Summary
A stye (also sty or hordeolum) is a bacterial infection
of the oil gland or sweat gland in the eyelid. It usually
appears as a red irritation in the eyelash area. Often
they are painful, especially if the eye is touched or
rubbed. They can also cause burning or scratching on
the eye itself and even blurred vision.
Styes commonly occur on the outside of the eyelid but, on
occasion, the infected gland will be on the interior of the
eyelid resulting in a small red bump visible on the outside.
These types of bacterial infections are similar to pimples
elsewhere on the skin and will usually drain and heal in 7
to 10 days without help. By using antibacterial
essential oils this time can be reduced to 3 to 4 days.
A more difficult type of stye is know as a chalazion.
In this instance the oil gland becomes blocked not allowing
drainage. This can prolong the infection and require
more time and consistency to clear up. In extreme
cases a doctor can lance or prick the infected area to
promote drainage.
Similar problems of the eyelids are xanthelasma: an age
related, harmless, raised yellow area of the eyelid.
And papillomas: skin bumps on the eyelids that are also
harmless but may be cosmetically uncomfortable.
[search help: [eyelid bump,
hordeolum, eyelash]
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Frankincense, helichrysum, lavender, melaleuca, OnGuard
Essential oils based
products:
Also consider:
Suggested protocols:
Note: Be particularly careful to not allow essential oils
to get on the eye itself. It is not dangerous but very
uncomfortable. If it does happen apply additional
coconut or olive oil to the area. Do not try to wash
out with water. With children it may be best to use an
eye patch after application of the oils to avoid rubbing.
Two suggested methods to apply oils are:
•
Using lavender and melaleuca (or other antibacterial
oils) mix 2 - 3 drops each in the palm of the hand and
then with the finger apply the oils carefully around the
eyelid. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day till the
stye is gone.
•
Using helichrysum and frankincense (or other
antibacterial oils) mix 1 or 2 drops each on the palms
of the hands. Then carefully cup the hands over the eye
and include the mouth and nose. Hold this position
as the moisture from the breath and the oils mix and are
carried to the area of the stye. Repeat 2 to 3
times daily until the stye is gone.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Rin - I'm happy to share with you my
experience. I got a stye on my right eye, and I used
melaleuca and lavender essential oils for cure. What I did
is put one drop of each oil on my palm and applied around my
right eye. I did it three times a day (morning, afternoon,
night) and continued three days. In first two days, I
didn't get any result, but I felt much better in third day.
And the fourth day, which is TODAY, it's completely gone!
Make sure you have to dilute with coconut oil for small
kids.
Courtney - I was
wondering if anyone has any idea of how to help get rid of a
sty in the eye?
Marti - I would try melaleuca on the eye
reflexology points and around the eye bone if it's not a
really small child.
Pat - Someone said that frankincense
helped get rid of theirs but I would try melaleuca first.
Jan (FL) - Also, it's very important
that you keep the oils away from the eye itself. I have
found that just by putting a drop of helichrysum and
frankincense in the palm of my hand and rubbing my palms
together and cup it over my face, my breath, out of my nose,
has moisture in it and will get in the eyes without hurting
or harm, as I keep my eyes open. Just make sure your hands
are not close in to the face, but cupped very rounded, and
keeping the edges of your thumbs touching the face. The
fleshy part of the lower part of the thumb should touch just
under the nose. It's like having a sauna with the oils
without the hot water. Your breath is warm enough to do the
job. Try it and see if it helps. It has for me. Hope this is
helpful to you. Be careful not to get the oils near your
eyes, it won’t harm you, it just stings a lot.
Jan (OR) - I use a similar method when
my eyes feel irritated or are tired from too much computer
or driving time. What I do differs in that I cup my hands
over my eyes for 2 or 3 minutes, opening and closing them at
a rate that feels comfortable. I like your idea of using the
moisture in the breath as a lubricant. I'll try that next
time.
Ready, Set, Grow
