Using Manuka Honey to cure blepharitis?

Hi Dawn,

First of all, I'd like to say I'm so happy that you've had such success and thank you for posting your story. It gives me hope! I've been suffering for off and on for many years now with this terrible disorder.

Just wondering...did you have any issues with eyelash loss and swelling of the eyelids? Did you have any redness on your face when you had symptoms? Just trying to figure out if I should try the honey regimen for my case.

Thanks so much!

Dear Nicole,

I did not have redness on my face.  I did have eyelash loss and swelling of the eyelids as well as eye pain, mucus.  I had conjunctivitis in the whites of my eyes.  My eye doctor told me there was no cure for both conditions.  Since I posted here I went to another eye doctor who also verified I no longer have blepharitis or conjunctivitis....it is all gone.  That has been over a year ago.  Now I do maintenance with the honey four times per week because I have blocked meibomian glands which will not go away.  That is what caused my blepharitis.  If you decide to do the honey, I would put some on my face as well. I ordered Mail Tees by Fran Wilson on Amazon which work better than qtips. I also ordered Manuka Doctor 20+ from Amazon.  One secret is to give this time......!  I started  April 2016 with the wet ones....did that until June 1st.three times per day then did honey three times a day for a few months...then twice a day for a total of about six months.  The secret is to keep doing the schedule even if all the symptoms go away.  Because it takes a long time for the blepharitis to completely go away.  So many people say they tried it for a few months and then their eyes got bad again.  That is because they didn't give it the dedication and time.  If you have any questions you can private message me....I want to help...Dawn

Hi Dawn, 

I am so thankful you have gone to the effort to explain this in great detail! and that it has worked for you!

I have been diagnosed with posterior blepharitis and it is the most debilitating disease. I am very willing to try this honey .. I have found the one you suggested online and ready to purchase. I'm hoping this wont effect the eyeball and vision?

Also, you explain symptoms of anterior bleph. (mucus, bacteria) where I dont get that - its more inflamed eyelides and dry eye (blocled glands) .. Im hoping this honey will be effective for this too?

Thank you again! It is people like you who give hope to us all  

Emily 

Hi Emily,

I also had posterior blepharitis.  I had conjunctivitis in the whites of my eyes that contributed to the mucus and bacteria.  The manuka honey cured both conditions.  I take a hot washcloth and place over my eyes for 10 minutes morning and night to unblock the meibomian glands.  

Although I am not an eye doctor, my research teaches me that honey is actually healing and good for the eyes.  Some people have experienced honey to be beneficial for many eye ailments.  I know it has been a miracle worker for me.  

So yes, the honey is definitely a cure for posterior blepharitis in my case.  

I left the honey on my lids for 15 minutes before rubbing it into my eyes.  The time is needed to kill the bacteria.  And you should figure doing the honey routine 2-3 times per day for 6 months.  That is the thing about blepharitis....it takes a long time to get rid of it.  Even if your symptoms go away that does not mean the blepharitis is gone.  I still do the honey routine 4 times per week, because with the blocked glands, I know it would be easy to get it again.  And I never want that to happen.

I wish you the best....private message me if you need more detailed instructions or have any questions.  I am happy to share.

Dawn

 

I want to make it very clear that you need to put the honey on the lower lash roots. Then lift your upper lid and get the honey on the inner lash roots.....not missing anything. Then put the honey on top of the upper lash roots like you would apply eyeliner. Then leave that on for 15 minutes. Then rub it into the eyeballs. It will sting for three minutes. ....your eyes will be red....this is normal. Now you are done.

Dawn

In addition......if you wear eye makeup, please purchase all new eye makeup. Use disposable mascara and eyeliner wands dipping only one time into the makeup container.

If you use an eyelash curler or eyebrow pencil, clean them with white vinegar after using. Use a new, clean washcloth each time you use hot water to unclog your glands. Be aware of not reinfecting yourself. Dawn

Great tip Dawn thank you. I use eyeliner marker, so I wouldn't be able to use a disposable wand. Any suggestions for eyeliner pencils and markers ?

