5 Natural Remedies to Relieve Itchy Eyes
Itchy eyes is an uncomfortable symptom that’s often accompanied by irritation, dryness, and the sensation of having something trapped in the eye. It’s usually associated with dryness, due to visual strain, or directly to dry eye syndrome.
According to experts, it can be a symptom of eye infection and allergies, although it can also be due to dermatological diseases and changes in the lacrimal glands.
In general, it’s sporadic and mild, and usually disappears in a matter of hours. However, some cases present complications and the discomfort may persist for several days.
Note: Although there’s NO scientific evidence that these natural reemdies are effective, there’s a belief that they can relieve itchy eyes when used as toners to moisten compresses.
1. Aloe vera juice for itchy eyes
Aloe vera is a plant with many attributed health properties. According to beliefs, using its juice in a compress has an anti-inflammatory effect, which could contribute to the relief of eyelid discomfort caused by itching.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of aloe vera (60 g)
- ¼ cup of water (62 ml).
- 4 ice cubes.
Preparation
- Put the tablespoons of aloe vera in a blender and mix with water and ice cubes.
Application
- After you’ve achieved a cold mixture, dip a couple of pieces of cotton in the liquid and apply over your closed eyes as a compress.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and, if you think it’s necessary, repeat the application twice a day.
2. Coriander seed infusion
According to popular beliefs, coriander seed infusion has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help relieve itchy eyes, especially when it’s caused by infection.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds (10 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- Boil a cup of water. When it reaches a boil, add the coriander seeds.
- Let the drink stand at room temperature until it’s cold and then strain it.
Application
- Wash your eyes with the liquid.
- You can also use this infusion in a compress.
3. Chamomile infusion
Of all the remedies that have been recommended for itchy eyes, chamomile infusion might be the most suitable (unless the cause of the problem is an allergy). However, you should consult your doctor before using it.
Chamomile is used as a natural remedy against eye discomfort due to its soothing and refreshing effects.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers (20 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- Boil the cup of water and, when it reaches boiling point, add chamomile flowers.
- Let the drink rest. If you prefer to use it cold, put it in the refrigerator.
Application
- Dip several pieces of cotton in the infusion and apply directly to your eyes as a compress.
4. Cold milk with rose water
Although not scientifically proven, it’s said that applying a natural milk toner with rose water could help relieve itchy, irritated eyes.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of cold milk (62 ml).
- 1 teaspoon of rose water (5 ml).
Preparation
- Put the cold milk in a bowl and mix it with the rose water.
Application
- Take a couple of cotton discs and moisten them with the mixture.
- Put them on your closed eyelids and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Fennel seed infusion
Fennel seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, people use them to make a simple infusion that, after being applied, can reduce itchy eyes in a matter of minutes, which could be useful in case of visual strain and dryness.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds (10 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- Add the fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water and cover them.
- Leave them to rest for 20 minutes or until the liquid reaches a temperature suitable for use.
Application
- Submerge pieces of cotton in the infusion and apply it to your closed eyelids.
- Leave it to act for 15 minutes, and use it twice a day.
Do your eyes feel dry and tired? Do they feel irritated? If you have these symptoms, see your doctor, as they’ll prescribe the best remedy for you.
If you can’t alleviate the problem, consult your doctor to determine if it’s due to infection or eye disease.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Lee, M. H., Sarossy, M. G., & Zamir, E. (2015). Vitamin A deficiency presenting with “itchy eyes.” Case Reports in Ophthalmology. https://doi.org/10.1159/000441969
- Hom, M. M., Nguyen, A. L., & Bielory, L. (2012). Allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2012.01.006
- Slovick, A., Durham, S. R., & Till, S. J. (2014). Grass pollen immunotherapy for treatment of allergic rhinitis. BMJ (Online). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g6586
