Dark Circles: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dark circles, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, are a common cosmetic concern characterized by the discoloration of skin under the eyes, appearing as a bluish or purplish hue.

Typically caused by fatigue, lack of sleep, allergies, and genetics, dark circles can also be a sign of underlying health issues such as anemia, sinus infections, and poor circulation. If left untreated, dark circles can negatively impact one's self-esteem and overall well-being.

Fortunately, herbal remedies like chamomile, peppermint, and licorice root offer relief when applied topically in the form of eye creams or compresses, while caution must be exercised as some herbs may interact with medications or exacerbate allergies.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dark circles, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dark circles?

The main causes of dark circles are a combination of factors including genetics, thin skin under the eyes, and a lack of sleep or poor sleep quality, which can lead to fluid buildup and puffiness.

Dehydration and a diet high in salt can also contribute to dark circles due to water retention. Allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, can cause the blood vessels under the eyes to dilate, resulting in dark circles. A condition called periorbital hyperpigmentation, which is caused by the overproduction of melanin, can also cause dark circles.

Additionally, underlying medical conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, and liver disease can lead to dark circles due to changes in blood flow and oxygenation.

• Allergies: Allergies cause the blood vessels under the eyes to dilate and become visible, leading to dark circles.
• Poor Sleep: Poor sleep causes the skin under the eyes to become puffy and discolored, leading to dark circles.
• Dehydration: Dehydration causes the blood vessels under the eyes to become visible and the skin to lose its natural plumpness, leading to dark circles.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in determining the size and color of the blood vessels under the eyes, which can contribute to dark circles.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia, can cause the blood vessels under the eyes to become visible and lead to dark circles.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can cause fluid retention and lead to dark circles.
• Anemia: Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, can cause the blood vessels under the eyes to become visible and lead to dark circles.
• Sinus Pressure: Sinus pressure can cause the skin under the eyes to become puffy and discolored, leading to dark circles.
• Medication: Certain medications, such as steroids and some antidepressants, can cause fluid retention and lead to dark circles.
• Age: As people age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner and more transparent, allowing the blood vessels to become visible and leading to dark circles.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dark circles?

The main medicinal herbs used for dark circles are Aloe barbadensis, Ginkgo biloba, Silybum marianum, Vitis vinifera, Centella asiatica, Rosmarinus officinalis, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ruscus aculeatus, Avena sativa.

Aloe barbadensis contains aloin and aloe-emodin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing puffiness and darkening of the skin. Ginkgo biloba and Vitis vinifera possess flavonoids and phenolic acids that improve microcirculation, preventing blood stasis and promoting oxygenation. Centella asiatica contains asiaticoside, which stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity, while Silybum marianum and Glycyrrhiza glabra have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the skin.

Curcuma longa and Rosmarinus officinalis contain curcumin and carnosic acid, respectively, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing puffiness and dark circles, while Avena sativa and Ruscus aculeatus help to regulate the body's natural circadian rhythms.

• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with dark circles due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce puffiness and swelling in the eye area, thereby minimizing the appearance of dark circles.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with dark circles by improving blood circulation, which reduces the appearance of dark circles and promotes overall skin health.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum helps with dark circles by protecting the skin from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the formation of dark circles.
• Vitis vinifera: Vitis vinifera helps with dark circles due to its high antioxidant content, which protects the skin from damage and promotes overall skin health, including reducing the appearance of dark circles.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica helps with dark circles by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation, which minimizes the appearance of dark circles and promotes overall skin health.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis helps with dark circles due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the skin from damage and reduce puffiness and swelling in the eye area.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and promoting overall skin health, including reducing the appearance of dark circles.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with dark circles due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce puffiness and swelling in the eye area, thereby minimizing the appearance of dark circles.
• Ruscus aculeatus: Ruscus aculeatus helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and promoting overall skin health, including reducing the appearance of dark circles.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps with dark circles due to its antioxidant properties, which protect the skin from damage and promote overall skin health, including reducing the appearance of dark circles.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dark circles?

The main herbal preparations used for dark circles are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Capsule, Gel, Salve, Ointure, Suppository, Poultice, Tea.

Decoction involves boiling herbs in water to extract flavonoids and phenolic acids from plants like licorice root and chamomile, which reduce puffiness and inflammation. Tincture is made by soaking herbs like arnica and calendula in a solvent, then mixing with a carrier liquid to deliver bioactive compounds that combat dark circles and eye strain. Creams and gels, often containing aloe vera or cucumber, are topical preparations that moisturize and soothe the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Capsules, suppositories, and poultices are less common preparations, but may be used for internal or external application of herbs like ginkgo biloba and feverfew, which help alleviate dark circles by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation.

• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and improving circulation in the eye area, which in turn reduces the visibility of dark circles.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) helps with dark circles by improving lymphatic circulation and reducing fluid retention, which are common causes of dark circles.
• Cream: A topical cream containing the extract of the herb Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) helps with dark circles by reducing puffiness and inflammation in the eye area, which in turn reduces the visibility of dark circles.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the standardized extract of the herb Rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) helps with dark circles by reducing oxidative stress and promoting collagen production, which in turn improves skin elasticity and reduces the visibility of dark circles.
• Gel: A gel containing the extract of the herb Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, which in turn reduces puffiness and improves circulation in the eye area.
• Salve: A salve containing the extract of the herb Calendula (Calendula officinalis) helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, which in turn reduces puffiness and improves circulation in the eye area.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the extract of the herb Plantain (Plantago major) helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and improving circulation in the eye area, which in turn reduces the visibility of dark circles.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the extract of the herb Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and promoting lymphatic circulation, which in turn reduces puffiness and improves circulation in the eye area.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the herb Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, which in turn reduces puffiness and improves circulation in the eye area.
• Tea: Drinking a tea made from the herb Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with dark circles by reducing inflammation and improving circulation, which in turn reduces the visibility of dark circles.