(Foreword: This is the continuation to our response to Nympha of Ma-a regarding her desire for natural remedies for puffy eyes and dark circles.)
DEAR Nympha of Maa,
Now, we get on the ways on how to help your puffy eyes and dark circles using natural techniques and remedies. Of course, some of them have been handed down through the generations. But, some here are quite new and worth trying. I would not say that all of these techniques are effective. But, you can try and see what will help you best. You may have already known some of them. The truth is, some may work, some may not. Just try and see which of these will help you fight your problem and go for it. If you had already tried some of them, but, didn’t work, then, move on to the next ways and means.
1. Do cold compress
The cold can reduce swelling and this can help puffy eyes so well. Moreover, a cold compress on the eyes freshens it and is just like a morning coffee to wake up those puffy eyes. You can use ice which is wrapped in a soft cloth, or a chilled eye mask, or a pack of frozen vegetables or green peas or the ever well tried and tested pair of chilled spoons.
2. Try Chamomile tea
Chamomile has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and if you apply this to your eyes in a chilled tea bag, this would also give the benefit of a cold compress. So, why not try chamomile tea in the morning. Remove the bag and chill it and let it rest on your eyes. But, if you are allergic to this, stop it right at once. Some are allergic to chamomile and I hope you are not one of them.
3. Go for sliced cucumbers
Ever since as a kid, I have always this photo of a woman with cucumbers on her eyes. This could only mean that cucumbers has the cold-compress powers. There could also be antioxidants playing here which could be the reason why they reduce irritation around the eyes. But, when chilled, they have to be applied for four to five minutes to get its best effects.
Oh, oh, I would have wanted to go for more ways to kill your problem, but, since we are running of space for now, so, let me then, continue this in my next issue. Until then again!
Dr. Fritz
r(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)