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Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sties are considered the result of an external infection generated by the environment or as an internal imbalance from a dysfunction of the spleen and stomach meridians. When the spleen and stomach are not working properly, the ability of the body to transport fluids in the eyes stagnates, and sties may occur.

The herbs and acupressure points prescribed for sties were chosen for two reasons: 1) for their ability to improve the smooth functioning of the spleen energy, thereby improving the flow of fluids through the eyelids; 2) to increase the immunity of the body so that it is less vulnerable to infection from the outside environment.

Acupressure

Refer to the Sty Prevention Program at the end of this chapter for the acupressure points that are helpful in alleviating sties.

Herbal Remedies

The following herbs are helpful in the treatment of sties:

Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is a liver tonic and lymphatic cleanser. Herbalists have traditionally used burdock for skin conditions, such as sties, boils and carbuncles.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is one of the most popular immune boosters. It not only supports the body's ability to fight its own battles by enhancing our immune response, but it also has its own antibacterial and antiseptic qualities.

Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), recognized in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a ''cooling'' herb, has been shown to inhibit viral and bacterial infections, including staphylococcus, streptococcus and salmonella.

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Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is gaining popularity for its natural yet potent antibiotic and antiseptic qualities. American herbalists have prescribed it for more than 100 years to treat inflammation of the eyes.

Honeysuckle (Lonicerae japonicae), like forsythia, clears the "heat" of infection and inflammation and alleviates the swelling of sties. A natural antibiotic, it has been shown to inhibit viral and bacterial infections, including staphylococcus, streptoccus and salmonella.

Chrysanthemum flower (Chrysanthemum marifoli) is used in the treatment of many eye conditions for its antibiotic effect. It is useful in relieving heat in the eyes, such as in the conditions of sties and conjunctivitis.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been known since the Middle Ages as a universal eye remedy for both internal and external inflammatory conditions.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a very effective herb when used externally as a compress to help with inflammatory conditions of the eye.

Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is an astringent herb that helps to break up excess mucous in the eyes.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a very effective herb in the treatment of inflammatory conditions when used externally. (Taken internally it aids digestion.)

Herbal Formula for Sties

Combine one to two ounces of tinctures of burdock, echinacea, forsythia, goldenseal, honeysuckle, chrysanthemum flower, eyebright, chamomile, red raspberry leaf and calendula. Take one teaspoon twice a day for two weeks. Also apply a compress to the sty using a tea made from any of these herbs, two to three times a day. This combination of herbs is also available from Integral Health Apothecary and Starfire International (see Resources).

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Calendula and hypericum, if used together in a hot compress for ten minutes every two to three hours, help to draw the toxins out. They possess excellent antibacterial and antiviral properties.

How to Make a Compress

Make an herbal tea by adding two teaspoons of dried herbs or one-half dropperful of herbal tincture to one cup boiling water. Cover and let cool for 510 minutes. Soak a clean cloth in the (strained) warm tea, wring out and apply to your eyes. Leave until compress cools; repeat as often as desired, keeping the tea warm.

Homeopathic Remedies

Even though sties seem to be more of an external (surface-based) condition, they may be a sign of an underlying constitutional imbalance in the individual. Therefore, we recommend that you not only try the following remedies, but that you consult a qualified homeopath.

The following homeopathic remedies may be helpful in the treatment of sties.

Euphrasia is also helpful in treating sties as it helps with the drainage of the sinuses and clears the mucous membranes around the eyes.

Staphysagria is a good remedy to try for someone who experiences recurrent sties, typically at the area of the eyelid closer to the nose (inner canthus). There might also be itching at the margin of the eyelid, combined with dark circles under the eyes.

Belladonna can be tried at the first sign of a red, puffy eyelid. Pulsatilla helps to relieve itching eyes with inflamed lids and sties.

Mercuris should be considered when a whitehead or scales around the eyes are present.