The medical name for a stye.... hordeolum

When it comes to self-heal tea, the title should say enough. This herbal tea is known for its many health benefits, which should make it a must-drink for many people. Find out more about self-heal tea! About Self-Heal Tea Self-heal tea is made from Prunella vulgaris, which is commonly called self-heal or heal-all. It is an herbaceous plant which can be found in places with temperate climate throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Self-heal is a low-growing perennial weed, part of the mint family. It has a height between 5 and 30cm. It has lance shaped and serrated leaves, pretty reddish at the tip. The flowers during summer, are tubular, and grow in a whirled cluster. They are also two lipped; the top lip is purple, while the bottom lip is usually white. How to prepare Self-Heal Tea To enjoy some self-heal tea, add two teaspoonfuls of dehydrated self heal leaves or flowers to a cup of freshly boiled water. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Then, strain to remove the leaves or flowers, and sweeten if necessary with honey or fruit juice. Self-Heal Tea Constituents Self-heal tea uses the leaves and flowers of the self-heal plant. These have important active constituents which are transferred to the tea, as well. Some of them include betulinic-acid, D-camphor, delphinidin, hyperoside, oleanolic-acid, rosmarinic-acid, rutin, ursolic-acid, and tannins. Also, self-heal tea has lots of vitamins. One cup of tea includes vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Self-Heal Tea Benefits Self-heal tea has various health benefits. It can be used to treat diarrhea or eye infections, such as stye and conjunctivitis. When it comes to diseases, self-heal tea is often included in the treatment for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gynecological disorders, and even AIDS/HIV. It also lowers blood pressure and helps with an upset stomach or internal bleeding. Self-heal tea can be used topically, as well. It can be applied on cuts, bruises and wounds in order to disinfect them and hasten the healing process. Also, it is used to treat boils. You can also use self-heal tea to gargle, or as mouth wash. Like this, it can treat sore throats, or mouth and throat ulcers. Self-Heal Tea Side Effects There aren’t any known side effects to self-heal tea. It is still generally recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t drink this herbal tea, because it might affect the baby in some way. It is considered best not to drink more than 2-3 cups of self-heal tea a day. If you drink too much, you might get headaches, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or feel dizzy or nauseous.   Just like its name promises, self-heal tea has plenty of important health benefits. Meanwhile, it has very few side effects. Knowing this, you should give it a try!... discover self-heal tea

Arcus senilis The white ring or crescent which tends to form at the edge of the cornea with age. It is uncommon in the young, when it may be associated with high levels of blood lipids (see LIPID).

Astigmatism (See ASTIGMATISM.)

Blepharitis A chronic in?ammation of the lid margins. SEBORRHOEA and staphylococcal infection are likely contributors. The eyes are typically intermittently red, sore and gritty over months or years. Treatment is di?cult and may fail. Measures to reduce debris on the lid margins, intermittent courses of topical antibiotics, steroids or systemic antibiotics may help the sufferer.

Blepharospasm Involuntary closure of the eye. This may accompany irritation but may also occur without an apparent cause. It may be severe enough to interfere with vision. Treatment involves removing the source of irritation, if present. Severe and persistent cases may respond to injection of Botulinum toxin into the orbicularis muscle.

Cataract A term used to describe any opacity in the lens of the eye, from the smallest spot to total opaqueness. The prevalence of cataracts is age-related: 65 per cent of individuals in their sixth decade have some degree of lens opacity, while all those over 80 are affected. Cataracts are the most important cause of blindness worldwide. Symptoms will depend on whether one or both eyes are affected, as well as the position and density of the cataract(s). If only one eye is developing a cataract, it may be some time before the person notices it, though reading may be affected. Some people with cataracts become shortsighted, which in older people may paradoxically ‘improve’ their ability to read. Bright light may worsen vision in those with cataracts.

The extent of visual impairment depends on the nature of the cataracts, and the ?rst symptoms noticed by patients include di?culty in recognising faces and in reading, while problems watching television or driving, especially at night, are pointers to the condition. Cataracts are common but are not the only cause of deteriorating vision. Patients with cataracts should be able to point to the position of a light and their pupillary reactions should be normal. If a bright light is shone on the eye, the lens may appear brown or, in advanced cataracts, white (see diagram).

