Cloves
Cloves are the dried buds from the flower of clove trees and are used as a spice in making dishes. Though cloves have been used for food and medicine for centuries, it is only lately that scientists have begun investigating their possible health advantages.
When applied to a stye, its antioxidants and antibacterial qualities work together to alleviate the healing process. The compounds in cloves soothe eyelid inflammation. A stye can worsen without antibiotic treatment as pus collects and the eyelid expands.
Make a cup of boiling water and add six cloves. Once the water has boiled, add the cloves and let them steep for five minutes. Immerse a piece of clean gauze or cloth in the solution. Squeeze out any remaining water and place the towel over the afflicted eye for five to ten minutes. Do this twice or thrice daily.
Clove paste can also be an alternative. Make a paste by grinding one to two cloves with water. Dab the paste on the stye. Clove oils are also an option and are widely available in most stores. The natural anesthetic in clove oil is called eugenol, which has natural anti-inflammatory effects and can relieve discomfort. However, be careful not to sting the eyes with any clove product.
