General characteristics

A stye (also spelled 'sty' in America, medical term 'hordeolum') is an infection of an oil secreting pore in around the edges of the eyelids (near where the eyelashes emerge from) and forms a reddened and sore pimple like bump. They can form on the inside or outside of the eyelid and upper or lower eyelids and usually resolve on their own within a few days or so. The bacteria that causes the stye, a strain of staphylococcus, live on and around the eyelids. When an oil duct becomes blocked for whatever reason the bacteria may proliferate and cause infection and inflammation.

The stye usually begins with tenderness at the base of a clump of eyelashes and goes on to form a red, hot painful lump that soon forms a white pimple like head and discharges after a few days. Occasionally it may prove more stubborn to resolve and need a bit of extra help, especially if pain in the actual eye or visual disturbances occur.  Styes are quite common and most people experience at

Healing should focus on containing and healing the infection by encouraging the stye to discharge and to soothe the pain with appropriate herbs and other natural agents. Raise the health of the body generally by eating plenty of good fresh foods and avoiding processed and sugary junk type foods.

Useful herbs

Eyebright has both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and makes a useful eyewash. Make a strong tea using a heaped teaspoon of the herb, stand for 10 minutes or until cool and apply to the eye with an eye-bath or by dropping it in using a piece of cotton wool or similar. Keep the tea in the fridge and continue the treatment every few hours or so for several days.

Other useful herbs that can be used in the same way as above include marigold, chamomile, raspberry leaf, elderflowers, plantain leaves or red clover.

Dissolve a pinch (about 1/4 of a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a little warm water and apply to the eye in an eye-bath or similar. Use the whole liquid in one go, swishing it thoroughly around the eyelids. It will quickly bring the stye to a head and allow it to discharge and heal rapidly.

If the stye is stubborn to treat then consider a pinch of cayenne (chilli) powder in a little water or added to other eye washes as this will help to speed up healing by improving blood and circulation generally. It will sting but will not harm the eye in any way.

Simmer a tablespoon of crushed nasturtium seeds in a cup of water and apply as a warm poultice to bring the stye to a head quickly and help kill infection.