[toc]Red eyes or bloodshot eyes can be caused by eye infections such as conjunctivitis. They can also be caused by eye strain, the exposure of the eye to chemical irritants or eye damage. It is critical that you consult an eye doctor if you are also experiencing additional eye related symptoms as acute glaucoma which is also associated with redness of eyes along with some other symptoms.
When the blood vessels on the surface of the eye or the sclera become inflamed and congested with blood, the result is bloodshot eyes or red eyes. Red eyes can be treated with herbs such as Aloe Vera, Eyebright, Bilberry, Fennel, Turmeric, Red Raspberry, Gingko Biloba, Rooibos, Licorice and Plantain. These herbs are anti-inflammatory and pain relieving.
Best Herbal Remedies For Red Eyes
Eyebright
Euphrasia Officinalis is the botanical name of this herb. Eyebright has been found to cure most eye ailments and vision related problems which is why it has been named so. This herb is a very effective cure for red eyes. You can use this as herbal eyewash, which you can apply over your closed eyelids for relief from red eyes. Just put a few drops of
Eyebright tincture or extract into hot water and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. During this time, the herb’s medicinal properties will be absorbed by the hot water. Then, allow the liquid to cool a bit and place some of it on the compress. Press this compress against the eyes and get instant relief from red eyes. Eyebright is the recommended herb for improving ocular health.
Bilberry
Early research has established that Bilberry is very effective for improving night vision and enhancing the strength of the eyes. Bilberry is rich in substances called tannins. This gives the herb the ability to soothe eye inflammations and cure conditions like conjunctivitis which may be causing red eyes. You can take Bilberry extract for best results. You can also consume this herb in the form of tea, tincture, extract, supplement or syrup. Bilberry jams are also available. You can even eat the berries of this herb for good results.
Plantain
Plantago Lanceolata also known as Common Plantain is a very good herb for curing red eyes. Red eyes caused by eye infections can be soothed using eyewash made from this herb. The leaves of this herb can be crushed and soaked in hot water for 2 to 3 hours. Then, you can apply some of the herb infused hot water onto a cotton swab and press it against closed eyelids for beneficial outcome. The astringent properties of this herb make it wonderful for soothing bloodshot eyes. It reduces redness of the eyes as well as pain and itchiness in the eyes.
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza Glabra is the Latin name of this herb. It has been used for curing many conditions. It is very effective for curing red eyes. Licorice contains substances which make it a potent antiviral and antibacterial herb. Licorice root is the most beneficial part of this herb.
It cures eye infections making it very good for healing red eyes caused due to conditions such as conjunctivitis. You can take the extract of the root for availing the benefits of this herbal remedy. You can also make a poultice containing the root of this herb and press it on your eyelids to soothe and disinfect the eyes, thereby alleviating the redness.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba is a herbal remedy for improving the immunity and circulation of the body. This herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a host of illnesses and medical conditions. Gingko Biloba is a good herbal cure for red eyes. When there is redness of eyes, the condition is generally due to poor supply of oxygen to the eyes.
Gingko Biloba improves the circulation of the body thereby increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the eye. This dispels the redness in the eyes. Gingko Biloba also positively impacts the immunity of the body increasing its ability to ward off eye infections that may be causing red eyes. You can take this herb in tincture, extract or supplement form for good results. You can also take this herb in the form of capsules or tablets.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antibiotic, astringent and analgesic. It is also a relaxant and it has the ability to heal and repair skin conditions. As this herb is an astringent, it cools and soothes the eyes and decreases the redness of the eyes.
Aloe Vera juice can be mixed with cold milk and the mixture should then be applied on the eyelids using cotton balls. The herb along with the soothing effect of the cold milk will reduce the redness of the eye caused due to conditions such as eye strain or irritation of the eye caused by the entry of some chemicals or toxins. As Aloe Vera is also antibacterial and antiviral, it wards off eye infection induced redness of the eyes as well.
Red Raspberry
Red Raspberry is also known as Rubus Strigosus or Red Raspberry Leaf. Chemicals found in Red Raspberry give this herb antioxidant properties. Due to this reason, it is very effective in rejuvenating the eyes and healing redness of eyes caused due to eye strain.
You can boil Red Raspberry leaves in a vessel of hot water and let the mixture cool for a while. Then, dip a clean cotton cloth or compress into the solution and press it against the eyelids for relief from red and itching eyes. Red Raspberry tea can also be consumed to get the benefits of this herbal remedy.
Turmeric
Curcuma Longa is the Latin name of this herb. Turmeric is a popular culinary herb but it is also used for medical purposes. Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin. Curcumin reduces the amount of pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines in the human body. This gives Turmeric anti-inflammatory as well as pain relieving properties.
If the redness of the eyes is caused due to conditions such as eye inflammation or conjunctivitis, Turmeric is a great herbal cure for bloodshot eyes. You can grind the root of this herb into a paste and add it to drinks, tea, milk or hot water and consume this for getting the benefits of this herbal remedy.