Nicole,

Buy disposable cotton makeup pads. Put white vinegar on one and wipe the tip of your pencil after each use. You might want to have two pencils....one for each eye....so you use it....clean it and put it back. As far as the markers....you may have to skip those until you are cured. You can use liquid eyeliner and buy disposable eyeliner wands and disposable mascara wands on Amazon.....use only one time per eye and discard. Remember, you are dealing with a bacteria that is hard to get rid of and can easily reinfecting you. I wore disposable gloves when I applied my makeup....and while I was working on my cure, I wore as little makeup as possible. On days I could stay home I did not wear anything. Many times when I went out, I skipped the eyeliner because it is adding bacteria to the roots....I just wore a little eye shadow....being careful not to get it near the roots and mascara on the tips of my lashes. Now I wear liquid mascara with no problems. But I still use the disposable wands and the white vinegar for cleaning since I am more aware of germs...lol!

However, I do not wear gloves anymore. I hope this helps!

Dawn

Hi Dawn, 

Thank you so much for your prompt and thorough respopnse!

Thats great to know - I have also looked into Manuka Honey and have found the huge amount of benefits this liquid gold has ... especially for the eyes

I just purchased Manuka honey from local health store and could only get 15+ of another brand (close enough). I have just followed your instructions and everything you said would happen, happened. I'm excited to keep up the treatment consistantly (along with other natural aids - heat compression and drops). 

I will keep you posted on how this goes for me and will spread the word

Thank you again!

Warm regards, 

Emily 

I am excited for you, Emily!

Yes, let me know how it goes!

Dawn

Thanks so much Dawn. I just got some supplies so hopefully I'll share in your success! I found an organic eye make up remover called body whip. It's made of coconut oil (which I also read is good for blepharitis). So far it is really great...incase anyone is looking for a remover.

That sounds wonderful!! Looking forward to your success!!

Kindest Regards,

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

I decided to give it a try on my blepharitis after I researched and found enough information about Manuka honey.

As many of you I've tried a lot of traditional treatments and none of them worked or worked partially for me. I started to use Manuka Doctor +24 bio active as you recommended on my eyelids since Aug 14th and I've noticed an improvement on my upper/lower eyelids but my eyes are getting worse and become red and a permanent itch and watery since the first day I used this product.

I'm using a q-tip and apply a small amount of pure honey to my lower eyelids then I close my eyes for spreading it and finally I put it on my upper eyelids, in this process some of the honey leaks into my eyes and it stings like crazy. I leave it work all night!!

The last two nigths I've experienced an unconfortable sensation in my eyes and I've had to wake up and wash thoroughly my eyes because of the itchy and foreign object sensation inside my eyes.

Are these symptoms normal?.... Did you experience something similar?

I've also read in some forums that applying honey on eyes can be dangerous, I'm a litte bit confused and worried about future consequeses of using it for a long term period.

Please give me some advise about this, I'm trying to figure out if I should continue or stop using honey for my case.

Thanks for your help!

Regards.

 

I would try leaving the honey on only 10 minutes......then washing it off......if you still have symptoms, I would stop using honey.  At that point, you could try the wet wipes or tea tree oil.....

Hi Dawn,

I'm suffering from everything you just said and my 3 children have mucus, eyes are red (conjunctivitis in whites of eyes do you think?), and are also losing eyelashes.  They aren't itching as much as I am.  I'm overwhelmed.  Taking them to Duke Eye Center.  I've been doing the wet ones and have relief.  They are doing an Avenova eye spray.  Have you heard of this?  Helping, but not curing.  Would you do the manuka honey with children? Sounds like too much for us.  I read to take 1 tsp. manuka honey with 1 tablespoon of distilled or filtered water and make an eye drop.  Thoughts?  I will try your solution after doing wipes for 3 weeks.  But I need something for my kids!  Thoughts?  Any help appreciated.

 

I couldn't find Mail Tees by Fran Wilson?  I have rosacea and want to use on my face too.

THANKS.

Dear Hopeful,

Wow!  I feel so sorry for your situation....

No, I have not heard of the spray....but all the doctor will do is manage the disease and it will never go away.  

You know, I am certainly not an eye doctor....but if they were my kids.....I would start with the honey drops you mentioned....after six months or so....if it doesn't go away....I would do the manuka honey as I describe.  

