Swollen Eyes Remedy

Just about everyone has had a day when they wake up with puffy eyes that won't go away. It's caused by a number of factors. Eating foods with too much sodium, allergies, lack of sleep and eye strain are all common causes. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to reduce swelling with home cures.

Cold Compresses

• Putting a cold compress over your eyes and lying down for 10 or 15 minutes is probably the best way to get rid of puffy eyes. The cold causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing swelling. If you don't have a cold compress, fill a zipper bag with ice cubes or crushed ice and wrap it in a small towel or piece of cloth and place it over your eyes to produce the same effect.

Tea Bags

• Chilled tea bags from black tea or chamomile tea are good remedies. If you have puffy eyes on a regular basis, save used tea bags in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. When you have puffy eyes, place one cold tea bag over each closed eye and lay back for at least 15 minutes. The caffeine and tannin in black tea reduce swelling around the eyes and chamomile tea has a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling.

Cucumbers Slices, Potatoes and Prevention

• Placing cold cucumber slices over your eyes is another way to soothe tired, swollen eyes. It's not quite clear why cucumbers work, but it's believed the cold helps reduce swelling and the moisture in the cucumber rehydrates the skin. Potato slices seem to work just as well, and the same dynamics apply. Probably the best way to avoid puffy eyes is prevention. Avoid frozen foods and other foods with excess amounts of sodium, since they dehydrate the body and create puffiness in the face and eyes. Also get plenty of sleep and treat allergies before they get out of hand.