Lack of sleep, allergies or lifestyle choices can cause puffy eyes and dark circles. Aging and genetics can also play a role. While dark circles and puffiness caused by aging and genetics may not be easily remedied, many natural cures may help when other factors have contributed.
Sleep
Many adults do not get enough sleep at night. Seven to eight hours per night is recommended for optimal health and will help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Additionally, sleeping with your head propped up slightly will help reduce puffiness by decreasing fluid retention around your eyes.
Nutrition
Drinking plenty of water helps hydrate the entire body and makes you feel healthier in general. Meanwhile, salty foods make your eyes and entire body retain water, thus increasing the puffiness. Adequate hydration and avoidance of salty foods will help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Tea Bag Therapy
Tannins in tea act as an anti-inflammatory and help reduce eye puffiness. The "Yoga Journal" advises readers to steep two black or orange tea bags in boiling water, let them cool, and lie down with one cooled bag on each eye for at least 15 minutes.
Cool Compress
Cool compresses help to reduce eye puffiness and also brighten the whites of your eyes. Soaking a cotton cloth in ice water or cold milk and applying the cloth to your eyes for 15 minutes, replacing the cloth when it warms, effectively treats puffiness. Another method often used to reduce puffiness is the application of cool cucumber or potato slices to eyes.
Eye Rest Pillow
Tired eyes often result in dark circles or puffiness. An eye rest pillow may be used to invigorate tired eyes using darkness and aromatherapy. The "Yoga Journal" advises the use of silk, flaxseeds and dried lavender flowers to make your eye rest pillow. Sew two small pieces of silk together inside-out, leaving a small hole in order to insert ingredients into the pillow. Turn the pillow right-side out and insert flaxseeds and lavender. Sew the opening closed and enjoy your new eye rest pillow. To use the pillow, lie down and place the pillow over your eyes for at least 10 minutes.
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