Puffy eyes can be frustrating. Not only do they make you appear tired, they’re also uncomfortable. Luckily, there are simple natural solutions that reduce swelling and discoloration. Let’s focus on some effective natural solutions for this problem.
What Causes Puffy Eyes?
Puffy eyes may be caused by numerous factors, including allergies, lack of sleep, stress and dehydration. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid issues or sinus infections, can also contribute to puffy eyes.
Natural Remedies for Puffy Eyes
- Cold Compress
A cold compress is an easy and effective puffy eye treatment. A washcloth dipped in cold water works equally well in relieving swelling and inflammation around the eyes. You could also place a cold spoon over your eyes for several minutes for best results.
- Tea Bags
Tea bags are an easy and effective home remedy for puffy eyes. The caffeine found in tea helps reduce inflammation while constricting blood vessels to help alleviate swelling. Simply soak two tea bags in cold water for several minutes, place them over your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes, then allow them to dry in the air before placing them back over your eyes to reduce the puffiness and discomfort.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an effective natural anti-inflammatory that helps alleviate eye swelling and redness. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel directly to the affected area for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
- Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices have long been used to ease puffy eyes and dark circles around them. Place cold cucumber slices over your eyes for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce redness and swelling.
- Natural Diuretics
Natural diuretics help reduce swelling by increasing urine production and flushing out extra fluids from your system. Common examples include dandelion root tea, parsley leaves, hibiscus flowers, lemon juice and caffeine. All foods or supplements containing these ingredients help reduce swelling and improve your eye’s condition.
Prevent Puffy Eyes
As well as using natural remedies to treat puffy eyes, there are also steps you can take to stop them from occurring in the first place. These include:
- To prevent puffy eyes, aim for at least seven hours of uninterrupted restful sleep every night.
- High salt consumption contributes to water retention, leading to puffy eyes. Limit your salt intake to minimize swelling.
- Staying hydrated helps flush away excess fluids and prevent puffy eyes.
- Do you have allergies? Take steps to manage symptoms to reduce the likelihood of puffy eyes and keep its symptoms under control.
- Do you spend a lot of your time staring at screens? If your work requires that you stare at the screen eight hours a day, that can lead to eye strain and puffy eyes. Schedule regular breaks from screen time and give your eyes some much-needed rest.
Common Puffy Eye Treatments
Puffy eyes can be treated using over-the-counter medications, cold compresses, and making healthy changes to your lifestyle. Get more rest, find ways to lower your stress levels, try natural remedies, and exercise regularly. That will help prevent puffy eyes.
