Make sure to use separate tea bags for each eye and feel free to drink the tea that you made in addition to using the steeped tea bags. Cold compress: Chilled tea bags also work as an affordable cold compress for the eyes, and eye doctors recommend these compresses to reduce swelling and redness. Much like the speculated effect of caffeine shrinking blood vessels, cold temperatures work in the same way. Tea bags make a great cold compress because they fit easily on the eyelid and stay in place if your head is tilted back. Other household items like a spoon or frozen bag of peas can also be used, but you may not want to hold a cold spoon in your hand for 30 minutes and a bag of peas could freeze your whole face! Antioxidants: All teas and most herbal teas are rich in antioxidants. Using products with antioxidants on the skin may be beneficial in preventing or reducing skin inflammation, but research in this area is limited. Caffeinated teas may hold some extra anti-inflammatory properties but not for all people. If you’re doing this remedy right before bed and plan on drinking the tea from the bags you brewed, you may want to choose an herbal or caffeine-free tea that won’t interfere with your sleep patterns. Cool tea bags are a short-term approach to managing slight swelling or dark circles under your eyes, and if you have any concerns about persistent eye pain, itching, or dryness, it is always best to talk with your doctor about treatment options. And remember that cool tea bags do not take the place of adequate sleep and hydration!
