Waking up in the morning with swollen eyes and dark circles under them is not an ideal way to start your day. Puffy eyes can send out a completely wrong message about your lifestyle and habits, and make you look like somebody who is not very healthy and balanced. There are many reasons for unsightly eye bags, ranging from allergies and lack of sleep to genetic factors that you can’t do so much about. Luckily, there are many simple natural remedies to treat puffy eyes and make you regain your healthy-looking and glowing appearance.
Causes For Puffy Eyes
Some reasons behind baggy eyes are more obvious than others.
It’s hardly surprising to have swollen and red eyes if you had a late night, little sleep or you are harboring a hangover. Allergies and chronic sinusitis can be another culprit behind puffy eyes. And then there is also stress and different modern-day habits, such as staring at the computer screen for prolonged periods of time.
Some factors you might not associate immediately with excessively swollen eyes. These include a bad diet dominated by salty foods and hormonal changes. Also, different irritants that you put on your body can play a role in developing eye bags, such as chemicals found in perfumes, cosmetics and detergents.
And then there are some who are just prone to puffy eyes. Genetics can sometimes be blamed for having to put up with black circles day after day.
Natural Remedies For Puffy Eyes
Cucumber slices
This is probably the most famous natural cure for eyes and it has become a sort of a beauty ritual. Slice the cucumber, put the slices in a plastic bag and freeze them. Lie down on a pillow and place the frozen cucumber slices over your eyes for about 10 minutes. Cucumbers contain antioxidants which ease the irritation, while the cooling effect helps reduce the swelling.
Tea bags
You can use either green or black tea for this treatment. Green tea contains more antioxidants and will probably be more effective at reducing the irritation. It also has these 8 amazing health benefits. Some herbal teas can be used as well, such as chamomile which is known for its calming effect.
Soak two teabags in hot water for a couple of minutes, take them out and let them cool down. Put the tea bags over your eyes while lying down. Leave them there for 10 to 15 minutes. You can repeat the process a few times a day. Don’t throw the used tea bags as there are a lot of other things you can do with your used tea bags – read about the 14 great uses for used tea bags.
Salt water
This remedy uses the principle of osmosis to get rid of the excess water around your eyes.
Mix half a teaspoon of salt with 4 cups of water. The water should be warm, so the salt dissolves, but don’t make the mixture too hot or you will burn your eyes. Soak cotton balls or eye pads in the saline water and put them over your eyelids for a few minutes. Repeat the treatment a few times.
Ice
Ice refreshes your eyes. It causes the blood vessels to tighten and reduces the swelling. Wrap the ice cubes in a towel and press against your eyes for a few minutes.
If you are in a hurry, a splash of cold water can have a similar effect. Rinse your face with cold water and enjoy the sensation of coldness as it wakes you up and tightens your eyes.
Egg whites and witch hazel
Using egg whites might sound a bit messy, but they are known to help tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles. Witch hazel is a natural skin tightening astringent and it is also one of the ingredients in my homemade skin treatment for stopping skin breakouts.
Use two egg whites. Whip them thoroughly, so you get a stiff consistency. Add a few drops of witch hazel. Apply the mixture under your eyes with a brush or a soft cloth and let it dry. Leave it for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off. You can repeat this daily.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera plant is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which sooth and nourish the skin and also help with wrinkles (read more about its benefits for great skin here). It is best if you get some fresh leaves, open them up and use the gel. Apply it gently under the eyes and make sure it doesn’t get into the eyes. You can also make this soothing gel for tired eyes which has aloe vera as one of its ingredients. The act of massaging by itself will reduce the swelling, as you improve blood circulation and help with the removal of fluids.
Aloe vera is a common medicinal herb and is useful for other ailments, not just for the skin. If you want to learn more about aloe vera as well as other herbs, you can find more useful information in my e-book the Herbal Remedies Guide. This guide will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs.
Massage
When puffiness is connected with the buildup of lymphatic fluid, an eye massage can do the trick. Gently massage the area around your eyes with your fingers. Use circular movements. Do this for a few minutes in the morning. Or, have a little respite during the day to help your eyes relax when you start feeling tired.
Other Things You Should Consider
There are other things that can help you keep your eyes fresh and healthy:
- Stay hydrated. If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, the body will start storing it around your eyes as a reservoir for rainy days. When you don’t drink sufficient amounts of water, puffy eyes can be a direct result of this. Make sure you drink six to eight 8-ounces glasses each day (1.5 to 2 liters of water per day). In addition to puffy eyes, dehydration has 11 other downsides.
- Avoid excessive salt in your diet, as it can cause fluid retention.
- Observe if your eyes become irritated when you wear a certain hair spray or after putting on makeup.
- Avoid chemical irritants and go for natural products that are less likely to cause adverse reactions.
- Take a break when you work and let your eyes rest.
- Use two pillows to prop your head a bit higher when you sleep. Elevation prevents the fluid from accumulating around your eyes.
- Don’t rub your eyes rigorously. You’ll just create a vicious cycle. Avoid touching your eyes, unless it’s to give them a gentle massage.
Healthy And Natural World
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