Eye puffiness and bags under the eyes typically occur as a part of the natural aging process and rarely indicate a more serious medical problem, according to the Mayo Clinic. In most cases, eye puffiness occurs when the tissues around the eyes weaken and the normal fat that helps support the eyes moves to the lower eyelids. Sometimes, puffy eyes result from fluid retention, lack of sleep or a diet high in sodium. Although eating healthily, exercising and getting enough sleep may help prevent the problem in the first place, several natural remedies are available to help reduce eye puffiness once it occurs.
Spoons and Water
A glass of ice water and four serving spoons may provide the fastest, easiest and least expensive way to reduce eye puffiness, according to the Prevention Health Books Staff. In the book "Natural remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies that Work Best," the staff recommends chilling four spoons in ice water, and then placing one spoon over each eye. Allow the spoons to remain until they become warm--which usually takes several minutes--and then replace them with the other two spoons that have been chilling in the ice water. Repeat this treatment for about 10 minutes, or until the puffiness subsides.
Tea Bag Compress
Black tea contains tannins, or natural astringents, that pull the skin taut and reduce eye puffiness, according to Bridget Doherty in her book "Growing Younger: Age-Defying Secrets for Women." Steep two tea bags in a cup of hot water for about five minutes, remove them and allow them to cool completely. Wrap the tea bags in tissue or gauze pads to prevent them from staining your skin, and then lay the bags over your closed eyes. Allow them to remain for about 20 minutes for the best results. Repeat this treatment up to twice a day as needed to reduce eye puffiness.
Frozen Gelatin Compress
According to Joey Green in his book "Joe Green's Supermarket Spa," frozen gelatin eliminates eye puffiness, reduces swelling and constricts blood vessels. Prepare a package of flavored or plain gelatin according to the directions on the box. Allow the mixture to cool enough to pour into zipper-seal freezer bags. Pour an equal amount of gelatin into two freezer bags, seal securely, and then freeze. Apply the frozen gelatin compress directly to the eyes and allow it to remain for at least 10 minutes. When the gelatin becomes warm, simply place it in the freezer and refreeze. Repeat this treatment as often as needed to reduce eye puffiness.
Raw Potato
Raw potato makes an effective natural remedy for puffy eyes, according to Dr. H.K. Bakhru in the book "Handbook of Natural Beauty." Grate a raw potato and cut two square pieces of gauze about four inches in length and width. Place 1 tsp. of the grated potato in the center of each piece of gauze. Wrap the gauze pieces around the grated potato to make two eye pads. Cover the eyes with the eye pads and allow them to remain for at least 20 minutes. Follow with a splash of cold water to the face and eye area. Use this remedy once per day as needed to reduce eye puffiness.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Bags Under Eyes
- "Natural Remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies that Work Best"; Prevention Health Books Staff; 1999
- "Growing Younger: Age-Defying Secrets for Women"; Bridget Doherty, Julia VanTine; 2001
- "Joe Green's Supermarket Spa"; Joey Green; 2005
- "Handbook of Natural Beauty"; Dr. H.K. Bakhru; 1995
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