Natural Radiance—RX-Tea bags for those eye bags

By Barbara Hey

One unwanted morning surprise: under-eye puffiness. Though usually a temporary aftereffect of a late night, allergies, hormones, weather, or fluid retention due to excess sodium or alcohol in your diet—puffy eyes are not something you want to show to the world. (Sunglasses can only buy you time).

But natural remedies abound—things to drink or healing poultices to apply to baggy, tired eyes before heading out the door. And many of these healers can be readily found in the kitchen pantry.

Though some swear by hemorrhoid cream for relief (it may work, but to others the idea is esthetically unappealing), raiding the tea cabinet is a more appetizing route.

“Under-eye bags are not created equal,” says Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, an acupuncturist who specializes in facial renewal and founder of Chi-Akra Center in New York City. Some people are more prone to puffiness than others; blame that on genetics. In Chinese medicine all cosmetic issues relate to internal dysfunction. Under-eye bags relate to digestive issues, dark circles alone suggest blood stagnation, and both puffiness and dark circles mean adrenal exhaustion (stress overload).

As for products, topical eye treatments include substances to combat puffiness. One puff-fighter is daisy extract, used in MyChelle’s “Bright Eyes,” which also works to lessen dark circles. In Laveré Ultimate Eye Cream, a combination of ingredients—wild rose, gingko, and ginseng—restores smooth skin, along with caffeine, a component of many a favorite morning beverage.

Wakefield suggests first addressing systemic issues (if chronic, consult a healthcare practitioner). Then look at habits contributing to under-eye bags. Sleep with your head slightly elevated, as prevention. And don’t rub dry, itchy eyes; avoid eye strain from TV watching and hours in front of the computer screen; watch your diet; and get enough sleep.

Then, go topical. Lavender floral water, geranium essence, even cold milk (or cool water compresses) can help alleviate swelling. Herbal remedies can do double duty: Drink bilberry tea and apply cool tea bags to eyes to improve vision clarity (sometimes compromised when eyes get irritated). Green tea also works well, as does a tea made of nettles (good for eye issues related to hormones). Chrysanthemum tea alleviates allergy-related puffiness. (If loose tea, Wakefield suggests covering eyes with a facial tissue and covering the affected area with cool tea leaves.)

Wakefield offers a recipe for a homemade cure. >> Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add 4 tablespoons calendula flower, 2 tablespoons lavender. Steep and let cool. Soak cotton balls in the tea, and apply to under-eyes (while reclining). Save the rest of the brew for the next puffy morning.