Eye puffiness and dark circles can be some of the most common, yet embarassing and annoying problems many people suffer with.

Although they are aesthetically unpleasant, dark circles are medically nothing to be concerned with. Heredity, allergies, and certain medications are known to cause these heavy, tired looking eyes.

Puffiness can be the result of fluid retention, allergies, and hormones. Eating salty foods, or drinking excess water before bed can increase the fluid around your eyes while you sleep. Eating certain foods that increase fluid production such as strawberries or sleeping around allergens such as feather pillows or animal dander can also cause puffiness in the morning. Some women experience this eye swelling with hormonal changes during their menstral cycle.

General puffiness can be prevented as well as treated. Permanent puffiness caused by aging skin which can collect pockets of fat under the eyes or a condition known as graves' disease are situations where specialized treatments are necessary. Unfortuately if heredity is the cause of the dark circles there is little to be done to improve the darkness around the eyes.

The holistic world offers many solutions to treat symptoms of puffiness, irritaion and dark circles. Thai herbal facial compress is a great way to reduce general inflammation and swelling around the eyes. It's unique blend of common Thai herbs provide anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-puritic properties.

The Thai herbal compress is composed of all natural and traditional Thai herbs individually selected for the treatment of the sensitive skin around the eyes and face. These finely ground herbs are placed in non-allergenic natural fiber material and tightly wrapped into a small ball. This ball can then be cooled in the fridge or freezer and placed, gently rolled or tapped over the eyes and face. The herbs are absorbed through the skin and start to work immediately, soothing the irritated and puffy skin. The cool temperature calms the inflammation and sends the excess fluids away from the eyes.

A more traditional way to remove puffiness around the eyes is to make your own homemade herbal eye mask or poultice. This involves a little more work but can be just as effective. First, grate a cucumber and squeeze out the excess juice into a bowl. Add the same amount of water and a couple drops of rose essential oil. Let it sit to cool in the fridge. Dip a soft cotton cloth into the bowl to absorb the tonic. Gently wring out the cloth over the bowl. Place the cotton cloth with herbs over the eyes. Lay back and relax. This tonic will gently draw out the toxin build up around your eyes making you look and feel yourself again.

By Lana Cummings