As far as you are concerned.....I would go straight manuka....no playing around....after your 3 weeks on wipes.  Or you might want to do it exactly like I did....as far as time on the wipes....since I did get the cure.  

The thing about the honey is that you put it into the eye and the antibacterial qualities kill the conjunctivitis.....I had that too....and I was losing my eyelashes!  

Dawn

 

If you end up doing the honey on the kids, you might want to do it twice a day rather three times per day.

Morning and night.....leave on only 10 minutes and then rub into the eyes until the burning stops.  Poor kids....you will really have to do some explaining about the burning.  Maybe do it to yourself first and when your eyes are better, you will have the experience and confidence with your children.

Hi Dawn,

I was wondering if you have used one jar of Manuka Doctor for the entire treatment (6 months) or you have discarded it once it was opened after certain time?... 

I'm asking you this because I read other a well known product suggests to discard it after 2 months.

In your experience, do you think it's safe to use one jar (considering expiration dates) for long time?

Thanks for your reply.

Regards.

Dear Sln,

Yes, I have used mine after two months of being opened.

However, I put a smaller amount of the honey in a dark colored bottle....making sure my bottle is glass.....so I open the main honey jar less often.

Regards, Dawn 

Dawn,

OK, tried the honey fro first time tonight~~~yes burns like $%#@, but endured 15 minutes.  Just a few questions, some on the honey and jojoba oil. 

Do you store the honey in frig. or just in cabinet.  I saw where you stated you put some in a small dark jar (good idea). 

The jojoba oil: is it ok to rub on eye lids?  My eyes feel very dry (the skin) and I need something on them.

After the honey TX, is it OK to use my eye drops (or will the honey residue left in eyes not mix well and cause harm?)

What are your thoughts on the baby shampoo and tea tree oil.  Can I use that as a cleanser, then the honey?

Have you had any experience with the bio-oil product?

Again, lots of questions, but I do appreciate your input.  Thank you!

Lucy

Hi Lucy,

I store my honey in a cabinet.

Instead of using jojoba oil on your eyes, I would suggest using organic olive oil.  Olive oil is great for dry eyes.....so if you put some in the outer corner of your eyes, a little will seep in and moisten.....also nice to do the olive oil treatment at night so your eyes remain moist.

As far as using eye drops....I don't know. ....I am not an eye doctor and don't know how various chemicals would interact in the eye.

I would not use baby shampoo or tea tree oil...it seems like overkill to me....the honey is antibacterial.....just clean it off with warm water and add your olive oil on your eyes.

I have no experience with the bio-oil product you mentioned.

Hope this information can be helpful to you.

Dawn

Thank you Dawn~~~any particular brand for Olive Oil, or just what I cook with?    SO many say Organic, extra virgin etc....

Hi Lucy,

Just what you cook with....make sure it is organic.....

Best Regards,

Dawn 

Hi Sln,

I just used one jar until it was gone.....several months per jar.....I did not have any problems.....but there might be a good reason to use it only a few months before replacing it.....I just haven't heard that recommendation.....so if there is a good reason why, please let us know.....

Best regards, 

Dawn

Hello Dawn,

I have just been diagnosed with Blepharitis almost 3 weeks ago. The past week I have been using Manuka Doctor +24 on my eye lid and lower lid. I only have Blepharitis in my one eye (do you happen to know if that is common - the doctor did not seem to understand why that was). I have also been applying Castor oil, which seems to help but every now and again I still get a flare up. My question to you is , is it normal or did you still get waves of flare ups once you started using Manuka Honey? My eye seems to feel better from one day to the next and then worse out of the blue and I haven’t changed my cleaning method. This is why it is hard for me to understand if the Manuka Honey is working or not because I just got another flare up after having used Manuka Honey for one week now. Should I already have seen an improvement by now? Or do I need to just need to be persistent and continue using the Manuka despite the flare ups due to this disease being so hard to get rid of? Whenever I get a flare up, my whole upper eye lid gets swollen/red and I get the little white specks that appear where my eyelashes grow (like tiny little pimples). Feeling like this might be a long journey trying to find the right cure and if Manuka Honey isn’t helping ( I was so hopeful after reading this forum) I feel like I’m at a loss. I really appreciate your help and experience with this. I am happy for you that you found a cure that helps. 

