow conjunctivitis to be healed.

HERBAL REMEDY. Internally, you can take a mixture of equal parts of kama dudha and gulwel sattva. Take ¼ teaspoon of this mixture with warm water twice a day for 1 week.

HOW TO HEAL CONJUNCTIVITIS IN CHILDREN

The best way to heal conjunctivitis in young children is to place a drop of mother’s milk in the eye. Mother’s milk is healing for her child. If the mother is still lactating, and her child gets conjunctivitis, with irritation and discharge in the eye, just one drop of her milk may heal it.

NATURAL HERBAL ANTIBIOTICS

• Make a turmeric solution by stirring some turmeric into a few ounces of pure water. Immerse a clean handkerchief into the solution, and let it dry. (It will be quite yellow.) Then use it to mop the affected eyes.

TIME TO SEE THE DOCTOR

If your conjunctivitis is not cleared up within 3 to 4 days, immediately see your doctor.

The natural antiseptic, antibiotic properties of the turmeric will help take care of the bacteria and facilitate healing.

• Herbal antibiotics are also helpful taken internally. You can make a mixture of these three:

turmeric 1 part
neem 1 part
manjistha 1 part

Take ½ teaspoon twice a day with warm water, after meals.