Herbal tea has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for a variety of health ailments. One of the ways to use this tea is a remedy for puffy eyes. This unsightly condition can occur for many reasons, including a lack of sleep, seasonal allergies, a high consumption of salt or water retention due to hormonal changes in the body. Eye creams and other medicines are commonly used to treat this problem, but herbal tea can also be an excellent remedy. In the past, many people have used regular tea bags, but these contain astringents that constrict blood vessels and pull the skin. Herbal teas do not contain these items and can be very soothing to the eye.
There are four different varieties of herbal teas that can be used to treat puffy eyes. First, elderberry is an herb that is commonly used to treat a cold or flu, but it also works as a diuretic. Because puffy eyes may be caused by water retention, the elderberry tea can be a very effective treatment. Next, dandelion is also a diuretic that may work to treat this condition. The leaves and flowers of this plant can be infused into a tea or steamed and eaten. However, possible side effects include an upset stomach. A third option is the ginkgo biloba herb, which can help to alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking PAF, an allergy trigger. This can help in the minimizing the symptoms of congestion and red, irritated or puffy eyes. Finally, stinging nettle is an herb that both relieves nasal allergies and acts as a diuretic.
In addition to drinking the herbal teas, the tea bags can also be applied directly to the eyes. First, put the tea bag in boiling water and let is steep for three to five minutes. Remove the tea bag and let it cool. Wrap it in a cloth that will protect your skin from stains or stinging. Lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes and place a tea bag over each eye. Allow the tea bags to rest on your eyes for five to fifteen minutes.
Before using herbal tea or any other remedy to cure puffy eyes, be sure to consult with your physician. In some circumstances, this eye condition can be caused by a medical problem such as conjunctivitis or other infection. If you are experiencing any pain, swelling or other irritation in on around your eyes, call your doctor.