- Josephine 

Hi Josephine,

I used the Wet Ones wipes for a few weeks until my lids dried out so bad I went to the honey....then I finished off with the honey.

If I were you, I would read all my posts very carefully and do exactly what I did.

Make sure you are treating yourself three times per day.

I would not use anything except for the wipes or honey.....I would forget the castor oil.

Yes, I had symptoms for months while I was treating myself. I would wake up with swollen eyes...mucus so thick I could hardly open my eyes.....pains shooting out of my eyes.....and horibble itching.

Be very careful to protect your disease free eye from contamination since blepharitis is so easy to spread.....that is why your doctor was surprised.

Hope this helps.....Dawn

PS.....I just remember I used castor oil on my lids when they were so dry and it caused flare ups.......mucus and swelling!

Dawn,

I have been using the honey and Jojoba Oil (and a little Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Moisturizer).....still having flare ups.  But I have to say, had one come up and I put honey on it a left for a few hours, next morning it was gone (just a little red, but bump gone).  I use the Moisturizer because I need something more than just the oil on my face or it feels to dry (I don't put it on my eye lids!).  I admit, I tired Olive Oil once and OMG, caused an outbreak.  It was not pleasant.  I too have read much about the benefits of Castor Oil (hair growth, eyelashes and brows) and I did order some hoping I could put this on my lids as they feel so dry too!

I also ordered the Wet One wipes....I feel like I have been all over the map with trying to figure this out.  I thought:

Wash face with Essence Tee tree Body Oil (mild soap)

Use Wet Wipe

put on honey, wait, rinse

put on castor oil and moistizer

do heat pad on eyes

I may be doing it wrong, and I have read all of your post;  just trying to get some relief and a regiment that includes a cleanser (soapy) for face and a moisturizer to go with either castor oil or jojoba oil.  By the time I do all of this, I am confused......I just need a map for it all  LOL  

I just about ready to start eating the honey too~~~~wonder if that will help! 

Lucy,

Sounds like you have done your homework and you are finding what works for you......

I know doing my treatments consumed a large portion of my time.....but it was worth it.....

Keep it up......let's see where you are in six months......do honey three times per day

Dawn

It is time consuming.  From what I have listed on above post, do you think there is anything I am doing that is over-kill, too much, not necessary?  I saw where you really don't recommend Castro oil; any reason why?  Oh and I assume you can eat it (the honey)...would that help this condition as well? 

Thank you,

Lucy

Lucy,

Somewhere I read that over time castor oil can damage the eyes......even though some eye drops contain it. So I stay away from it.

I am sure eating the honey is healthful.....but you really need it applied directly onto your eyes to kill the infection.

Hi Dawn,

Has been a while since I have been on here but wanted to come on and say thank you so much! Finding this information 8 months ago was a life saver! I have been using Manuka honey and have had so much relief! I also went to a dry eye specialist and she "expressed" my eyelids every month for 5 months to unblock the lids and now they are doing it them selves with the help of the honey too. I have almost no pain anymore! Its amazing and I am so for the natural remedies! 

Thank you again Dawn! Theres a lot of people out there that will benefit from all your caring and efforts on here xx

Emily 

p.s - I have also spread the knowledge to some facebook bleph. support groups. 

Hopefully the word spreads and this treatment can become well and widely known

Emily,

Your first post is being moderated, but it sounds like you have had success......

So happy for you.....spread the word!!!!

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

I cannot find the exact information in all these threads what to do with the manuka honey.  My whole family is still battling this BUT, we all still have it and I need to figure this out quickly.  What is the exact remedy with the manuka honey?  What kind, strength and what do you do with it?  I'm concerned about my kids doing it and not sure how time consuming it is? We are losing less eyelashes, but still have itchiness, mucus, etc. UG.

THANK YOU so much.

 

Yeah I dont know why its taking so long to be moderated...

Hopefully this goes through in the mean time - just saying thank you so much and yes Im having great success. Also that good on you for helping others and your efforts on here! xx

Hi Hopeful,

If you go to the top of this thread and read through all the posts you will read the instructions. It might be helpful to jot down notes as you notice important information.

