If you have ever had a chalazion cyst, we are sure you will agree that they are gross, for lack of a better term. If you are one of the few who regularly develop cysts or styes, there are a few natural remedies that should help you get rid of this issue for good (hopefully).
If you are trying to eliminate a chalazion, try warm compresses, guava or acacia leaves, or castor oil.
Your eye is considered a mucus membrane, which means that not only does it stay moist, but it also regularly collects dust and bacteria. While most of the time, your eye “self-cleanses” to eliminate the debris it collects, sometimes it is unable to altogether remove toxic material and develops an infection. One of the most common forms of infection in your eye is a chalazion or bacterial infection located in the oil glands situated just behind your eyelashes. (1)
Depending on the development stage of your chalazion, you may experience few to no symptoms or more pervasive symptomology. Generally, chalazia (the term used for more than one chalazion) develop in a series of steps beginning with slight eyelid pain or twinges. Following this initial pain, your eyelid will often swell and form additional discharge.
The condition then typically progresses to the characteristic “bump” on your eye. Then when you aren’t looking, the bump will disappear. Chalazia are relatively similar to styes except that chalazia are typically larger and may not hurt. (2)
When it comes to treating a chalazion, prevention is generally your best friend. If you begin feeling twinges or pain in your eyelid, you should start hot compresses as soon as possible to prevent the condition. If a bump appears, though, you do have a few treatment options.
According to research (and personal experience), it is best to use warm, not hot compresses. The compress helps to soften the oil that is lodged in the gland and expedites the removal of bacteria. You should place a warm, damp washcloth over your closed eye for at least five minutes four times a day.
Guava leaves contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help treat the swelling and pain that are common of chalazia. You can use this remedy in conjunction with a warm compress by merely placing the leaf on the affected eye and then covering both with a warm damp cloth.
Acacia leaves help relieve inflammation and eliminate the infection. For the most effective benefits, boil a handful of the leaves in water and then drain them. Use the moist leaves as a compress on your eyelid.
Two Earth Clinic readers have suggested a connection between chalazion and Demodex mites. One reader suggested Ivermectin as a succesful treatment option. Another reader suggested two essential oils, lavender and tea tree oil mixed in vaseline, and applied to the eyelash line twice a day.
Please keep reading below for many more natural remedies for chalazion from our readers below and let us know what you tried!
