Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes can be caused by many things including fluid retention, stress, allergies, hormone changes, and several medical factors.

Emotions can cause more blood to flow through the eyes, which can lead to swelling and cause tear production.

The skin surrounding the eyes is very thin and filled with blood vessels. This makes the area around the eyes very sensitive.

If your puffy eyes are accompanied by blurry vision, discomfort or pain you should see an optometrist or your doctor. Allergies, infections, inflammation and physical irritants can cause your eyes to be puffy.

Colds, headaches, and excessive rubbing can also cause this area to swell.

Natural Remedies for Puffy Eyes

If your eyes are puffy and you don’t have a specific eye condition or infection there are many natural remedies to reduce the puffiness. One of the best ways is to simply wash your face with very cold, almost ice water and rinse out your eyes. Other remedies include:

  • Limiting your salt intake
  • Drink lots of water to flush your system
  • Put a cold cucumber slice on each eye for several minutes
  • Soak a black tea bag for each eye in cold water, then put them in the refrigerator until cold and set over closed eyelids for several minutes

Eye Puffiness Due to Allergies

If you have puffy eyes because of allergies it is important to keep your eyes washed out and to find out what is causing the allergies so you can stay away from it. You can also use an aloe and Vitamin E cream applied around the eyes. A cool cloth may help as well.

Lifestyle Changes

There are several things you can do with your lifestyle that will help alleviate puffiness around the eyes. The first is to make sure you get enough sleep and reduce daily stress. You can try changing your sleeping position to your back, and elevate your head.

This will keep fluid from pooling in the eye area. Reduce alcohol consumption and increase water intake to help reduce fluid retention around your eyes and throughout the body.

Apple-Cider Vinegar and Black-Strap Molasses

Among its many health benefits, apple cider vinegar is believed to improve circulation. Black Strap molasses is a great source of Vitamin B-1, which benefits eye health. Combine 2 TBS of organic apple cider vinegar and 1 TBS of black strap molasses and take this amount twice a day to help reduce puffy eyes.

Cayenne Pepper

One of the best natural remedies for sinus problems which can cause puffy eyes, Cayenne pepper can be taken in capsule form or if you can handle it, mix a 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper in eight ounces of spring water and add lemon and a little molasses or maple syrup and drink twice a day.

Quick-Fix Options for Puffy Eyes

  • Cold Compress
  • Cotton balls soaked in witch hazel
  • Frozen metal spoon
  • Tap a finger gently under the eyes, from the inside corner to outside with the intent of encouraging fluid drainage.