Herbal help for stys
I seem to be getting styes on my lower lid. Any herbal suggestions?
Yes. First, what is a stye (or sty)?
According to medicine.net, “a sty is a bump that forms on or in the lower or upper eyelid as the result of a blocked gland.”
Below we mention several herbal remedies, but first let’s take a moment to examine your underlying health. A sty can be a ‘canary in the coal mine’ in that it can signal that your immune system may need a boost. So let’s check in first with your immune system. Are you prone to catching colds or the flu? Are you under a lot of stress? Is your diet more sugar/carb focused than it should be? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then it’s time to make some changes.
Be aware of stress triggers and work through them.Drink plenty of water and lower caffeine consumption.Eat more plants with colors, especially the blues, purples and red which are loaded with anthrocyanins.Supplement with vitamin D3/k if your levels are low.
In addition, always make sure you clean the eyelid well, using a gentle soap and warm water.
There are a plethora of herbs to help the immune system. I take Echinacea angustifolia (in pill form by MediHerb) every day. It’s an immune modulator, meaning that it can help boost a low immune system as well as help tamp down an overactive one (as in the case of autoimmune issues). Other great immune sti
mulating herbs include andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), and cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa).
Okay on to herbal stye remedies.
External Eye Wash Tea
Equal parts of:
Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus)
Elder flower (Sambucas nigra)
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis, stricta, rostkoviana)
Plantain (Plantago major, lanceolata)
Bring water to boil and add herbs. Turn off heat, cover and let sit for 20 minutes.
Strain thoroughly. Dip clean cloth in tea, dab over infected area. Repeat 4-5 times a day until sty is gone.
To know more about eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), click to this link: https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/e/eyebri20.html
In addition, you can try a facial steam with rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Gently simmer the herbs and then put a towel around the back of your head so as to keep all the vapors on your face. Make sure it is not too hot! Breathe in the warm steam. These herbs will help externally with blemishes, styes, etc. along with any nasal or respiratory congestion.
Thanks! Jayne
Jayne Tamburello has a master’s degree in Herbal Medicine from MUIH and is founder of Invibe Herbal– where organic herbal teas are created based on your specific needs. Please visit our website at: www.invibeherbal.com. Jayne is also a licensed nutritionist (LDN), a certified nutritionist (CNS) and a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild, RH(AHG). She can be reached at customercare@invibeherbal.com.
