Herbal First Aid: Sties

A sty is a swollen gland in the eyelid that originates in the pores in the eyelash area. It's irritating and can become complicated if not treated carefully. Sties are caused by blocked oil glands but can be complicated by a bacterial infection, which will worsen the swelling and add redness to the entire eye tissue area including the surrounding muscle tissues of the face. Most doctors recommend compresses to the eye to reduce the swelling; this is where herbs come in handy.

Herbal Allies for Treatment of Sties

Compresses are the best treatment of sties. Compresses are simply a warm, wet cloth or tea bag placed on the eyelid. Relief for swelling and pain comes quickly during treatment. Pure chamomile in a tea bag can be placed on the eyelid after it has been warmed in a cup of tepid water to heal sties. A wash rag of cloth soaked in a tea of Oregon Grape root or Eyebright herb makes a quick and effective compress. Temporary relief also comes from placing a raw potato or apple slice on the eyelid for a few minutes.

Another treatment using chamomile, Oregon Grape root or eyebright is the Eye Soak. This is a more intensive treatment that is suited for more intensive eye inflammation. If the pressure from a wet colth is too irritaing for the eye, Eye Soaks using an eye cup is a better choice.

List of Herbal Allies for Treatment of Sties

• Chamomile tea bag
• Potato or Apple slices
• Oregon Grape root
• Eyebright

Nutrition for Treatment of Sties

Avoid using eye makeup or contact lenses while recovering from a sty. Discard eye makeup you used as the sty flared up since it may harbor bacteria that could trigger another infection.