Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Conjunctivitis

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Synopsis

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

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has a long history of traditional use in East Asian medicine for various eye conditions, including conjunctivitis (commonly known as “pink eye”). This use is primarily rooted in folk remedies, where cooled green tea bags or infusions are applied topically to the eyes to soothe irritation and reduce redness. The basis for this practice lies in green tea’s natural content of polyphenols, particularly catechins, which have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory settings.

However, while there is some in vitro evidence that green tea polyphenols can inhibit certain bacteria and viruses—some of which can cause conjunctivitis—there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly evaluating green tea’s efficacy in treating conjunctivitis in humans. Most modern scientific literature only alludes to its potential, and reputable medical sources do not currently endorse green tea as a primary or adjunct treatment for conjunctivitis.

In summary, green tea’s use for conjunctivitis is mainly supported by tradition rather than strong scientific validation. The evidence rating is moderate (2/5) because, although some laboratory studies are promising, clinical evidence in humans is lacking, and the practice remains largely anecdotal. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before using green tea or any home remedy for eye infections, as improper treatment can lead to complications.

More about green tea
More about Conjunctivitis

Other health conditions supported by green tea

Acne
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (excessive)
Arteriosclerosis
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Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
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Belching
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
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Bleeding (internal)
Blood in Urine
Bloodshot Eyes
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
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Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
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Colds (antiviral)
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Colic (children)
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Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
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Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
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Cytomealovirus
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
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Depression
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Diabetes
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Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Down Syndrome
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Eyes (red or itching)
Fibroids (uterine)
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Glaucoma
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Parkinson's Disease
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
Polyps
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Body Odor
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Fatigue
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Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
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Influenza
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Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
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Wrinkles