Eye barley, also known as a hordeolum, is a common eye infection caused by bacteria that affect the eyelid or hair follicles of the eyelashes. It can be painful, swollen, and red, and sometimes even lead to discharge.

While medications and antibiotics are usually recommended for severe infections, mild eye barley can be treated with simple kitchen ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to help reduce the symptoms and speed up the healing process. Here are some effective kitchen remedies for eye barley:.

1. Warm Compress

A warm compress is one of the most simple and effective remedies for eye barley, as it helps to reduce the inflammation and open up the blocked gland or follicle that caused the infection.

To make a warm compress, take a clean cloth and soak it in warm water. Squeeze out excess water and place the cloth over the affected eye for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this treatment 2-3 times a day until the infection clears up.

2. Tea Bags

Tea bags contain tannins that have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe the eye and reduce the swelling and redness caused by eye barley.

To use tea bags as a remedy, steep two tea bags in hot water, squeeze out the excess liquid, and place the warm tea bags over the affected eye for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process twice a day for a few days until the symptoms improve.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory spice that can help to fight off the bacterial infection and reduce the swelling and pain caused by eye barley.

To use turmeric as a remedy, mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a cup of boiled water to make a tea, and let it cool down. Dip a cotton ball into the turmeric tea and place it gently on the affected eye for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this treatment twice a day until the infection is gone.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help to kill off the bacteria responsible for causing eye barley and relieve the discomfort associated with it.

To use apple cider vinegar as a remedy, mix a tablespoon of vinegar with a cup of warm water, and dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Gently apply the soaked cotton ball over the affected eye for a few minutes, and repeat the process twice a day until the symptoms improve.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory plant that contains enzymes and compounds that can help to reduce the pain, swelling, and redness caused by eye barley.

To use aloe vera as a remedy, cut a fresh aloe vera leaf, extract the gel inside, and apply it onto the affected eye area. Leave it for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this treatment twice a day until the infection clears up.

Related Article Natural solutions for eye barley

6. Garlic

Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb that can help to kill off the bacteria causing eye barley and reduce the inflammation and pain.

To use garlic as a remedy, crush a garlic clove until it forms a paste, and apply it onto the affected eyelid. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water. Repeat this process twice a day until the symptoms improve.

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil that can help to soothe the eye and prevent the infection from spreading.

To use coconut oil as a remedy, apply a small amount of oil onto the affected eyelid with a clean finger or cotton swab, and massage it gently for a few minutes. Repeat this treatment 2-3 times a day until the infection clears up.

8. Honey

Honey is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help to kill off the bacteria causing eye barley and reduce the swelling and redness.

To use honey as a remedy, mix a tablespoon of raw honey with a cup of warm water, and dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Apply the soaked cotton ball onto the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this process twice a day until the symptoms improve.

9. Salt Water

Salt water is a natural disinfectant that can help to kill off the bacteria in the eye and reduce the swelling and pain. To use salt water as a remedy, mix a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water, and dip a cotton ball into the mixture.

Apply the salt water onto the affected eye for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until the infection clears up.

10. Cucumber Slices

Cucumber slices contain soothing and cooling properties that can help to reduce the swelling and soothe the eye affected by barley.

To use cucumber slices as a remedy, cut a few slices of fresh cucumber and place them over the affected eye for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process twice a day until the symptoms improve.

Conclusion

Eye barley can be a painful and uncomfortable eye infection that can affect anyone at any time.

While medications and antibiotics are usually recommended for severe infections, mild cases of eye barley can be treated with simple and accessible kitchen ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to help reduce the symptoms and speed up the healing process. By trying out these natural remedies, you can find relief and comfort without any side effects.