Natural Treatments for Pink Eye
- Alex Kelly
- Jul 6
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Understanding Pink Eye
Pink eye (or conjunctivitis) is when the clear layer covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids gets irritated or inflamed. It is most commonly caused by a virus, but can also be caused by bacteria. Both of these are highly contagious, and spread very easily.
There is also allergic conjunctivitis, which is not contagious. This form is very common and develops when allergens irritate the eyes. Typically the term pink eye only refers to the contagious forms.
Viral Pink Eye
Viral pink eye is often caused by the same viruses that give us the common cold. Adenoviruses are the biggest culprit, making up about 90% of cases.
Bacterial Pink Eye
Several bacteria can cause pink eye. Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus are the most common, especially in kids.
How long does it last?
Most cases of pink eye are viral and clear up on their own in about a week, but sometimes it can stick around for 2-3 weeks. Bacterial pink eye can last longer, especially if treating without antibiotic drops.
How is it Diagnosed?
Usually, doctors can spot pink eye just by checking your symptoms and looking at your eyes. If it’s tricky to tell, they might test a small sample of eye discharge or check for allergies. But most of the time, testing isn’t needed since pink eye often clears up on its own.
When to See the Doctor?
If you suspect pink eye, I would give a couple days of treatment at home. If symptoms worsen, check in with your provider.
Green or yellow discharge
Severe symptoms (fevers, chills, face pain)
Symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks
Seek immediate attention for any eye symptoms in newborns
Source: Dr. Green Mom
"A Cold in Your Eye"
I like to think of pink eye as a cold in the eye. When you’re dealing with a cold it’s best to comfort symptoms, not suppress. The coughing, sneezing, and mucus is there for a reason. If we suppress, then we risk prolonging the illness and hindering the immune system. The same goes for pink eye.
While the symptoms of pink eye are bothersome, they are a sign that your body recognizes something is off and is actively working to fix it. Instead of suppressing them right away, sometimes it’s best to support the natural process and let your immune system do its thing - while practicing good hygiene.
don’t use contact lenses
change pillowcases and sheets often
avoid touching affected eyes
wash hands frequently
don’t use eye make up
wash eyes with a wet cloth to clear discharge
Understanding Pink Eye Symptoms
The redness means increased blood flow. Your body is sending more blood (and immune cells) to the area to fight off infection and heal the tissue. It’s a sign your immune system is doing its job!
The discharge helps flush out the virus, bacteria, or irritants. It’s your body’s way of detoxing the eye and keeping it clean.
The itchiness or grittiness you may feel means your immune system is recognizing a problem and responding. It’s also a signal to slow down, rest, and avoid touching your eyes (to prevent spreading it and causing further irritation).
The swelling in the eyelids or lymph nodes is from your body trapping and fighting off the infection.
The crustiness in the morning is simply dried discharge from your body repairing overnight.
How to Treat Pink Eye Naturally
Keep the Eyes Lubricated
Lubricating the eye helps soothe irritation, flush out germs, and protect the eye’s surface. It also supports faster, more comfortable healing. If you happen to have breastmilk, this makes a great eye drop to help soothe and speed up recovery.
You can also use “artificial tears.” Stay way from ones that are labeled for red eyes, as these typically contain added ingredients like tetrahydrozoline or naphazoline, which can irritate and burn pink eye further.
Tea Bag Compress
Tea bag compresses help soothe pink eye by reducing inflammation and easing irritation. The natural compounds in tea calm swollen eyelids, while promoting healing. You can add raw, organic honey for extra antibacterial properties.
Black & Green Tea: contain tannins and caffeine which can help swollen, puffy eyes.
Chamomile Tea: is helpful in soothing painful, irritated eyes
All three have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties
Brew like normal, and use as a warm compress to promote blood flow, which speeds up healing and relieves discomfort. Or you can place in the fridge and use as a cool compress to help reduce swelling and calm irritation.
