10 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Puffy Eyes

Herbal essential oils, such as chamomile, lavender, and peppermint, are often used to help reduce puffiness around the eyes due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

These oils can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied gently with a cotton pad to the under-eye area to promote circulation and ease swelling. Chamomile is particularly effective for its calming effect, while peppermint can provide a refreshing sensation that may help reduce fluid retention. Regular use of these oils may help alleviate the appearance of dark circles and tiredness, offering a natural alternative to commercial eye creams.

However, it is important to perform a patch test before applying any essential oil to ensure there is no allergic reaction.

1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as German chamomile, is a popular herb used in the production of essential oils that are widely recognized for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

When used topically, chamomile essential oil can help reduce puffiness around the eyes by soothing irritation and decreasing swelling. Its high concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids contributes to its effectiveness in improving skin health and reducing dark circles. To use it for puffy eyes, the oil should be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation, and then gently applied around the eye area with a cotton pad.

Regular use of chamomile essential oil may lead to a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance of the under-eye area.

2. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is a popular herb known for its calming and soothing properties, making its essential oil a valuable remedy for puffy eyes.

The essential oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce swelling and irritation around the delicate eye area. When diluted properly, lavender essential oil can be applied topically to the under-eye region to promote circulation and ease tiredness. Its pleasant floral aroma also has a calming effect, helping to relieve stress-related puffiness.

This natural remedy is widely used in aromatherapy and skincare for its gentle yet effective approach to addressing eye puffiness.

3. Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle, is a herbal plant that has been traditionally used for its liver-protecting properties.

While it is primarily known for its seeds, the essential oils derived from the plant may offer additional benefits for skin health. These oils are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. When used in topical applications, such as eye creams or serums, they may support the skin’s repair process and improve overall eye area appearance.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using silybum marianum essential oils, especially for sensitive skin or during pregnancy.

4. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, contains potent compounds that may help reduce inflammation and swelling, making its essential oil a potential remedy for puffy eyes.

When diluted properly, the essential oil can be applied topically around the eye area to soothe irritation and alleviate fluid retention. However, due to its potency, it is crucial to use a high-quality, therapeutic-grade oil and ensure it is properly diluted with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. Some aromatherapists suggest using it in a diffuser to inhale its calming properties, which may indirectly support eye health by reducing stress-related puffiness.

While more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that Urtica dioica essential oil may offer natural support for reducing puffiness and promoting overall eye wellness.

5. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a widely used herb in traditional medicine, and its essential oils have gained attention for their potential benefits in reducing puffy eyes.

The essential oil of curcuma longa contains potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help in alleviating swelling and dark circles around the eyes. When applied topically, these oils can improve circulation and reduce fluid retention, leading to a more refreshed appearance. However, it is important to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

While preliminary studies suggest promise, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for this specific use.

6. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, is a herbal plant that has been traditionally used for its hormonal balancing properties.

While it is often consumed as a tincture or supplement, its essential oil form can also be beneficial for skin health, including the treatment of puffy eyes. The essential oil of vitex agnus-castus contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, making it a potential natural remedy for under-eye puffiness. When used in skincare routines, such as in a facial massage or diluted in a carrier oil, it may support the reduction of swelling and dark circles.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for sensitive areas like the eye region.

7. Camellia (Camellia sinensis)

Camellia sinensis, the plant from which green tea is derived, is also a source of various herbal essential oils that are gaining popularity for their potential benefits in reducing puffy eyes.

These essential oils contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help soothe the delicate skin around the eyes and reduce swelling. When used in aromatherapy or topical applications, camellia sinensis essential oils can promote circulation and help drain excess fluid from the under-eye area. However, it is important to use these oils properly, as they are highly concentrated and should be diluted before applying to the skin.

Overall, camellia sinensis essential oils offer a natural and holistic approach to addressing the appearance of puffy eyes.

8. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a versatile herb that produces a calming essential oil often used in natural remedies for puffy eyes.

The essential oil of lemon balm is known for its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and soothe the delicate skin around the eyes. When applied topically, it may help alleviate the appearance of dark circles and puffiness by improving circulation and reducing stress-related inflammation. It is typically diluted with a carrier oil before use to avoid irritation, making it a safe option for sensitive eye areas.

Many people find that using lemon balm essential oil as part of a nightly skincare routine can contribute to a more refreshed and rested look.

9. Dog rose (Rosa canina)

Rosa canina, also known as rosehip, is a powerful herbal essential oil that is often used to address the appearance of puffy eyes due to its high concentration of antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

This oil is particularly beneficial for the delicate skin around the eyes, as it helps to reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity. When applied topically, Rosa canina essential oil can help diminish dark circles and under-eye bags by promoting circulation and reducing fluid retention. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a natural remedy for soothing irritation and sensitivity around the eye area.

For best results, it is typically diluted with a carrier oil before use to ensure safe and effective application.

10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, contains essential oils that are often used in natural remedies for puffy eyes due to their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

These essential oils help reduce swelling and irritation by constricting blood vessels and promoting circulation around the delicate eye area. When diluted properly, yarrow essential oil can be applied as a compress to soothe tired, puffy eyes and alleviate symptoms of mild allergic reactions or fluid retention. Its calming effects also contribute to a refreshing sensation, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy for eye care.

However, it is important to use only high-quality, properly diluted essential oils to avoid skin irritation or adverse reactions.