Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye
"Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the outer surface membrane that lines the eye. This can be triggered by an external allergen, such as perfume or an insect spray, in which case the eyes are usually very red, itchy and irritated. But if conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria or a virus, this can be accompanied by a yellow or white mucus-type discharge and needs to be treated by a doctor. People who suffer chronic conjunctivitis are often very run-down, their immune system is under functioning and they are usually deficient in vitamins A, C and D.
CONJUNCTIVITIS - a painful infection of the eyes
THE CONJUNCTIVA - the transparent membrane that covers the inside of the eyelid
AN INFLAMMATION - a red, painful, and often swollen area of the body
AN 'ALLERGEN - a substance that can cause an allergy
A DISCHARGE - liquid matter that comes from a part of the body and is often infected
RUN-DOWN - tired and unhealthy
UNDER FUNCTIONING - not functioning properly
DEFICIENT IN - not having enough of sth
Conjunctivis is highly contagious when caused by a viral infection. Be really careful not to use the same handkerchief or tissue to wipe both eyes. Be scrupulous with hygiene and make sure no one else uses your towels, make-up or pillow.
Chamomile and calendula herbal teas can be used to make warm compresses to soothe the eye. The heat also helps kill the bacteria that cause the infection.
Many eye drops are actually made from urine. Urea is an important component that helps to break down mucus deposits and has anti-microbial actions. Bathing the eyes in fresh urine, which is a sterile liquid, on a cotton wool pad can help to alleviate most eye problems. Echinacea, eyebright and bilberry tincture (1 to 4 ml a day) may also be useful."
A HANDKERCHIEF - a square piece of cloth used for cleaning the nose or drying the eyes
A TISSUE - soft paper used for cleaning the nose or drying the eyes
TO WIPE STH - to remove liquid from sth
SCRUPULOUS WITH / ABOUT STH - doing everything correctly as it should be done
A TOWEL - a piece of cloth or paper used for drying someone or something
A PILLOW - a rectangular cloth bag filled with soft material such as feathers or artificial materials
CHAMOMILE (CAMOMILE) - a plant with white and yellow flowers
CALENDULA (MARIGOLD) - a plant with bright yellow or orange flowers
WARM COMPRESSES
TO SOOTHE = TO ALLEVIATE - to make a part of the body less painful
EYE DROPS
URINE - the yellowish liquid waste that is released from the body when you urinate
UREA - a substance found in urine and also made from ammonia
A COTTON WOOL PAD - a piece of soft cloth that is used to remove make-up
EYEBRIGHT - a herb that is used as a cure for all eye maladies
A BILBERRY - the dark blue fruit of a small bush similar to a blueberry
A TINCTURE - a medicine that consists of a mixture of alcohol and a small amount of a drug
Reference: Courteney Hazel, Langley Stephen, Zeal Gareth “500 of the most important health tips you’ll ever need” (2011)
Bye,
Micha
