Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Eyes (red or itching)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has been traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in East Asia, as a remedy for soothing eye discomfort, including redness and itching. Folk remedies often involve placing cooled, damp green tea bags over the eyes to relieve irritation. The basis for this use stems from green tea’s well-known anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, attributed mainly to its polyphenols, especially catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

While there is a plausible mechanism—green tea’s antioxidants may help reduce local inflammation and irritation—scientific evidence directly supporting green tea’s efficacy for eye redness or itching is limited. Most support comes from in vitro or animal studies that show anti-inflammatory effects of green tea extracts. A few small studies suggest that green tea extracts may reduce symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, but these are preliminary and not widely replicated. There are no large-scale clinical trials confirming the effectiveness of topical green tea application for eye irritation in humans.

In summary, the use of green tea for red or itching eyes is grounded more in traditional practice than in robust scientific validation. It is generally considered safe as a compress, but users should be cautious to avoid contamination and consult a healthcare provider for persistent symptoms.

More about green tea
More about Eyes (red or itching)

Other health conditions supported by green tea

Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
Acne
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
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Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
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Appetite (excessive)
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Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
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Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
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Circulation (poor)
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Colic (children)
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Colon (atonic)
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Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
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Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
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Convalescence
Cough (damp)
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Digestion (poor)
Down Syndrome
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Epstein Barr Virus
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Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
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Perspiration (excessive)
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