If there is anything I have learned as a mom, it is this: these kids are going to get sick—period!
I do not have my child in daycare, but she still manages to catch a bug or two every few months.
This month, we are dealing with an eyelid infection known as blepharitis—just a month after barely escaping a stye on the opposite eye (thanks to YAH, garlic, echinacea, and witch hazel).
My toddler woke up with noticeable inflammation of her eyelid. It looked puffy, red, and irritated—enough to make me pause.
I had to quickly shift out of scared mommy mode and into natural health advocate and NP mode because my first instinct was to panic and run to urgent care (something I’ve actually never done for my children).
But instead of settling for oral antibiotics, eye ointments, and the typical “wait and see” approach, I decided to take a proactive natural route.
My Toddler’s Successful Blepharitis Management
Here’s exactly what I did to resolve her blepharitis naturally:
✅ Gently cleanse the affected eye using a witch hazel-soaked cotton pad 3x daily to reduce irritation and cleanse any buildup.
✅ Apply a herbal poultice made with comfrey, chamomile, and calendula immediately after cleansing to soothe inflammation and support healing.
✅ Encourage immune support by having my toddler chew ½ clove of raw garlic (or 2–3 cloves of aged black garlic) once a day to fight off infection from the inside out.
✅ Administer 1 dropperful of echinacea tincture in the morning and night to boost her immune response.
Why I Chose This Approach
This regimen may seem like a lot, but I firmly believe in being a steward of natural health for my entire family.
I’ve made a vow to only turn to conventional medical care in the case of a true emergency—so I worked diligently with these natural remedies to make sure it didn’t escalate to that point.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Of course, there are times when urgent medical care is necessary. If my child had shown any of the following, I would not have hesitated to seek professional intervention:
🚨 Severe swelling causing the eye to completely shut
🚨 Fever over 101°F
🚨 Spreading redness beyond the eyelid
🚨 Thick yellow-green discharge
🚨 Persistent or worsening symptoms after 48 hours
Luckily, we never got to that point! With consistent natural treatment, my toddler’s eyelid started improving within 24 hours, and within a few days, the inflammation had completely subsided.
Final Thoughts
Blepharitis can be a frustrating condition, especially for little ones, but with gentle cleansing, herbal support, and immune-boosting remedies, it does not have to turn into a full-blown infection requiring antibiotics.
I share this to encourage other parents: trust your instincts, educate yourself, and don’t be afraid to turn to natural healing methods first (when appropriate).
Have you ever treated an eye infection naturally? I’d love to hear what worked for you!
Disclaimer: I am a Family Nurse Practitioner and natural health advocate, but this post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially for children. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek medical attention promptly.
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