Eye barley, also known as a hordeolum, is a common eye condition that can cause discomfort and pain. It occurs when the oil glands of the eyelid become infected, resulting in a red and swollen bump.
While it may seem like a minor issue, eye barley can be quite bothersome and impact your daily activities. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can provide quick relief and help alleviate the symptoms. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective natural remedies for eye barley.
1. Warm Compress
A warm compress is often the go-to remedy for eye barley as it helps in reducing inflammation and promoting drainage. To use a warm compress, follow these simple steps:.
- Soak a clean washcloth in warm water.
- Wring out the excess water.
- Close your eyes and place the warm washcloth over the affected eyelid.
- Hold the compress against the eye for about 5-10 minutes.
- Repeat this process several times a day for relief.
The warmth of the compress helps to improve blood circulation and encourages the healing process, providing quick relief from eye barley.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for eye barley. It helps fight off the infection and reduces swelling. Here’s how to use tea tree oil for eye barley:.
- Dilute one drop of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil.
- Using a clean cotton swab, apply the diluted tea tree oil to the affected eyelid.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off gently with warm water.
- Repeat this process twice a day until the symptoms subside.
Tea tree oil should always be diluted before applying it to the eyelid to avoid any irritation or adverse reaction.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has soothing and antibacterial properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of eye barley. Follow these steps to use coconut oil:.
- Ensure that your hands are clean.
- Take a small amount of coconut oil on your fingertips.
- Gently apply it to the affected eyelid.
- Leave it on for a couple of hours or overnight.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process twice daily until the condition improves.
Coconut oil not only helps in reducing the swelling but also keeps the area moisturized, aiding in the healing process.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a versatile plant known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can provide relief from the discomfort associated with eye barley. Here’s how to use aloe vera for eye barley:.
- Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.
- Apply the gel directly to the affected area.
- Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off gently with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process twice a day for effective results.
Aloe vera helps reduce redness, swelling, and itching, providing a cooling effect to the affected eyelid.
5. Cucumber
The cooling and soothing properties of cucumber make it a fantastic remedy for eye barley. It can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Follow these steps to use cucumber slices:.
- Refrigerate a cucumber for about 30 minutes.
- Cut it into thick slices.
- Close your eyes and place the slices over the affected eyelid.
- Leave them on for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat this process several times a day for relief.
Cucumber slices not only provide relief from eye barley but also leave a refreshing and rejuvenating effect on your eyes.
6. Green Tea Bags
Green tea contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an effective remedy for eye barley. Here’s how to use green tea bags:.
- Steep two green tea bags in hot water for a few minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and squeeze out the excess liquid.
- Allow them to cool down slightly.
- Close your eyes and place the warm tea bags over your eyelids.
- Leave them on for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat this process twice a day for relief.
The tannins present in green tea help reduce inflammation and provide quick relief from eye barley.
7. Warm Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has soothing properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of eye barley. Here’s how to use warm chamomile tea:.
- Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for a few minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and let it cool down.
- Once cool, gently press it against the affected eyelid.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes.
- Repeat this process twice a day for relief.
Chamomile tea helps reduce inflammation and provides a calming effect on the eye barley.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Here’s how to use turmeric for eye barley:.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a few drops of water to make a paste.
- Gently apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off gently with warm water.
- Repeat this process twice a day until the symptoms subside.
Turmeric helps reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with eye barley.
9. Honey
Honey possesses antimicrobial properties, making it an effective natural remedy for eye barley. Follow these steps to use honey:.
- Dilute a small amount of raw honey with an equal amount of warm water.
- Using a clean cotton ball, apply the diluted honey to the affected eyelid.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off gently with warm water.
- Repeat this process twice a day for relief.
Honey can help fight off the infection and reduce inflammation, providing quick relief from eye barley.
10. Good Hygiene Practices
In addition to the natural remedies mentioned above, maintaining good hygiene practices can help prevent the recurrence of eye barley and promote quick healing. Here are some essential hygiene practices to follow:.
- Keep your hands clean and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- Regularly clean your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Avoid sharing towels, makeup, or other personal items that come into contact with your eyes.
- Remove eye makeup properly before going to bed.
- Replace eye cosmetics regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
By incorporating these hygienic practices into your routine, you can reduce the chances of developing eye barley and promote faster recovery.