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Dispatch Dark Circles

Don’t run for the cosmetics counter for something to "hide" those puffy circles under your eyes. In fact, don’t hide them at all! By using herbs, supplements and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be able to face the mirror every morning without a "raccoon" staring back at you.

There has been a long-standing connection between the way your eyes look and what you eat. As Jethro Kloss says in his classic book Back to Eden: "Eye troubles are caused by a deranged stomach."

A diet poor in vitamins and nutrients is a major contributor to under-eye circles. Eating nutrient-rich organic fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots and leafy greens cleanses your system from harmful toxins and they are a great source of antioxidant vitamins A (essential to good eye health), B-complex and C.

Eliminate processed foods, hydrogenated fats and oils, sugar, caffeine and alcohol from your diet. All contain toxins and disrupt your sleep pattern, and fatigue is usually seen as the major reason for dark circles. If you’re not getting a full night’s sleep, herbal remedies such as valerian and camomile can reduce stress from the day and help you drift off.

The following herbs, fruits and vegetables wake up your tired eyes and increase circulation. All can be used topically.

• Eyebright–soothes sore, tired eyes, strengthens the connective tissue around the eyes. Also make into a tea for internal use.


• Witch hazel–reduces inflammation and bruising around the eyes. Soak a cotton puff in an extract and place over eyes. Relief is almost instantaneous.


• Aosin–an algae extract that improves the elasticity of skin and inhibits the breakdown of collagen. (The thickness of the skin around the eye, including collagen, is equal to the thickness of four stacked pieces of paper.)


• Golden seal root–an excellent anti-inflammatory.


• Centella–also known as gotu kola, alleviates puffiness and stimulates collagen growth.


• Cucumber–a refreshing compress. It tightens pores, moisturizes and reduces puffiness.


• Lemon–the citric acid contains antioxidants and has a slight bleaching effect, evening out skin tone and reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Source: alive #223, May 2001