Mythbuster Monday: Applying a Teabag to a Horse’s Eye Will Cure Conjunctivitis
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Does applying teabags to a horse’s infected eye cure Conjunctivitis?
It’s Mythbuster Monday, where Horse Nation dives into different equestrian myths and provides research-based evidence to either bust or confirm those myths. Today’s topic: Does applying teabags to a horse’s infected eye cure Conjunctivitis? What is Conjunctivitis? What type of teabags are effective? Read more to find out!
Myth: Applying a teabag to a horse’s eye will cure conjunctivitis
Myth or Fact: Fact
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Conjunctivitis is a common eye issue that causes inflammation of a thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the whites of the eyes. It is commonly referred to as pink eye. Symptoms in horses include redness, swelling, discharge, tearing, squinting, and eye rubbing. Causes include infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, environmental irritants, allergies, trauma, and tumors. Conjunctivitis can affect one or both of a horse’s eyes and can occur to horses of any age.
But, does applying a teabag to the affected eye cure the infection?
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SEIB Insurance Brokers, an equine insurance agency, writes that weeping and swollen eyes from bacteria can be treated with cooled tea-bags. This is because the tannin in tea helps soothe and is effective for treating conjunctivitis in the eye. However, they state that with any concern, seek veterinary advice — although the tea-bags may be the answer, horses may also need eye drops.
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Equine Wellness Magazine published a piece talking about food that helps the horse’s eye. In this article they state that conjunctivitis that has resulted due to swelling after colic will not be cured by tea bags. However, conjunctivitis due to swelling from allergies can be cured with Chrysanthemum and mint. Both of these ingredients are easily found in tea bags. For topical use only, they suggest placing the teabag in boiling water until moistened, letting it cool, and then placing it on the horse’s eye.
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Healthline writes that tea bags are a popular home remedy to reduce redness and inflammation due to styes and pink eye. They’re popular because of their affordability and natural properties. The article references a 2024 study that stated one of the key ingredients for success in healing was caffeine. Caffeine constricts blood vessels in the sensitive tissue around the eye which ultimately reduces puffiness and inflammation.
The other key ingredients include flavonoids and tannins. Both of these ingredients are anti-inflammatories. Tannins tighten the skin and draw fluid out of the membrane, alleviating puffiness and Conjunctivitis symptoms.
Calendula, chamomile, and fennel tea have been said to heal pink eye. However, according to Healthline, there is limited scientific evidence to support that these types of teas treat the condition. These teas may sooth symptoms but there’s no evidence they heal the condition any better than a warm compress.
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Veterinarian Maranda Elswick writes in her article that black tea contains theaflavins and thearubigins that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions on the body. Tea molecules have the potential to heal mild cases of conjunctivitis. Dr. Elswick states that while severe cases should be examined and treated by a veterinarian, mild cases that are not painful can be healed by first attempting the use of teabags to speed up the body’s natural healing process.
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After diving into the literature, some types of tea, such as black and green tea, can aid in naturally healing mild cases of conjunctivitis. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties aid in the process. However, if your horse is exhibiting pain or severe cases, always consult your veterinarian first.
Do you have an equine myth you’d like us to tackle? If so, send it our way! Email your suggestions to [email protected]. Put Mythbuster Monday in your subject line.