Eyebright
Eyebright is an herb traditionally used to support eye health and relieve pink eye symptoms. It has natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. People often use it in the form of eye washes or compress to gently ease discomfort and support healing.
A 2000 study tested eyebright eye drops on patients with inflammatory and catarrhal conjunctivitis.
Out of 65 patients, 53 fully recovered, 11 showed clear improvement, and only 1 had slightly worse symptoms. This suggests eyebright drops may be a safe and effective natural option for easing pink eye symptoms.
you can get eyebright drops, or
make a tea compress with 1-3tsp eyebright herb per 1 c hot water
Homeopathy
ACONITE
Aconite best for the very first sign of eye inflammation—especially if it comes on suddenly and intensely. Think red, hot, dry, gritty eyes that are sensitive to light. It’s especially helpful when the irritation starts after a shock, chill, or exposure to wind.
ALLIUM CEPA
Best for burning eyes that water non-stop, causing temptation to rub them constantly. It’s great for pink eye that feels better outdoors and worse on a warm room. The eyes often look bloodshot and sting like crazy!
APIS
This remedy is wonderful for swollen, puffy eyelids with stinging, burning pain. Tears may feel hot, and the whites of the eyes can appear swollen or inflamed. Cold compresses typically brings relief.
DULCAMARA
If the pink eye flares up in damp weather or after a head cold, this may help. It’s often helpful when there's a thick, yellow discharge and red, irritated eyes that come with or after a stuffy nose.
EUPHRASIA (eyebright)
This herb has long been used for eye support. Euphrasia is often helpful when there's a thick, burning discharge, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and that gritty, dry-eye feeling.
MERC SOL
When the eyes are red, swollen, and weepy with irritating, burning tears, Merc sol might be beneficial. It’s often helpful when symptoms worsen at night or fluctuate with hot and cold.
NUX VOMICA
Best used for bloodshot eyes that are extremely sensitive to light, especially on the early morning. Eyelids may burn and itch, and rubbing brings temporary relief. You might also notice twitching or blinking.
PULSATILLA
Perfect for kids (and adults too) when there’s thick, yellow discharge from the eyes and lots of itching or burning. Symptoms tend to worsen in warm rooms or in the evening. Think gentle, clingy personalities, especially in little ones needing comfort.
Immunity for the Whole Family
Because pink eye is incredibly contagious, it is beneficial for the whole family to take a strong immunity support supplement preventatively if someone in the house shows symptoms.
Continue your typical immunity support as normal (or up it), whatever that may be, and consider adding in an antibacterial and antiviral herb such as:
Conventional Treatments
If the cause of the pink eye is viral, typically the best treatment is focusing on relieving symptoms at home while the infection runs its course. There are anti-viral medications, but most used for pink eye don’t target the most common causing virus (adenoviruses; ~90% of cases). Antiviral medications are more effective for less common viral causes like herpes simplex virus, which can cause a more serious form of conjunctivitis.
If the cause is bacterial, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops. Many times it is possible to treat bacterial pink eye without antibiotic drops, but it might take longer. Many parents will choose the antibiotic route if they need to get a child back into school quickly due to work constraints, or if they want to speed up the healing to prevent infection from spreading to others in the home.
If Antibiotics Are Used
There are pros and cons to any medication (many times natural treatments too!). Only you can make the decision you deem best fit for your unique situation.
Antibiotic eye drops are generally considered safe. Potentials risks include: allergic reaction, chemical conjunctivitis, and antibiotic resistance.
While not nearly to the extent of oral antibiotics, there is some evidence suggesting topical antibiotics may be absorbed systemically and have an effect on gut motility and the gut microbiome.
If you choose to use antibiotic drops, and want to mitigate any possible negative side-effects, consider adding In a probiotic - if not already taking one. Florastor is a great probiotic proven resistant to most common antibiotics and can be taken during the full course of an antibiotic.
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