10 Best Herbal Baths For Dark Circles

Herbal baths can be a soothing and effective way to address dark circles under the eyes by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation.

Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and calendula are commonly used for their calming and skin-revitalizing properties. Adding these herbs to a warm bath allows their beneficial compounds to be absorbed through the skin, potentially improving the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Regular use of such baths may help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fatigue, giving the face a more refreshed look.

While herbal baths are not a substitute for medical treatments, they can be a natural complement to a holistic skincare routine.

1. Dog rose (Rosa canina)

Rosa canina, also known as rose hip, is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for centuries for its skin-nourishing properties.

When used in herbal baths, rose hip can help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by promoting healthy skin tone and reducing inflammation. The high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids in rose hip makes it particularly effective for addressing the underlying causes of dark circles, such as fatigue and poor blood flow. To use rosa canina in a bath, you can steep the dried fruits in hot water and then add the infusion to a warm bath, allowing the skin to absorb its beneficial compounds.

Regular use of rose hip herbal baths can contribute to a more radiant and even complexion, offering a natural and gentle approach to skincare.

2. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

When incorporated into herbal baths, it can help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing puffiness. To prepare a nettle bath, fresh or dried leaves are boiled and then added to warm water, allowing the beneficial compounds to infuse into the water. The soothing effect of the bath can also help relax the body and ease stress, which is a common contributor to the development of dark circles.

Regular use of urtica dioica herbal baths may support overall skin health and contribute to a more radiant complexion.

3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile, is a gentle herbal remedy that has been traditionally used for its calming and soothing properties.

When used in herbal baths, chamomile can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin, making it a beneficial treatment for dark circles under the eyes. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of chamomile may help brighten the under-eye area and improve overall skin tone. To use chamomile in a bath, steep a few chamomile tea bags in hot water and allow the steam to infuse the bathwater.

This relaxing bath can not only help with dark circles but also promote relaxation and better sleep, which are essential for maintaining a healthy complexion.

4. St. john's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to address dark circles under the eyes.

The active compounds in this herb, such as hypericin and hyperforin, are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles. When used in a warm herbal bath, St. John's Wort can promote circulation and soothe the delicate skin around the eyes, potentially improving their overall appearance. However, it is important to note that hypericum perforatum can interact with certain medications and should be used with caution, especially when combined with other topical treatments.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into a skincare routine.

5. Camellia (Camellia sinensis)

Camellia sinensis, commonly known as the plant source of green and black tea, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

When incorporated into herbal baths, camellia sinensis can help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing puffiness. The caffeine and polyphenols in camellia sinensis may also help constrict blood vessels, potentially diminishing the dark, shadowed look associated with tired or stressed skin. To use it in a bath, steep the leaves or use a commercial blend containing camellia sinensis in hot water, then add the infusion to a warm bath for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

While it may offer some supportive benefits, it is important to note that camellia sinensis baths should not replace medical treatments for underlying conditions causing dark circles.

6. Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, is a herbal remedy that has been traditionally used for its potential skin benefits, including the reduction of dark circles under the eyes.

When incorporated into herbal baths, the active compounds in silybum marianum, such as silymarin, may help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to the appearance of dark circles. The soothing properties of the herb can also help to calm the skin and promote a more radiant complexion. To use silybum marianum in a bath, it can be steeped in hot water to create a herbal infusion, which is then added to the bathwater for a relaxing and therapeutic soak.

While herbal baths may offer some supportive benefits, they should not replace professional medical advice, especially for persistent or severe dark circles.

7. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

When infused into a bath, yarrow can help improve circulation and reduce swelling around the delicate under-eye area, which may contribute to the appearance of dark circles. The calming aromatic compounds in yarrow may also help relax the body and promote restful sleep, which is essential for reducing the visibility of dark circles. To prepare an herbal bath, steep a handful of dried yarrow flowers in hot water for several hours, then add the infused water to a warm bath.

While herbal baths can offer gentle relief, they should not replace medical treatments for underlying conditions causing dark circles.

8. Salvia (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

When incorporated into herbal baths, sage can help alleviate dark circles by improving circulation and reducing puffiness around the eyes. The essential oils and compounds in sage, such as rosmarinic acid, may help brighten the skin and promote a more even complexion. To use sage in a bath, one can add a few drops of sage essential oil or a handful of dried sage leaves to warm water.

This calming bath not only targets dark circles but also provides overall relaxation and skin rejuvenation.

9. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its potential benefits in improving skin health and circulation.

When incorporated into herbal baths, vitex can help promote blood flow to the under-eye area, which may reduce the appearance of dark circles by enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin. The calming properties of vitex also support overall relaxation, which can indirectly improve the appearance of tired, dull skin around the eyes. To use vitex in a bath, simply add a few drops of a high-quality vitex essential oil or a herbal infusion to warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

While herbal baths can be a soothing and natural approach, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially for those with sensitive skin or underlying health conditions.

10. Common grape (Vitis vinifera)

Vitis vinifera, commonly known as grape, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its rich content of antioxidants and nutrients that may benefit the skin.

Herbal baths incorporating Vitis vinifera extracts can help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles by promoting skin rejuvenation. The antioxidants present in grape extracts, such as resveratrol, may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are contributing factors to under-eye discoloration. Adding grape-based herbal baths to a skincare routine can offer a natural and holistic approach to addressing dark circles.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new herbal treatments, especially for those with sensitive skin or existing medical conditions.