Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 5/2/2006

Question
What do you think of this article in Prevention Magazine? http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-1-52-125-1794-1,00.html

Do you think it could cure chronic blepharitis?
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Followup To
Question -
I have read, "Modern analysis shows that chrysanthemum contains choline, vitamin A, B1, glycosides, adenine, amino acids, flavonoid, volatile oil, etc. It is said to have inhibiting effect on bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus"

Do you believe chrysanthemum tea would help my blepharitis?


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Followup To
Question -
So I would buy an herbal tea like eyebright, cut the tea bag open, measure out 1 tablespoon, mix in 1 cup water and boil for 15-20 minutes, strain, and then use a compress?

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Followup To
Question -
How would I do a compress with it? I have the tincture. I worry it could get into the tear film and cause more harm than good
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Followup To
Question -
Would oregeon grape root be more effective as a compress or taking it orally?

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Followup To
Question -
Are you aware of any treatments that may cure blepharitis?
Answer -
Mr Smith,
Herbs that can be made into a tea and used in an eyewash, eye drops, or compresses include eyebright, calendula, comfrey, oregon grape root, and goldenseal.  If you are unsure how to make these preparations, you may be able to find them in prepared eye drops at your local health food store.  I would also suggest Similasan or Boiron brand eyedrops, which are homeopathic-based eyedrops which may help decrease symptoms.  You pick the type based on your specific symptoms.  Oral homeopathics like sulphur or  hepar sulph calcareum, taken twice a day, may also help.  Again, you pick which one based on your symptoms.  
Good luck in your search
Dr. Conner
Answer -
It would be more effective as a compress, as that is more likely to get where you need it.  You could take it orally as well, if you wanted to boost your immune system overall, or use other herbs like echinacea to do so.  It might not make much of a difference, but it would not be harmful.  
Answer -
No, a tincture is not a good idea, it would be too irritating to the eye.  An herbal compress is usually made with a tea (a decoction for roots like oregon grape.)  A decoction is made by gently boiling 1 Tablespoon of the herb in 1 cup water for 15-20 minutes.  Strain and cool the liquid and use that for the compress.  If you cannot obtain the dried herb to make  a tea, I would suggest you use pre-packaged eye drops instead.  
Answer -
If you have the teabag of the herb, just brew it according to the directions on the package.  To make it strong enough, though, use two bags per cup of water.  
Answer -
There are any number of herbs that may be effective against bacterial infections.  The ones I mentioned are the ones most commonly used bacterial infections in the eye, but they may not be the only ones that work.  I do not know in particular if chrysanthemum would be effective.  

Answer
I would strongly suggest you consult a natural medicine practitioner for a full evaluation.  A chronic eye condition needs to be treated in context of the whole person's health, which can only be evaluated individually.  There's a limitation on what I can suggest for a chronic condition I don't have a full history on.  If you'd like to find a naturopathic doctor in your area, you can do a search at www.naturopathic.org. Good luck in your search.
Dr. Conner