Puffy eyes refer to the swelling of the eyes, creating a tired haggard look. This makes one look constantly fatigued, a situation which warrants the use of home remedies to treat the eyes. One of the reasons why the eyes get puffy quite easily is because the skin that surrounds the eyes is extremely thin.
In addition to this, this skin is very sensitive, which makes it more predisposed to puffiness. There are many causes of puffy eyes, but the principle trait of this condition is that fluid is retained around the eyes.
This may occur due to long periods of stress, hormonal fluctuations, and perhaps two of the most common causes: lack of sleep and crying too much. With the latter, he eyes swell due to the inflammation of the tear glands. In some cases, one gets puffy eyes as a result of water retention as is the case when there is a high intake of dietary sodium.
Other causes of puffy eyes include the normal process of aging, disorders of the skin, nephritic syndrome ( a condition which affects the proper functioning of the kidneys) as well as the use of contact lenses.Puffy eyes will usually resolve on their own, but they can be managed with the help of natural remedies as indicated below. More importantly, however, is the realization that when puffy eyes are extremely severe, and occur over an elongated period of time, then it becomes important to seek the services of an optometrist to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
1. Water – Stay Hydrated:
Time Required: Staggered throughout the day.
What You Need: Adequate drinking water.
Difficulty: Easy
One of the golden rules in managing puffy eyes using natural remedies is to stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water. When the body is hydrated, there is less likelihood that there will be water retention, which will in turn reduce the chances of puffiness. In addition to this, water helps get rid of toxins lodged in the body. Overall, drinking adequate amounts of water has many benefits for the body, so it is advisable to make this a daily habit. The number of glasses recommended will differ from one person to the other, so it is best to consider other factors. Typically, 8 to 10 glasses of water is the way to go.
Directions:
- Simply stagger the amount of water you drink daily across the day instead of doing so in one sitting.
- Additionally, this remedy ought to be accompanied by a reduced intake of dietary sodium and salt products.
2. Tea Bags:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 2 Used teabags (preferred green tea bags) – chilled-
Difficulty: Easy
Tea bags are a perfect remedy for the home treatment of puffy eyes because they contain tannins which help soothe the skin around the eyes and reduce inflammation. When chilled, the low temperatures provide pain relief and lower the rate of swelling, making the puffiness less obvious. One of the advantages of using the teabags is that they contain anti-irritants that prevent irritation of the eye membranes.
Directions:
- Place two used tea bags in a shallow bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Lie down and place the chilled tea bags on your closed eyes.
- Let the teabags remain in place for some 10 minutes or until the coolness dissipates.
- Repeat this procedure thrice daily until you get rid of the puffiness.
3. Fresh Cucumber Slices:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Fresh cucumber, preferably chilled.
Difficulty: Easy
Cucumbers make an excellent remedy for the treatment of puffy eyes. This is because in addition to the astringent properties of this versatile vegetable, cucumber also has cooling properties that go a long way in reducing the swelling and inflammation associated with puffy eyes. There are additional benefits to the use of fresh cucumber which include the elimination of wrinkles and dark circles that form around the eyes.
Directions:
- Slice the cucumber to get thick slices.
- Place the slices in the refrigerator and allow chilling for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the chilled slices to your eyelids and let them remain there for some 15 minutes or until the slices become warm.
- Repeat this procedure twice daily until you completely get rid of the puffiness.
4. Cold Spoons:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Metal spoons (chilled).
Difficulty: Easy
The other alternative to the use of cucumbers (or in their absence), one can always resort to the use of cold spoons which work just as well. It is a very simple remedy,yet one that is extremely effective. It works wonders for puffy eyes because it helps tighten the skin that surrounds the eyes while relieving pain from tired eyes. You must, of course, use clean spoons to avoid introducing infections to the eyes.
Directions:
- Place 6 spoons in the refrigerator for some 10 minutes.
- Once well-cooled, place the spoons on closed eyelids so that the rounded part is in contact with your eyes.