While increasing age is the commonest cause of cataract in the UK, patients with DIABETES MELLITUS, UVEITIS and a history of injury to the eye can also develop the disorder. Prolonged STEROID treatment can result in cataracts. Children may develop cataracts, and in them the condition is much more serious as vision may be irreversibly impaired because development of the brain’s ability to interpret visual signals is hindered. This may happen even if the cataracts are removed, so early referral for treatment is essential. One of the physical signs which doctors look for when they suspect cataract in adults as well as in children is the ‘red re?ex’. This is observable when an ophthalmoscopic examination of the eye is made (see OPHTHALMOSCOPE). Identi?cation of this red re?ex (a re?ection of light from the red surface of the retina –see EYE) is a key diagnostic sign in children, especially young ones.

There is no e?ective medical treatment for established cataracts. Surgery is necessary and the decision when to operate depends mainly on how the cataract(s) affect(s) the patient’s vision. Nowadays, surgery can be done at any time with limited risk. Most patients with a vision of 6/18 – 6/10 is the minimum standard for driving – or worse in both eyes should

E

bene?t from surgery, though elderly people may tolerate visual acuity of 6/18 or worse, so surgery must be tailored to the individual’s needs. Younger people with a cataract will have more demanding visual requirements and so may opt for an ‘earlier’ operation. Most cataract surgery in Britain is now done under local anaesthetic and uses the ‘phaco-emulsi?cation’ method. A small hole is made in the anterior capsule of the lens after which the hard lens nucleus is liqui?ed ultrasonically. A replacement lens is inserted into the empty lens bag (see diagram). Patients usually return to their normal activities within a few days of the operation. A recent development under test in the USA for children requiring cataract operations is an intra-ocular ?exible implant whose magnifying power can be altered as a child develops, thus precluding the need for a series of corrective operations as happens now.

Chalazion A ?rm lump in the eyelid relating to a blocked meibomian gland, felt deep within the lid. Treatment is not always necessary; a proportion spontaneously resolve. There can be associated infection when the lid becomes red and painful requiring antibiotic treatment. If troublesome, the chalazion can be incised under local anaesthetic.

Conjunctivitis In?ammation of the conjunctiva (see EYE) which may affect one or both eyes. Typically the eye is red, itchy, sticky and gritty but is not usually painful. Redness is not always present. Conjunctivitis can occasionally be painful, particularly if there is an associated keratitis (see below) – for example, adenovirus infection, herpetic infection.

The cause can be infective (bacteria, viruses or CHLAMYDIA), chemical (e.g. acids, alkalis) or allergic (e.g. in hay fever). Conjunctivitis may also be caused by contact lenses, and preservatives or even the drugs in eye drops may cause conjunctival in?ammation. Conjunctivitis may addtionally occur in association with other illnesses – for example, upper-respiratory-tract infection, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (see ERYTHEMA – erythema multiforme) or REITER’S SYNDROME. The treatment depends on the cause. In many patients acute conjunctivitis is self-limiting.

Dacryocystitis In?ammation of the lacrimal sac. This may present acutely as a red, painful swelling between the nose and the lower lid. An abscess may form which points through the skin and which may need to be drained by incision. Systemic antibiotics may be necessary. Chronic dacryocystitis may occur with recurrent discharge from the openings of the tear ducts and recurrent swelling of the lacrimal sac. Obstruction of the tear duct is accompanied by watering of the eye. If the symptoms are troublesome, the patient’s tear passageways need to be surgically reconstructed.

Ectropion The lid margin is everted – usually the lower lid. Ectropion is most commonly associated with ageing, when the tissues of the lid become lax. It can also be caused by shortening of the skin of the lids such as happens with scarring or mechanical factors – for example, a tumour pulling the skin of the lower lid downwards. Ectropion tends to cause watering and an unsightly appearance. The treatment is surgical.

Entropion The lid margin is inverted – usually the lower lid. Entropion is most commonly associated with ageing, when the tissues of the lid become lax. It can also be caused by shortening of the inner surfaces of the lids due to scarring – for example, TRACHOMA or chemical burns. The inwardly directed lashes cause irritation and can abrade the cornea. The treatment is surgical.

Episcleritis In?ammation of the EPISCLERA. There is usually no apparent cause. The in?ammation may be di?use or localised and may affect one or both eyes. It sometimes recurs. The affected area is usually red and moderately painful. Episcleritis is generally not thought to be as painful as scleritis and does not lead to the same complications. Treatment is generally directed at improving the patient’s symptoms. The in?ammation may respond to NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS) or topical CORTICOSTEROIDS.

