Puffy Eyes: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Puffy eyes, also known as periorbital edema, are swollen eyelids caused by excess fluid accumulation, often due to allergies, sinus infections, or skin irritations.

Prolonged puffiness can lead to eye strain, vision problems, and even cardiovascular issues. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies such as peppermint, chamomile, and witch hazel can be used. These herbs can be applied topically in the form of eye creams or compresses, or consumed as teas to reduce inflammation and promote fluid drainage.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of puffy eyes, 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 puffy eyes?

The main causes of puffy eyes are fluid buildup, inflammation, and structural changes in the face due to various factors.

Fluid buildup occurs when the body retains excess salt and water, causing the eyes to swell, which is often seen in people with poor circulation, kidney or heart disease, and hormonal imbalances. Inflammation, particularly in the nasal passages and sinuses, can lead to puffiness due to increased mucus production and swelling, commonly caused by allergies, sinus infections, or environmental irritants. Structural changes, such as a deviated septum or thin skin, can also contribute to puffy eyes, making them more prone to swelling.

Furthermore, lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, smoking, and excessive sodium consumption can exacerbate puffiness by increasing fluid retention and inflammation.

• Allergies: Allergies can cause puffy eyes due to the release of histamine, a chemical that increases blood flow and fluid retention, leading to swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can cause puffy eyes because the body's tissues, including those around the eyes, shrink and become more prominent, giving the appearance of puffiness.
• Sleep Deprivation: Sleep deprivation can cause puffy eyes due to the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which increase blood flow and fluid retention, leading to swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
• Caffeine Overload: Caffeine overload can cause puffy eyes due to its diuretic effect, which causes the body to lose water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration and puffiness around the eyes.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin K, can cause puffy eyes due to the breakdown of blood vessels and the release of inflammatory chemicals, leading to swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can cause puffy eyes due to the release of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which increase blood flow and fluid retention, leading to swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
• Genetics: Genetics can cause puffy eyes due to the inheritance of traits like fat deposits or loose skin, which can make the eyes appear puffy.
• Medications: Medications like steroids, birth control pills, and certain antidepressants can cause puffy eyes due to their side effects, such as increased blood pressure and fluid retention.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis can cause puffy eyes due to the inflammation and congestion of the sinuses, which can cause the eyes to become puffy and swollen.
• Anemia: Anemia can cause puffy eyes due to the lack of red blood cells, which can lead to poor circulation and fluid retention, resulting in puffiness around the eyes.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for puffy eyes?

The main medicinal herbs used for puffy eyes are Aloe barbadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Calendula officinalis, Cucumis sativus, Euphorbia trigona, Euphrasia officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Vitis vinifera, Hamamelis virginiana, Avena sativa.

Aloe barbadensis reduces inflammation with its anti-inflammatory compounds, like aloin and aloe-emodin. Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to reduce puffiness and soothe the skin, while Calendula officinalis' anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties promote wound healing and reduce redness. Cucumis sativus, Euphorbia trigona, and Ginkgo biloba all have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and improve circulation, while Euphrasia officinalis and Vitis vinifera have antioxidant properties that help to protect the skin from damage.

Hamamelis virginiana's astringent and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce puffiness and tighten the skin, while Avena sativa's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to soothe and calm the skin.

• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with puffy eyes due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and soothe irritated skin, allowing the eyes to return to a normal state.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with puffy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and protect the skin from oxidative stress, thereby alleviating puffiness.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with puffy eyes through its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which reduce swelling and prevent infection, promoting healthy skin and reducing puffiness.
• Cucumis sativus: Cucumis sativus helps with puffy eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and protect the skin from oxidative stress, thereby alleviating puffiness and promoting healthy skin.
• Euphorbia trigona: Euphorbia trigona helps with puffy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which reduce swelling and prevent infection, promoting healthy skin and reducing puffiness.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis helps with puffy eyes through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and protect the skin from oxidative stress, thereby alleviating puffiness and promoting healthy skin.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with puffy eyes, but its antioxidant properties can help improve circulation, which may indirectly help reduce puffiness.
• Vitis vinifera: Vitis vinifera helps with puffy eyes by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and protect the skin from oxidative stress, thereby alleviating puffiness and promoting healthy skin.
• Hamamelis virginiana: Hamamelis virginiana helps with puffy eyes through its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which reduce swelling and tighten blood vessels, thereby alleviating puffiness and promoting healthy skin.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps with puffy eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and protect the skin from oxidative stress, thereby alleviating puffiness and promoting healthy skin.

What are the main herbal preparations used for puffy eyes?

The main herbal preparations used for puffy eyes are Tincture, Decoction, Ointment, Gel, Salve, Cream, Poultice, Capsule, Eye Cream, Capsules.

Tincture of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) reduces swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Decoction of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) soothes and calms the skin around the eyes. Topical preparations like Ointment, Gel, Salve, and Cream containing Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), and Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) help to cool and reduce puffiness.

Capsules containing Herbal blends such as Quercetin and Vitamin K also help to reduce inflammation and promote circulation.

• Tincture: A tincture of Plantago major, also known as plantain, helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Ointment: An ointment of Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and soothing the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Gel: A gel of Hamamelis virginiana, also known as witch hazel, helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting blood vessel constriction due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
• Salve: A salve of Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Cream: A cream of Glycerin, derived from vegetable sources, helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and soothing the skin due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Poultice: A poultice of Cucumis sativus, also known as cucumber, helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting cooling due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties.
• Capsule: A capsule of Bacopa monnieri, also known as brahmi, helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Eye Cream: An eye cream of Oenothera biennis, also known as evening primrose, helps with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and soothing the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Capsules: Capsules of Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) help with puffy eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.