When waking up in the morning and looking into the bathroom mirror, the last thing you want to see are bags under your eyes.  There are several things that can cause eye puffiness.  Some of the causes can be a lack of sleep, fluid retention, too much sodium in your diet, or just a part of the natural aging process.  Getting the right amount of sleep, keeping hydrated, and eating enough fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains will help to support and give your body and skin what they need for long-term health and vitality -- but there are also some great natural things you can do quickly and easily to help reduce puffy eyes.

1) Cucumber Compresses:

According to Dr. Glenn Eichenauer, Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician, cucumbers have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine because of their exceptional healing power.  They contain high amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins A & C, folate, potassium, manganese, silica, molybdenum, as well as calcium, sodium, vitamin B complex and phosphorus.  Cucumbers have the same pH as the skin, which can help restore and protect the skin's natural acid mantle.  They also contain 90-96% naturally distilled water, which makes them excellent for cooling and rehydration.

To make cucumber compresses, cut two slices from a cooled cucumber.  While lying down, place slices over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes.

2) Tea Bag Compresses:

Black tea is high in anti-oxidants and contains caffeine & natural astringents called tannins that help to tighten skin and reduce puffiness.
For making black tea compresses, steep two black tea bags in a cup of hot water for about 5 minutes.  Remove them from the water and allow them to cool.  Wrap bags or cover eyes with tissue to keep the tea from staining your skin, and place bags over closed eyes for 20 minutes for best results.  Repeat up to twice a day to reduce puffiness.

3) Ice Water Treatments:

Cold water can help shrink swollen blood vessels, reducing puffiness and dark under eye circles.

In using cold temperatures to reduce under eye swelling, Phyllis A. Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," recommends moistening a clean cloth in a glass of ice water and applying it as a compress for 15-20 minutes.  Other ice water methods include dipping two sets (four) of serving spoons into the water and applying directly over closed eyes for 15-20 minutes, switching to the second set of spoons when the first gets warm, or wrapping ice cubes in a cloth and applying directly to closed eyes for 5 minutes at a time.