A stye is a tiny, tender lump that usually appears on your eyelid. It occurs typically near the edge of the eyelid or around the eye. [1]
Stye mostly occurs due to the infection of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It is a minor condition but causes pain and discomfort. You might have a blurry vision for a while, but it won’t cause any permanent damage.
The swelling of the lump usually goes away on its own. However, you may have to remove it surgically if you have a persistent style.
There are some natural remedies such as essential oils for style that you can try if you’re scared of surgery.
These therapeutic oils are rich in anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. While these oils will not heal the stye overnight, they can make the pain bearable and promote speedier healing.
This article looks into some essential and natural oils that you can use to get rid of stye naturally.
Some Potential Essential Oils for Stye
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is considered one of the best home remedies for stye due to its potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, calming, and anti-inflammatory properties. [2]
Lavender oil has been used as a remedy for various infections and skin disorders for centuries.
The antibacterial properties of lavender oil can stop the spread of the bacteria that cause a stye. [2]
Besides, its cooling properties can help soothe the swelling of the affected area.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another safe choice for treating bacterial infections like a stye. This potent essential oil may help treat different types of skin and fungal issues.
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of this essential oil can help reduce the appearance of the style. [3]
A 2016 research concludes that tea tree oil has the ability to kill certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses. [4]
It’s because the oil contains terpinene-4-ol, a component that can kill germs and bacteria by increasing the activity of your white blood cells. [5]
3. Clove Oil
A popular choice for treating toothache, clove oil may also help soothe the pain and swelling due to stye.
Eugenol, a chemical component found in clove oil, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce the inflammation and pain around your eyes. [6]
Besides, clove essential oil is rich in antibacterial properties that can eliminate the sources of infection. [7]
4. Oregano Oil
Depending on the cause of the infection, you may suffer from recurrent stye for years.
Oregano oil can act as a powerful and natural antibiotic in this case. In fact, a recent study shows that it can even fight against those bacteria that are multi-drug resistant. [8]
The best part of this essential oil is that it does not kill the good bacteria like the other antibiotics do, meaning that it is safe to use.
Some Natural Oils for Stye
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the top choices as a beauty and health product, thanks to its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent. [9]
This oil contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid that can help reduce infection with its antimicrobial effects. [10]
The oil can also help reduce inflammation and pain while treating the disease.
6. Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the highly recommended remedies for stye due to the presence of ricinoleic acid, which can act as a strong anti-inflammatory agent [11]
The anti-inflammatory activities of castor oil have been proved in an animal study published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. [12]
Moreover, this oil has strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, one of the main causes of a stye. [12]
Castor oil is an antinociceptive, meaning that it can block the signal of pain in your brain, giving you comfort while treating a stye. [13]
How to Use Essential Oils for Stye
- Take a few drops of any diluted essential oil or natural oil.
- Soak a cotton pad in that oil and apply it to your affected area. Let the oil sink into your skin.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times per day.
- You can also take 2-3 drops of oregano oil into a tablespoon of water and swallow.
Precautions You Need to Follow
- Do not pour essential oils into your eyes.
- For kids, do not use any of these essential oils without diluting them first.
- If you have any allergic reaction after using these oils, stop using them and consult with a doctor.
- Use only a therapeutic grade essential oil purchased from a reputed supplier.
When to See an Eye Specialist?
A stye is not life-threatening and usually goes away within a few days. However, if you see no improvement even after using these natural remedies, you must see a doctor.
Ask for proper medical attention if the following symptoms occur:
- Your vision is not right.
- You have a fever and chills.
- Your eyelid feels hot.
- Swelling increases after 2 or 3 days.
- The swelling and redness spread to your cheek, nose, and forehead.
- You have a recurrent stye.
Bottom Line
A stye is extremely tiny but painful enough to hamper your day-to-day activities. That’s why you need to get rid of it as soon as possible.
You can try these natural and essential oils for the stye to reduce pain and inflammation. However, if your condition does not improve after these treatments, you need to see a doctor for proper treatment.
No matter how harmless the condition is, you should never take it lightly when it comes to taking care of your eyes.
