Safe and Simple Ways to Treat That Stye on Your Eye

15. Goldenseal Tea Compress

Goldenseal is a potent medicinal herb that has been used for centuries for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties. When made into a tea, it becomes a powerful topical remedy for treating infections—including styes. The active compound, berberine, is known to help fight bacteria and soothe inflamed skin. To make a goldenseal compress, steep 1 teaspoon of dried goldenseal root or leaves in a cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes, then allow it to cool slightly until warm but not hot. Soak a clean washcloth or cotton pad in the tea and apply it gently to your closed eyelid for 10–15 minutes. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day for the best results. Goldenseal tea can also be refrigerated and reused once or twice, but make sure to keep the solution clean and discard it if it becomes cloudy. This herbal remedy is a great natural option for fighting infection while easing discomfort.

16. Guava Leaves: The Tropical Anti-Swelling Hack

Used in traditional medicine across Asia and Central America, guava leaves are packed with compounds that make them a powerful yet gentle treatment for styes. Rich in flavonoids and tannins, these leaves possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. Begin by thoroughly washing a few fresh guava leaves to remove any dirt or residue. Then, heat them in water for a few minutes until they are warm but not too hot to handle. Wrap a softened leaf in a clean, warm cloth or gauze and place it gently over the closed eye for 10–15 minutes. Repeat this remedy twice daily. If fresh guava leaves are hard to find, guava tea bags can be a decent alternative—simply steep one, let it cool slightly, and use it like a compress. This natural remedy is especially effective for reducing puffiness while calming discomfort in a soothing, non-invasive way.