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Natural Allergy Relief for Eyes

According to the American Academy of Allergy and Asthma Immunology (AAAAI), more than half of all Americans are allergic to one or more allergens. The sinuses and eyes are commonly affected. Dry, irritated and itchy eyes can create a road block for a person's daily routine. Irritated eyes can impair vision, weaken concentration and slow down an individual's efficiency. While there are medications to help with this condition, natural remedies are available and effective.

  1. Use Saline

    • Use saline (salt water) to rinse, moisten and cleanse the eye from irritants. Buy saline eye drops and an eye cup from a pharmacy. Place two to three drops in each eye, three times a day, or more often if needed. Use saline drops at the first sign of dryness or itchiness. Use an eye cup to wash out the eye twice a day. Make the saline solution with 1 cup of warm water and a ½ tsp. of sea salt. Place your head over a sink. Fill the eye cup with saline solution. Place one of your eyes on the cup and tilt the head backward so the solution is covering the entire eye. Open the eye and look side to side for 20 to 30 seconds to properly rinse the eye. Tilt the head over the sink again and remove the cup. Rinse the cup with soap and water, and repeat on the other eye. Clean the eye cup after each use to prevent the spread of infection.

    Use Red Raspberry Teabags

    • Purchase red raspberry teabags from a local health food store. Be sure to purchase teabags that are 100 percent red raspberry leaves and not artificially flavored raspberry tea. Boil water on the stove. Pour boiling water over two teabags and let them steep for 20 seconds. Drain excess water from the teabags and place over the irritated eyes to soothe and reduce inflammation. Lie on your back with the teabags on the eyes for 20 minutes, providing enough time for the herb to seep into the eyes and effectively soothe them. Rinse your eyes with filtered or distilled water after using the teabags. Discard the used teabags and drink the tea you created earlier.

    Avoid Allergens

    • Avoid allergens to provide relief for irritated eyes. Stay away from pet dander. If you live with pets, keep them confined to one area of the house and avoid interaction with them. Purchase an air filter or run a HEPA vacuum cleaner to keep the air purified from dust and other airborne allergens. Remain indoors as much as possible. Running the air conditioner or heater will recirculate the air, providing cleaner and allergy free air. Keep the windows and doors closed to keep allergens out. Avoid mucus-producing foods and beverages such as dairy as this can lead to excessive irritation of the eyes.

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