It is a common proverb that the eyes are the window to the soul. Our eyes communicate how we feel and what we’re thinking. The structure of the eyes has also been a major focal point when determining the attractiveness of a person in cultures throughout history. King David was described as having “bright” or “beautiful” eyes and the bridegroom in the Song of Solomon described the eyes of his beloved as “doves” and equated them to the “pools in Heshbon.” Unfortunately there are many conditions which take away the beauty and power of expression in the eyes, such as bags, wrinkles, and skimpy lashes. In today’s society women cover up these imperfections with heavy concealer, dark eye shadow, and thick applications of mascara. But wait! Before you reach for the makeup bag, try some of these easy home remedies which treat the cause, instead of just masking the problem.
Puffy Lids
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| Photo credit: Medlaunches.com |
Puffy lids are just one manifestation of edema, or fluid retention. This may be caused by fluctuating hormone levels, drugs with a water retention side effect, dehydration, mononucleosis, pregnancy, allergies, or fatigue. Many people simply wake up each morning with puffy eyelids. If the puffiness is severe and ongoing, you should see a doctor or naturopathic practitioner to determine if there is some underlying cause, such as a hormone imbalance or infection. For occasional puffiness, stick a couple of used green tea bags in the fridge and place them on your lids for about ten minutes once they’re cold. The coolness in and of itself will help to reduce swelling (much like when you place an ice pack on an injury), but the tea also contains anti-inflammatory properties which will further reduce edema in the eyelids. Another method you may like to try involves soaking two cotton balls in witch hazel extract, refrigerating, and applying to the eyelids. Witch hazel also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help the swelling.
Besides these quick fixes, it is imperative to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. If you are prone to waking up in the morning with puffy eyes then you may want to consider sleeping with your head slightly elevated to allow for better sinus and fluid drainage. (Be careful you don’t get a neck cramp!) You can also adjust your diet and lifestyle to reduce your chances of retaining water. Regular exercise and reducing salt intake are important to prevent water retention. Bananas, cranberry juice, parsley, and cabbage are diuretics which will help discourage edema when consumed.
Sagging Skin
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| Photo credit: cosmeticsurgeon.co.uk |
Sagging eyelids are generally thought to be a part of the natural aging process. Of course some drooping will take place in the later years of life, but most can be prevented with simple facial exercises, which I discussed in depth in my article on Facercise. It is also important to keep the skin around the eyes well hydrated with natural oils (such as jojoba) or an organic facial moisturizer (such as Aubrey Organics nighttime hydrator). Combining Facercise with a good moisturizer will go a long way towards preventing and reversing forehead/eyelid sagging.
Dark Circles
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| Photo credit: basantee.pk |
Under eye dark circles can be caused by a number of things, including fatigue, stress, overexposure to the sun, age, and nutrient deficiency. Before starting a dark circle treatment, it’s important to realize that everyone naturally has some level of darkness beneath their eyes. The only way to completely eradicate dark circles is to use heavy makeup, which presents a false form of beauty.
Using cold tea bags on the eyes can help treat minor dark circles while tackling puffy eyelids at the same time. Another famed home remedy which I have not tried is to apply a paste of 1 tsp tomato juice, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder, and a pinch of gramflour, and leave it on for ten minutes. Some research has shown that a vitamin K deficiency may contribute to dark circles, so applying a natural face cream containing this ingredient may help. It is also very important to wear sunglasses in bright sunshine to prevent damage to the delicate skin around the eyes and to avoid rubbing your eyes as much as possible. This can break the tiny capillaries beneath the skin, creating a bruising effect. Applying crushed mint leaves or cucumber slices to the eyes can help to significantly reduce the appearance of dark circles. In addition to these remedies remember to get plenty of sleep, eat a nutrient dense diet, and try not to let stress get the better of you!
Come back again in two weeks for part two in which I will cover sparse lashes and crow’s feet!
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Thank you for sharing, Kate! I have never used make-up {with the exception of dress-up once}, and never plan on it. But I will keep these remedies in mind for whenever I encounter a need for them!
Thank you again! I look forward to your next article!
Blessings,
Sonja
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And when the eye is full of light— the whole body is full of light!
Thank you for this bright light in the High Calling Blogging community….
All’s grace,
Ann Voskamp
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Ah, thanks!! I have pretty dark circles under my eyes most days…funny thing is, as long as I wear my glasses and there is a light in the room, it doesn’t look like I have dark circles. :-P Thanks for this post; looking forward to the next part. :-D
~Hannah Grace
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My Native American name that my parents bestowed on me when I was younger is Waseyaa Nishkiinzhigkoog, which in the Ojibwe language means “Bright Eyes”. :-)
Thanks for this excellent article!
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Thank you for sharing! I will write some of these ideas down so I can use them when I need them. I don’t usually have a problem with dark circles, but this last week I could use these tips. :)
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Hey Girls! Thanks so much for this post! I have dark circles under my eyes (which I’ve been told runs in the family lol) and I will have to try these remedies! Thanks so much! God Bless!
In HIM,
Rose
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Yes, my dark circles are also hereditary- mom, dad, grandparents, all of us- we all look like ghosts if we are pale, too! lol But I will be sure to give your remedies a try to see if it minimizes any darkness. I avoid make-up, but these pesky circles have me running close to the makeup counter sometimes! Good thing your article will surely help =)
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Thank you so much for sharing! Bless you!
Joycelyn
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Thanks so much for sharing! I’m going to have to try some of these remedies!
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