I wish you the best.....let us know how it is going.

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

I read through all the e-mails, thank you.  I thought Isaw 2 different instructions.  Do I put on, rub in, then leave for 15 min?  Or put on, leave on for 15 min., then rub in?  Did you use Manuka Doctor 20, Bio Active Manuka Honey?, says product of New Zealand?  Put in dark bottle so open original less often?  Also, do you use viva Naturals Organic Jojoba oil for face?  And organic olive oil in eyes for dry eyes?  I also saw something about Manuka Honey Rescue Cream for lids and lashes?  Finally, do you still put on hot compress am and pm for 10 min?  I also have MGD, blepharitis, and demodex mites.  My family too, but don't think they will do all of this.  They don't have MGD, but other stuff.  Overwhelmed. Thanks.

Hi Hopeful,

The answer is yes to all your questions....except I do not use the honey rescue cream.

I apply the honey to my lashes and let it sit on them for 15 minutes and then rub it into my eyes.....it will burn but this allows the honey to seep down into the glands in your lids where blepharitis can hide.....

Now that my blepharitis is gone I do the hot rag for 10 minutes morning and night because of the MGD and I do the full honey treatment 3x per week now. When I do my full treatment I put honey on my eyebrows....sometimes on my whole face just to kill anything like mites and let it sit on my face and eyes 15 minutes.

Hope this helps.

Dawn can you please contact me on Facebook? 

Thank you.  I've been doing it, but forgot to rub in after 15 min.  So do you close your eyes and just rub eyelashes back and forth with fingers or how do you rub it in?

Thanks

Pam

Hi Hopeful,

Yes...you use your fingers and rub....making sure the honey gets into the eyes and gives a good burn.....if the honey doesn't get into the eyes and burn, you probably will not get a cure. So this is crucial to a successful treatment outcome.

Sorry for the eye burn you will experience. ....the first time is the worst.....it lasts three minutes.....in time you will embrace the painful time knowing this is killing the bacteria....and you will get used to the burn and not dread it.....that last statement is coming from the biggest baby in the world when it comes to pain...lol!

Dawn

Ok, thanks so much.  Will do tonight.  Also, do you use the jojoba oil on your face am and pm as a moisturizer?  Thank you for answering my questions.  I have rosacea on face and ocular too. And MGD! And the organic olive oil in your eyes for dry eyes? I have dry eye too. UG.

Hi Hopeful,

I do use jojoba oil as a moisturizer. ....but I didn't have rosacea.

For my MGD I put a hot, wet rag over my closed eyes for 10 minutes morning and evening.

Yes, I found that olive oil works good for dry eyes. It is better than artificial tears because it lasts longer....hours.

Also, make sure you are drinking at least 8 cups of pure water per day.....I found that if I drink some water in the middle of the night, at bathroom time,

my eyes are not dry. Sometimes dry eye can be as simple as a hydration problem.

Ok....hope this helps!

Dawn

Thanks again, I really appreciate it.  I rubbed manuka honey into my eyes and there was very little sting?  I ordered the one from Amazon, Manuka Honey 20.  Strange.  My eyes do feel better and I have less eyelashes falling out but I'm also using a spray of distilled water and colloidal silver on my eyes/eyelashes.  I have some itchiness, but it's better.  Only been a few days.  The silver spray I've been doing for 3 months and noticed improvement right away.

Why do you think it isn't stinging?  I hate to keep doing this if it isn't working? UG.

Also, guess I will research moisturizer for rosacea.  Not sure what to do for my face, I do put the honey on it at night and leave on for 20-30 min.  I bought the jojoba oil.  Where did you get that idea? 

THANKS.

Hi Hopeful,

That is great you didn't have much eye sting.....that doesn't mean the honey is not being effective. Keep doing the honey two or three times per day remembering that it takes a long time to get rid of blepharitis.

I just use jojoba oil as a moisturizer. ....I think someone told me it was good and when I tried it I liked it. I didn't get it for rosacea because I don't have that condition.

