A stye is a painful, red swelling on the eyelid caused by an infection in an eyelash follicle or oil gland. Most styes resolve on their own within 10 days, but natural remedies can accelerate healing and provide relief in under 24 hours.

Top 10 Natural Remedies for Styes

These effective home treatments can help you get rid of a stye quickly.

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

How to Use: Apply a warm chamomile tea bag to the stye for 15 minutes, several times daily.

2. Green Tea

Green tea contains tannins that reduce swelling and fight infection.

How to Use: Place a moist green tea bag on the stye for 15 minutes, multiple times per day.

3. Black Tea

Similar to green tea, black tea reduces inflammation and eases pain.

How to Use: Apply a warm black tea bag to the affected eye for 15 minutes, 3-4 times daily.

4. Gold Wedding Band

Rubbing a clean gold ring on a stye is a popular folk remedy.

How to Use: Gently rub a clean, dry gold ring on the stye a few times daily.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Use: Apply a small amount of cold-pressed coconut oil to the stye twice daily.

6. Castor Oil

Castor oil is beneficial for eye infections and styes.

How to Use: Use hexane-free, cold-pressed castor oil and apply it directly to the affected area.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

How to Use:

• Mix turmeric with warm milk and drink daily.
• Make a diluted turmeric solution and rinse the affected eye gently.

8. Honey

Raw honey has antibacterial and healing properties.

How to Use: Apply raw honey to the stye twice daily. A slight stinging sensation is normal.

9. Activated Charcoal

Charcoal helps draw out infection from the stye.

How to Use: Make a poultice with activated charcoal and flaxseed, or use charcoal-infused eye drops.

10. Maintain Strict Hygiene

Prevent recurring styes by following these hygiene practices:

• Wash towels in hot water with vinegar or bleach.
• Avoid touching your eyes and always wash your hands.
• Never share makeup and regularly clean makeup brushes.
• Use castor oil to remove makeup and charcoal eye drops to prevent infections.

How to Differentiate Between Eye Conditions

Stye vs. Conjunctivitis

A stye is an infected oil gland or hair follicle causing eyelid swelling. In contrast, conjunctivitis (pink eye) is inflammation of the conjunctiva, usually due to a bacterial or viral infection.

Stye vs. Blepharitis

Blepharitis causes eyelid inflammation but is not always infection-based. It can result from allergies or skin conditions like rosacea. Some stye remedies, like castor oil and chamomile tea, may also relieve blepharitis symptoms.

Stye vs. Chalazion

A chalazion is a non-painful lump on the eyelid, larger than a stye. Treatments for styes, such as warm compresses and castor oil, may also help chalazia.

Safe Stye Treatment Guidelines

When treating styes naturally:

• Avoid essential oils near the eyes, as they are too strong.
• Consult a doctor if the stye worsens or does not improve.