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Page 70
heart of a freshly boiled onion into the eara suitably hot and ideally shaped healing poultice if nothing else is available.
Take two 200-mg capsules of echinacea three times a day to combat the infection or eat plenty of garlic at each meal.
Eye Problems
Herbal remedies can be helpful for a number of eye problems although, if symptoms persist, it is best to seek professional treatment.
Blepharitis
This is an inflammation of the eyelid often caused by an allergic reaction to cosmetics. In chronic cases the eyelid can become ulcerated with a yellow crust, the eyelashes often become matted and may fall out. Use a little marigold cream or infused marigold oil to smear gently onto the eyelid. If available, echinacea or chamomile creams can be used instead.
Conjunctivitis
Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the fine membrane (conjunctiva) covering the eyeball. Sufferers usually complain of severe pain, watering, and a "gritty feeling" on blinking. Use a decoction (1 teaspoon to 2 cups of water) of marigold, elderflower, or eyebright in an eyewash (see p. 16); repeat four times a day. Diluted apple juice is another alternative; add 1 teaspoon of organic juice (without preservatives) to 1 tablespoon of water.
Styes
Styes are an acute inflammation of a gland at the base of an eyelash, usually caused by bacterial infection. They can indicate lowered resistance due to stress, overwork, or repeated infection. Apply a little marigold, echinacea, or chamomile cream directly to the stye or soak a piece of cotton cloth in marigold or elderflower infusion or distilled witch hazel; press it to the closed eye and hold it there for several minutes. Repeat as often as possible. Internally take garlic or echinacea capsules to combat the infection; even better, learn to relax or use Siberian

 
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