Errors of refraction (Ametropia.) These will occur when the focusing power of the lens and cornea does not match the length of the eye, so that rays of light parallel to the visual axis are not focused at the fovea centralis (see EYE). There are three types of refractive error: HYPERMETROPIA or long-sightedness. The refractive power of the eye is too weak, or the eye is too short so that rays of light are brought to a focus at a point behind the retina. Longsighted people can see well in the distance but generally require glasses with convex lenses for reading. Uncorrected long sight can lead to headaches and intermittent blurring of vision following prolonged close work (i.e. eye strain). As a result of ageing, the eye becomes gradually long-sighted, resulting in many people needing reading glasses in later life: this normal process is known as presbyopia. A particular form of long-sightedness occurs after cataract extraction (see above). MYOPIA(Short sight or near sight.) Rays of light are brought to a focus in front of the retina because the refractive power of the eye is too great or the eye is too short. Short-sighted people can see close to but need spectacles with concave lenses in order to see in the distance. ASTIGMATISMThe refractive power of the eye is not the same in each meridian. Some rays of light may be focused in front of the retina while others are focused on or behind the retina. Astigmatism can accompany hypermetropia or myopia. It may be corrected by cylindrical lenses: these consist of a slice from the side of a cylinder (i.e. curved in one meridian and ?at in the meridian at right-angles to it).

Keratitis In?ammation of the cornea in response to a variety of insults – viral, bacterial, chemical, radiation, or mechanical trauma. Keratitis may be super?cial or involve the deeper layers, the latter being generally more serious. The eye is usually red, painful and photophobic. Treatment is directed at the cause.

Nystagmus Involuntary rhythmic oscillation of one or both eyes. There are several causes including nervous disorders, vestibular disorders, eye disorders and certain drugs including alcohol.

Ophthalmia In?ammation of the eye, especially the conjunctiva (see conjunctivitis, above). Ophthalmia neonatorum is a type of conjunctivitis that occurs in newborn babies. They catch the disease when passing through an infected birth canal during their mother’s labour (see PREGNANCY AND LABOUR). CHLAMYDIA and GONORRHOEA are the two most common infections. Treatment is e?ective with antibiotics: untreated, the infection may cause permanent eye damage.

Pinguecula A benign degenerative change in the connective tissue at the nasal or temporal limbus (see EYE). This is visible as a small, ?attened, yellow-white lump adjacent to the cornea.

Pterygium Overgrowth of the conjunctival tissues at the limbus on to the cornea (see EYE). This usually occurs on the nasal side and is associated with exposure to sunlight. The pterygium is surgically removed for cosmetic reasons or if it is thought to be advancing towards the visual axis.

Ptosis Drooping of the upper lid. May occur because of a defect in the muscles which raise the lid (levator complex), sometimes the result of ageing or trauma. Other causes include HORNER’S SYNDROME, third cranial nerve PALSY, MYASTHENIA GRAVIS, and DYSTROPHIA MYOTONICA. The cause needs to be determined and treated if possible. The treatment for a severely drooping lid is surgical, but other measures can be used to prop up the lid with varying success.

Retina, disorders of The retina can be damaged by disease that affects the retina alone, or by diseases affecting the whole body.