- Hold the chilled spoon against the eye for some 10 minutes or until the spoon becomes warm.
- At this point, you can replace the warm spoon with a cold one.
- Keep at this for about an hour.
- Repeat thrice daily until you are able to get rid of the puffiness.
5. Potatoes:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: One raw potato, a clean piece of cloth and a grater.
Difficulty: Easy
Potatoes share a similarity with cucumbers in that they are both effective in getting rid of puffy eyes. When chopped into slices and the starch present exposed to the eyes, it brings to the surface anti inflammatory compounds that help eliminate the puffiness. the cooling effect of the potato slices also provides relief to the swollen eyes. Just like the cucumber, potatoes have additional benefits when used for the management of puffy eyes; the former are very effective in getting rid of dark circles that form under the eyelids.
Directions:
- Peel the potato and clean well before drying.
- Grate the peeled potato and transfer the gratings to a clean piece of cloth.
- You will then tie the piece of cloth so that you have a bag of sorts.
- Place this bag on your eyelids for some 20 minutes.
- You may choose to refrigerate the potato gratings for 10 minutes to improve the effect of the slices on your eyes.
- Repeat this procedure daily until the puffiness clears.
6. Salt (Used Externally):
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: A teaspoon of salt, 4 cups of warm water, cotton wool or eye pads
Difficulty: Easy
One of the causes of puffy eyes has been attributed to a high dietary intake of salt, yet it is amazing that this is ranked as one of the effective natural remedies in treating the condition. The reason for this is that in the latter where salt is used as a form of treatment, its external application causes it to draw excess water from the eyelids. This is made possible through the process of osmosis, in effect preventing fluid retention under the eyes. The use of warm water on the other hand relaxes the tissue around the eyes.
Directions:
- Place the teaspoon of salt in a bowl containing water the equivalent of 4 cups.
- Place the cotton wool in the warm salty water and allow to soak before transferring to your eyelids.
- Allow the cotton wool to rest on your eyelids for about 5 minutes.
- Repeat the process for 20 minutes, at least twice daily until you notice that the appearance of your eyes has improved.
7. Fresh Milk:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Fresh milk (which can be substituted with soy milk) and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy
Fresh milk is a preferred form of treatment for puffy eyes thanks to its cleansing and astringent properties. The latter works remarkably well because it helps tighten the skin and prevent the saggy look that is characteristic of puffy eyes. In the absence of whole milk, soy milk may be used. When chilled, the milk delivers a double punch in the form of eliminating puffiness and providing relief from pain and inflammation.
Directions:
- Take the cotton wool and soak a piece in the fresh milk.
- Squeeze to get rid of the excess milk and place on your eyes.
- Let the soaked cotton wool stay on the eyes for 10 minutes before discarding and repeating the process over a period of 20 minutes.
- This remedy can be used thrice daily until a notable improvement takes place.
8. Egg Whites:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Egg white, a brush with soft bristles and cold water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy
Egg whites are a great option for the treatment of puffy eyes because they have the capacity to tighten the skin around the eyes after application and air drying. In addition to this, egg whites also tone the skin, which is an incredible advantage for those with dark circles. By reducing inflammation, the egg white also provides relief in treating puffy eyes.
Directions:
- Beat a fresh egg and carefully get rid of the egg yolk.
- Take the remaining egg white and scoop some of it with a brush which you will then use to apply on closed eyes.
- Air dry the egg whites to allow toning and tightening of the skin which in turn eliminates the puffiness. At this point your eyelids may feel taut, which is perfectly okay.
- Rinse your eyes with cold water and apply a light skin moisturizer.
- Repeat this procedure thrice daily or until the puffiness clears.
Other handy remedies you can use to treat puffy eyes naturally include aloe vera gel whose diverse healing properties will sooth your eyes and provide relief, rose water which is a natural astringent as well as witch hazel. Chamomile tea also works wonders as it soothes tired eyes, as does nasal irrigation. These remedies also ought to be accompanied by proper sleeping habits to avoid recurrence of puffy eyes.
