Eye Swelling: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Eye swelling, medically known as periorbital edema, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues around the eyes, causing puffiness, redness, and discomfort.

It can be caused by factors such as allergies, sinus infections, conjunctivitis, or even a side effect of certain medications. If left untreated, eye swelling can lead to vision problems, increased risk of eye infections, and impaired eye function. To alleviate eye swelling, herbal remedies like chamomile tea, cooled cucumber slices, and aloe vera gel can be applied to the affected area.

However, it's essential to note that medicinal herbs should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of eye swelling, 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 eye swelling?

The main causes of eye swelling are allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, dust, and certain foods, which trigger the release of histamine and lead to inflammation.

Infections, including conjunctivitis, can also cause eye swelling due to the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In some cases, eye swelling can be caused by underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, kidney disease, or rosacea, which can lead to increased blood flow and fluid retention. Trauma to the eye, such as from a blow or a chemical splash, can also cause eye swelling due to bruising and inflammation.

Additionally, eye swelling can be a symptom of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, which can cause fluid retention and puffiness in the eyes.

• Allergies: Allergies can cause eye swelling due to the release of histamine in the body, which leads to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the eyelids, resulting in puffiness and swelling.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis can cause eye swelling due to the inflammation of the sinuses, which can lead to increased pressure and fluid buildup in the eyelids, causing puffiness and swelling.
• Cold: Cold can cause eye swelling due to the cold temperature causing blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, leading to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the eyelids, resulting in puffiness and swelling.
• Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis can cause eye swelling due to the severe and sudden release of histamine in the body, leading to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the eyelids, resulting in rapid onset of puffiness and swelling.
• Eye Trauma: Eye trauma can cause eye swelling due to the damage to the tissues and blood vessels in the eyelids, leading to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation, resulting in puffiness and swelling.
• Infection: Infection can cause eye swelling due to the inflammation and infection of the tissues in the eyelids, leading to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation, resulting in puffiness and swelling.
• Medication: Medication can cause eye swelling due to the side effects of certain medications, such as steroids and blood pressure medications, which can cause increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the eyelids, resulting in puffiness and swelling.
• Cyst: Cyst can cause eye swelling due to the accumulation of fluid or tissue in the eyelids, leading to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation, resulting in puffiness and swelling.
• Tumor: Tumor can cause eye swelling due to the growth of abnormal tissue in the eyelids, leading to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation, resulting in puffiness and swelling.
• Autoimmune Disease: Autoimmune disease can cause eye swelling due to the abnormal immune response, leading to inflammation and increased blood flow in the eyelids, resulting in puffiness and swelling.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for eye swelling?

The main medicinal herbs used for eye swelling are Calendula officinalis, Euphorbia peplus, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Hypericum perforatum, Echinacea purpurea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Arnica montana, Symphytum officinale, Plantago major.

Calendula officinalis contains triterpenoids and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce swelling and promote tissue repair. Euphorbia peplus contains ingenol mebutate, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing in eye injuries. Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera contain aloe-emodin, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help soothe and heal eye injuries.

Hypericum perforatum, Echinacea purpurea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Arnica montana, Symphytum officinale, and Plantago major have various bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, contributing to their potential use in reducing eye swelling.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with eye swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly triterpenoids and flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
• Euphorbia peplus: Euphorbia peplus helps with eye swelling due to its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammation and swelling.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with eye swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, particularly aloin and aloe-emodin, which reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with eye swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, particularly aloin and aloe-emodin, which reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with eye swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, which reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with eye swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, which reduce inflammation and promote immune function.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus helps with eye swelling due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly anthocyanins and phenolic acids, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana helps with eye swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, particularly arnica acid and sesquiterpenes, which reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with eye swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, particularly allantoin and mucilages, which reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
• Plantago major: Plantago major helps with eye swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, particularly flavonoids and mucilages, which reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.

What are the main herbal preparations used for eye swelling?

The main herbal preparations used for eye swelling are Tincture, Decoction, Salve, Cream, Poultice, Ointment, Capsule, Gel, Cold Compress, Tea.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract of herbs such as Eyebright, Calendula or Echinacea, is used topically to reduce inflammation and swelling. Decoction, a liquid extract made by boiling herbs like Chamomile, Lavender, or Peppermint, is used to create a warm compress to soothe and calm the affected area. Salve, Cream, and Ointment are semi-solid preparations made from infused herbs like Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, or Witch Hazel, which are applied topically to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Capsules, Gels, and Teas made from herbs like Quercetin or Bilberry are taken internally to reduce inflammation and swelling from the inside.

• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Calendula officinalis helps with eye swelling by reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are released when applied topically.
• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Echinacea purpurea helps with eye swelling by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which are released when the plant material is steeped in hot water.
• Salve: A salve made from the herb Plantago lanceolata helps with eye swelling by providing a physical barrier to protect the affected area and promoting healing due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cream: A cream made from the herb Aloe barbadensis helps with eye swelling by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which are released when applied topically.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the herb Arnica montana helps with eye swelling by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are released when the plant material is applied directly to the affected area.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the herb Symphytum officinale helps with eye swelling by providing a physical barrier to protect the affected area and promoting healing due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the herb Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) helps with eye swelling by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are absorbed into the bloodstream when ingested.
• Gel: A gel made from the herb Hamamelis virginiana helps with eye swelling by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which are released when applied topically.
• Cold Compress: A cold compress made from the herb Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helps with eye swelling by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties, which are released when the cooled plant material is applied directly to the affected area.
• Tea: A tea made from the herb Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with eye swelling by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which are released when ingested and absorbed into the bloodstream.