Retinopathy is a term used to denote an abnormality of the retina without specifying a cause. Some retinal disorders are discussed below. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY Retinal disease occurring in patients with DIABETES MELLITUS. It is the commonest cause of blind registration in Great Britain of people between the ages of 20 and 65. Diabetic retinopathy can be divided into several types. The two main causes of blindness are those that follow: ?rst, development of new blood vessels from the retina, with resultant complications and, second, those following ‘water logging’ (oedema) of the macula. Treatment is by maintaining rigid control of blood-sugar levels combined with laser treatment for certain forms of the disease – in particular to get rid of new blood vessels. HYPERTENSIVE RETINOPATHY Retinal disease secondary to the development of high blood pressure. Treatment involves control of the blood pressure (see HYPERTENSION). SICKLE CELL RETINOPATHY People with sickle cell disease (see under ANAEYIA) can develop a number of retinal problems including new blood vessels from the retina. RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY (ROP) Previously called retrolental ?broplasia (RLF), this is a disorder affecting low-birth-weight premature babies exposed to oxygen. Essentially, new blood vessels develop which cause extensive traction on the retina with resultant retinal detachment and poor vision. RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION; RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION These result in damage to those areas of retina supplied by the affected blood vessel: the blood vessels become blocked. If the peripheral retina is damaged the patient may be completely symptom-free, although areas of blindness may be detected on examination of ?eld of vision. If the macula is involved, visual loss may be sudden, profound and permanent. There is no e?ective treatment once visual loss has occurred. SENILE MACULAR DEGENERATION (‘Senile’ indicates age of onset and has no bearing on mental state.) This is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly in the western world. The average age of onset is 65 years. Patients initially notice a disturbance of their vision which gradually progresses over months or years. They lose the ability to recognise ?ne detail; for example, they cannot read ?ne print, sew, or recognise people’s faces. They always retain the ability to recognise large objects such as doors and chairs, and are therefore able to get around and about reasonably well. There is no e?ective treatment in the majority of cases. RETINITIS PIGMENTOSAA group of rare, inherited diseases characterised by the development of night blindness and tunnel vision. Symptoms start in childhood and are progressive. Many patients retain good visual acuity, although their peripheral vision is limited. One of the characteristic ?ndings on examination is collections of pigment in the retina which have a characteristic shape and are therefore known as ‘bone spicules’. There is no e?ective treatment. RETINAL DETACHMENTusually occurs due to the development of a hole in the retina. Holes can occur as a result of degeneration of the retina, traction on the retina by the vitreous, or injury. Fluid from the vitreous passes through the hole causing a split within the retina; the inner part of the retina becomes detached from the outer part, the latter remaining in contact with the choroid. Detached retina loses its ability to detect light, with consequent impairment of vision. Retinal detachments are more common in the short-sighted, in the elderly or following cataract extraction. Symptoms include spots before the eyes (?oaters), ?ashing lights and a shadow over the eye with progressive loss of vision. Treatment by laser is very e?ective if caught early, at the stage when a hole has developed in the retina but before the retina has become detached. The edges of the hole can be ‘spot welded’ to the underlying choroid. Once a detachment has occurred, laser therapy cannot be used; the retina has to be repositioned. This is usually done by indenting the wall of the eye from the outside to meet the retina, then making the retina stick to the wall of the eye by inducing in?ammation in the wall (by freezing it). The outcome of surgery depends largely on the extent of the detachment and its duration. Complicated forms of detachment can occur due to diabetic eye disease, injury or tumour. Each requires a specialised form of treatment.

Scleritis In?ammation of the sclera (see EYE). This can be localised or di?use, can affect the anterior or the posterior sclera, and can affect one or both eyes. The affected eye is usually red and painful. Scleritis can lead to thinning and even perforation of the sclera, sometimes with little sign of in?ammation. Posterior scleritis in particular may cause impaired vision and require emergency treatment. There is often no apparent cause, but there are some associated conditions – for example, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, GOUT, and an autoimmune disease affecting the nasal passages and lungs called Wegener’s granulomatosis. Treatment depends on severity but may involve NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS), topical CORTICOSTEROIDS or systemic immunosuppressive drugs.

Stye Infection of a lash follicle. This presents as a painful small red lump at the lid margin. It often resolves spontaneously but may require antibiotic treatment if it persists or recurs.

Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage Haemorrhage between the conjunctiva and the underlying episclera. It is painless. There is usually no apparent cause and it resolves spontaneously.

Trichiasis Inward misdirection of the lashes. Trichiasis occurs due to in?ammation of or trauma to the lid margin. Treatment involves removal of the patient’s lashes. Regrowth may be prevented by electrolysis, by CRYOTHERAPY to the lid margin, or by surgery.

For the subject of arti?cial eyes, see under PROSTHESIS; also GLAUCOMA, SQUINT and UVEITIS.... eye, disorders of

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil is often referred to as “medicine cabinet in a bottle,” as it’s remedies are seemingly endless. Check out these 79 uses for the ultimate survival remedy:

1. Abrasions and minor cuts
2. Acne
3. Air freshener
4. Allergies
5. Arthritus
6. Asthma
7. Athletes foot
8. Baby care
9. Bacterial infections
10. Bad breath
11. Bladder infection
12. Blisters
13. Boils
14. Bronchial congestion
15. Bronchitus
16. Bruises
17. Bunions
18. Burns
19. Calluses/corns
20. Canker sores
21. Carbuncies
22. Chapped lips
23. Chicken pox
24. Chigger bite
25. Cold sores
26. Coughs
27. Dandruff
28. Dermatitus
29. Dry skin
30. Eczema
31. Emphysema
32. Flea bites
33. Gout
34. Gum disease
35. Head lice
36. Hives
37. Homemade mouthwash
38. Household cleaning
39. Immune system
40. Infected wounds
41. Inflammation
42. Ingrown hair
43. Insect repellant
44. Jock itch
45. Laryngitis
46. Laundry helper
47. Mildew/mold remover
48. Mosquito bites
49. Muscle aches/pains
50. Mumps
51. Nail fungus
52. Pest control
53. Plantar warts
54. Psoriasis
55. Rashes
56. Rheumatism
57. Ringworm
58. Rubella
59. Scabies
60. Sciatica
61. Seborrhea
62. Shingles
63. Shock
64. Sinusitis
65. Sore muscles
66. Sore throat
67. Staph infection
68. Stye
69. Sunburn
70. Tattoos
71. Thrush
72. Ticks
73. Toenail fungus
74. Toothbrush cleaner
75. Tonsillitus
76. Vaginal infection
77. Viral infections
78. Warts
79. Wounds

 ... tea tree essential oil

A collection of pus in a cavity, consisting of spent white blood cells and dead invading micro-organisms. The body’s fight against localised infection may result in suppuration – the discharge of pus. An abscess may appear on any part of the body: ear, nose, throat, teeth, gums, or on the skin as a pimple, boil, stye. A ‘grumbling appendix’ is one form of abscess, caused by internal obstruction and irritation. Internal abscesses are usually accompanied by fever, with malaise and swollen glands under arms, groin or elsewhere. Septicaemia – a dangerous form of blood poisoning – may result where an abscess bursts and discharges purulent matter into the bloodstream.

Abscess of the rectum (anorectal, ischiorectal, perianal) can be exceedingly painful. Chiefly from E. Coli infection, it may be associated with piles, colitis, fissures or small tears in the mucosa from hard faeces. There may be throbbing pain on sitting or defecation. In all cases Echinacea should be given to sustain the immune system.

Alternatives: Abundant herb teas. Burdock leaves, Clivers, Comfrey leaves, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Ground Ivy, Horsetail, Marigold petals, Marshmallow leaves, Mullein, Plantain, Red Clover tops. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water: drink half-1 cup thrice daily.

Mixture: Tinctures. Echinacea 30ml; Blue Flag 15ml; Bayberry 5ml; Hydrastis can 1ml; Liquorice 1ml. Dose: One 5ml teaspoon in water, honey or fruit juice thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag, Echinacea, Poke root, Red Clover, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Garlic (or capsules): dosage as on bottle.

Powders. Formula. Echinacea 1; Marshmallow root 1; Goldenseal quarter. Dose: 500mg (one-third teaspoon, or two 00 capsules), thrice daily.

Ointments or poultices: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Marshmallow and Slippery Elm.

Abscess of the breast. Internal mixture as above.

Abscess of the kidney. Mixture: tinctures. Equal parts: Echinacea, Bearberry, Valerian. Dose: 1-2 5ml teaspoons, thrice daily.

Topical. Ointments or poultices: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Marshmallow and Slippery Elm.

Diet: Regular raw food days. Vitamin C (oranges, lemons, etc.). Fish oils, oily fish or other vitamin A- rich foods.

Supplements. Vitamins A, B and E. ... abscess

Beggar’s buttons. Lappa. Arctium lappa L. French: Bardane. German: Filzklette. Spanish: Bardana. Italian: Lappolone. Parts used: herb, root, seeds.

Constituents: fatty acids, organic acids, phenolic acids, lignans, sesquiterpenes, tannin, mucilage, inulin. Contains iron, sulphur and B-vitamins.

Action. One of the most powerful and reliable blood tonics of herbalism. Antibiotic action of the root against staphylococcus. Adaptogen, alterative, anti-fungal, hepatic, lymphatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, hypoglycaemic, orexigenic, bitter.

Anti-tumour activity reported (Farnsworth, Kiangsu-429)

Uses: Arthritis, gout, rheumatism, boils, styes, seborrhoea, cystitis, anaemia, anorexia nervosa. To lower blood sugar. Skin diseases – especially psoriasis, acne, eczema. To reduce cholesterol level. Measles (Chinese traditional).