Just keep on treating your eyes with the honey....the fact that you have less eyelash loss and less itchiness shows the honey is doing its job. As with most natural remedies, it will take time....which is hard for us to bear I know!

You should be encouraged. ....just keep on keeping on!!!!

Dawn

Honey doesn't have an experation date. Never double dip, only use a clean spoon to take a small portion out. Thanks to Dawn my eyes are doing great with the Manuka Honey treatment. I dilute it, make sure it's still thick, and apply all around my eye with a q-tip. Dena. 😁

Hi Dawn,

Not one person has ever mentioned crusty eye lids and that's my major complaint. I've done the hot cloths, creams, mild soap, baby shampoo, restasis drops which cost 800.00$. non percription drops, gel drops ,oral antibiotics, manuka honey. Nothing works. I have dry eyes and blepharitis from taking effexor for many years. Now I'm getting off the antidepreesant cause of it. I use lumigan for eye lash growth cause I was bald totally, I let it dry then use the honey X2 a day....i can't do more than that nor will my poor eyes allow it. I'm going to buy the olive oil to moisten.The honey is helping in every other way possible.

Hi Cindy,

Yes, I had the crusty eyes too....I don't know how long you have been doing the honey.....but when your blepharitis gets healed your eyelashes should come back in.  If the honey is helping in other ways, could be the crustiness will be the last to go.  I think blepharitis can manifest itself in various ways....so don't get discouraged....give it six months and let's see where you are.  

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

I've been doing the honey #16 for about X3 weeks now. I tolerate it just fine. I can wear makeup and my contacts now. I've had this for X2 years now but not really bad like these other people have. Mine seems manageable except for the crusty thing and that is really bad. I only have eyelashes because I use the lumigan or I would still be bald. Using that and washing plus using the honey is exhausting, I have brain damage and get very tired anyway so this really sucks. It takes me X3 hours to get up enough energy to get in the shower even. I'm rather discouraged doing this for X6 months.

Cindy,

I am so sorry you are dealing with exhausting physical issues.

However, it sounds like the honey is really working for you.

Although it is tiring, you are giving yourself a gift by improving your eyes with the honey......I realize it is hard but keep at it as best as you can.....you will be glad you did!

Dawn

I can't get throw away mascara wands in Victoria bc or eye liner replacements. Very expensive for me to purchase from Amazon and cannot afford it. You seem very knowledgeable on everything, any ideas ? I use liquid eye liner and mascara.Thankyou

Hi Cindy,

The alternative would be to clean off the wand with oil (I use jojoba oil) then swipe it with white vinegar after each use.  When you buy a new tube of mascara or eyeliner save the wand and use it and clean it....keep saving wands!  

Dawn

Hi dawn

I have been using manuka honey since one month. still white meibum oil discharges at outer corner of eye, how long it took you to overcome this symptom( bear with my bad English)

Vinay

Hi Vinay,

It took several months for my symptoms to go away....it will be different for everyone.  Have you noticed any reduction of symptoms at all?

Dawn

Hi dawn,

Yes, I noticed reduction of some symptoms like lesions formation on eye lid margin( I can say, completely it has gone away) and eye lash loss, but whitish discharge from outer corner of eye still exist.will it also go away?

Vinay

Vinay,

Great.....your eyes are responding positively.....yes... the discharge should go away too.....but it could take four or five months of constant diligent treatments.....I can not stress enough how it takes time to kill this bacteria....do not miss a treatment. ....you are on the right track....keep going.....let's see where you are five months from now!!!

Dawn

Hi dawn

Thank you so much for your encouragement ...😃😃

Vinay

Hi dawn

Yesterday I missed morning dose, does it affects the progress, what I can do now?.

Vinay

No worries.....just do your nightly dose and keep going......if this happens again you can do a treatment in the afternoon and one at night.....but you are just fine......

Just had an eye exam today......have been using manuka honey for two years now, the doctor said my eyes look beautiful.......I still do the honey treatment three times per week to keep blepharitis from never returning......I post this to encourage you!!!!

Hi dawn😃

Thank you very much, whenever I feel depressed I see your posts they brings hope within me keep encouraging us .

Vinay

Thank you Dawn! 😁 Dena