Natural treatments for conjunctivitis

DEFINITION: Treatment of inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the eyeball.

• PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
• OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Barberry, bee propolis, calendula, chamomile, eyebright, goldenseal, Oregon grape, vitamin A, warm compresses, probiotics, diet and lifestyle changes, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc

Introduction

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the eyeball. Symptoms in the affected eye include a bloodshot appearance, crusty discharge, and a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is frequently caused by a viral infection, sometimes of the same viruses that cause colds. In such cases, conjunctivitis could be called “a cold in the eye” and is really no more serious than any other cold. Other causes of conjunctivitis include bacterial infections, allergies, environmental irritants such as smoke or pollution. Exposure to chemicals (e.g., chlorine or improperly cleaned contact lens solutions) or direct eye injuries can also cause conjunctivitis.

Medical treatment varies depending on the cause of the inflammation. Common viral conjunctivitis does not require treatment; if the conjunctivitis is caused by the herpes virus, urgent treatment is necessary. For bacterial eye infections, antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics are usually prescribed; for allergic conjunctivitis, prescription eye drops, antihistamines, or both may be used.

Proposed Natural Treatments

Herbal teas. Traditionally, herbal teas have been applied to the eyes directly or in a compress or poultice form. This method, however, is not recommended because if absolute sterility is not ensured, further serious infection may occur. Furthermore, allergic reactions to herbal products are relatively common and may, themselves, cause eye irritation. Chamomile tea has also traditionally been used to soothe conjunctivitis symptoms.

Vitamin A. While vitamin A deficiency may contribute to chronic conjunctivitis, there is no evidence that supplementation effectively treats the condition in individuals with normal levels.

Bee propolis. Topical application of bee propolis in the eye is not recommended because of sterility concerns, despite some preliminary research suggesting antimicrobial benefits.

Other herbs and supplements. As the name indicates, eyebright is a traditional herbal treatment for eye conditions; however, this recommendation may be based more on the bloodshot appearance of its petals than on any actual medicinal effect. The herbs barberry, Oregon grape, and goldenseal contain berberine, which has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. A pharmaceutical-grade berberine is used as a treatment for conjunctivitis in Germany, but it is not used widely elsewhere. The herb calendula is thought to possess anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and it has been used traditionally as an eye compress. Some supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and zinc may support overall eye health, but there is no high-quality evidence showing they treat conjunctivitis directly.

Other Treatments. To prevent reinfection, contact lenses and eye makeup should be discontinued during infection; used makeup may need to be discarded. Additionally, pillowcases and towels should be changed daily and hands washed often. It is important to note that pink eye can be an early symptom of the measles, so if the condition persists or worsens, medical care is recommended. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, eating a well-balanced diet high in vitamins and probiotics, and washing hands frequently are also ways to prevent conjunctivitis.

Reviews recognize a growing interest in herbal and integrative therapies for conjunctivitis, noting that certain medicinal plants — such as Euphrasia officinalis (eyebright), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), and Aloe vera—show promising anti‑inflammatory effects in laboratory and animal studies, by modulating inflammatory pathways or reducing mast‑cell degranulation. However, the authors emphasize that evidence from human clinical trials remains very limited, and safety concerns (especially regarding sterility and allergic reactions)—notably with direct eye application—prevent such treatments from being recommended as reliable or first‑line therapies for conjunctivitis.

Bibliography

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Gaby, A. R. "Nutritional Therapies for Ocular Disorders." Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 13, 2008, pp. 191–204.

Gudgel, Dan T. "Quick Home Remedies for Pink Eye." American Academy of Ophthalmology, 27 Apr. 2023, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pink-eye-quick-home-remedies. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

"Home Treatments for Conjunctivitis." NYU Langone Health, nyulangone.org/conditions/conjunctivitis/treatments/home-treatments-for-conjunctivitis. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

Koby, M. "Conjunctivitis." Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2019, edited by Fred F. Ferri. Mosby/Elsevier, 2018.

Olitzky, S. E., et al. "Disorders of the Conjunctiva." Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, edited by Richard E. Behrman, et al, 21st ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.

"Pink eye (Conjunctivitis)—Diagnosis and Treatment." Mayo Clinic, 29 Mar. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376360. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

Salaman, Samsi D., et al. “Exploring Herbal Alternatives for Conjunctivitis Management: Opportunities and Challenges.” Traditional & Integrative Medicine, vol. 10, no. 3, 2025, pp. 294–310. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article//view/1687. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.