Combination 1. Dandelion 2; Burdock root 1; (rheumatism).

Combination 2. Yellow Dock, Red Clover, Burdock, BHP (1983). Inulin, present in the root, of value in diabetes (Krantz & Carr, 1931)

Preparations: Thrice daily. Persistence with low doses is more favourable than larger, over short periods. Some herbalists have observed more favourable results from use of the decoction.

Decoction. Half-1 teaspoon root to each cup water, simmer gently 5 minutes in a closed vessel. Half-1 cup.

Liquid Extract. BHC Vol 1 (root). 1:1, 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 2-6ml.

Tincture. BHC Vol 1 (root). 1:5, 25 per cent ethanol. Dose: 8-12ml.

Powder. Two 250mg capsules with meals.

Topical. Compress: 2 teaspoons shredded root or powder to two cups water simmered 5 minutes and allowed to stand for 30 minutes; saturate piece of suitable material and apply.

Not used in pregnancy or lactation. ... burdock

Bright-eye. Birds-eye. Euphrasia officinalis. German: Augentrost. French: Casselunettes. Dutch: Oogentroost. Spanish: Eufrasia. Arabian: Adhil. Herb: whole of the plant gathered while in bloom. Keynote: mucous membrane.

Constituents: tannin-mannite, iridoid glycosides, volatile oil.

Action: anti-inflammatory (eye lotion), antihistamine, anti-catarrhal, astringent.

Uses: Has special reference to eyes, nose and sinuses. Conjunctivitis, red eye, stye (lotion), poor visual acuity due to eyestrain or diabetes, eyes itch and sting. For purulent ophthalmia: (tea: Eyebright 1; Goldenseal quarter). Corneal opacity. Blepharitis (local bathing). Watery catarrh, hay fever, chronic sneezing, inflamed nasal mucosa (douche). Relaxed tonsils and sore throat (gargle).

Practitioners have advised Eyebright lotion during measles to prevent eye troubles. Many causes of eye trouble in later life date from measles in childhood. The presence of a prominent red rim around the eye of an adult, especially if eyelids are missing, may be due to childhood measles when Eyebright lotion might have proved helpful.

The tea is said to strengthen a weak memory and improve circulation of the brain. Was used by Dioscorides for eye infections when accompanying the Roman legions through many countries. Preparations. Thrice daily. Average internal dose: 1-4g.

Tea. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 10 minutes. Dose (internal) half-1 cup. External, in an eyebath as a douche.

Liquid Extract. Half-1 teaspoon in water.

Tincture BHP (1983). 1 part to 5 parts 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-6ml. Capsules also available. Eyebright water, (lotion). Unsuccessful as a compress or poultice, Chamomile flowers being more effective.

Douche. Half fill an eyebath with Eyebright water or warm tea. ... eyebright

Whatever the infection, dendritic ulcer, corneal ulcer, herpes simplex or stye, treatment should be internal as well as external.

A study carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, has shown that those who use extended-wear soft contact lenses are more likely to develop microbial keratitis than users of other lenses.

Treatment. Internal: Powders, Tinctures or Liquid Extracts. Combine Echinacea 2; Blue Flag 1; Goldenseal 1. Doses: Powders: 500mg (one-third teaspoon or two 00 capsules). Liquid Extracts 30-60 drops.

Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. In water, or honey.

Comfrey. To promote epithelial regeneration. Potential benefit far outweighs possible risk.

Evening Primrose capsules.

Topical. Alternatives. (1) Goldenseal Eye Lotion: 1 part Goldenseal root macerated in 40 parts distilled extract of Witch Hazel 2-3 days. Strain. 5-10 drops in eyebath half filled with warm water; douche. Wipe eyelids. (2) Aloe Vera juice or gel. (3) Moisten Chamomile teabag with warm water and fix over eye for styes, etc. (4) Bathe with Periwinkle minor tea: 2 teaspoons to cup boiling water allowed to cool and strain. (5) Elderflower water. The above to relieve pain, redness and gritty sensation. (6) Evening Primrose lotion. (7) Raw carrot compress to ripen stye. Nasturtium seed compress.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin B2 10mg, Vitamin C 3g, Vitamin E 400iu, Zinc 15mg. Referral to consultant ophthalmologist. ... eyes – infection