Swollen eyelids result from a number of causes, from infections and allergies to salty foods and heredity. See your doctor if only one eyelid swells, or if the condition is accompanied by pain or discharge. It's important to rule out a serious infection or a blocked gland or duct. Consider taking an antihistamine if you suspect the swelling results from allergies or an insect bite. Otherwise, experiment with home remedies to inexpensively and gently reduce the eyelid swelling. Use eye compresses for at least 15 minutes at a time, lying on your back with your head elevated.
Cold Milk
Natural beauty author Jeanne Rose swears by cold milk to relieve swollen eyelids. Soak two cotton balls in the mixture and use as eye compresses. She also suggests dipping cucumber slices—a classic solution to puffy eyes—in cold milk to enhance the cucumber’s astringent properties.
Raw Potato
For swollen eyelids accompanied by redness and irritation, make a compress of sliced or grated raw potatoes, suggests the home remedies web site Grannymed.com. Mash raw grated potatoes into a paste-like consistency and put between one large or two small folded-over pieces of gauze.
Parsley and Ginseng
If you have a juicer, juice a handful of parsley. Otherwise, puree parsley and strain the mixture, reserving the juice. Add 1 tsp powdered ginseng to 1 Tbsp parsley juice. Add a pinch or two of powdered gelatin until you achieve a gel-like mixture. Apply the gel to your eyelids and lie down for 15 to 20 minutes.
Gel Masks
If swollen eyelids and under-eye bags often plague you in the morning, chances are fluid is pooling in your eye area while you sleep. Sleep with your head elevated, and consider investing in a gel mask. These simple masks stay in the refrigerator until needed. A morning routine of several minutes resting with head elevated with the chilled eye mask helps you face the make-up mirror with less horror. If you don’t have a mask, chill two teaspoons in the refrigerator overnight, or plunge them in ice water for a quick fix.
Herbal Tea Bags
Brew chamomile, comfrey, catnip, fennel seed or mint tea to deal with swollen eyelids, suggests herbalist Dina Falconi. All contain astringent and soothing properties. Let the tea bags cool to room temperature, or--if you have time--chill them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, use regular black or green teas. Their tannins also help reduce swelling.
Natural Diuretics
For eyelid swelling associated with retained water, consider herbal solutions that help flush your system of the excess fluid. Natural diuretics like dandelion leaf tea or cornsilk supplements may help premenstrual bloating or similar types of water retention, notes author James A. Duke in "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Simply eating spicy foods containing turmeric or ginger may also do the trick.
References
- "Herbal Body Book"; Jeanne Rose; 2000
- "Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair"; Dina Falconi; 1998
- Grannymed.com: Potatoes for Puffy Eyes
- Mothernature.com: The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Swelling
