Big dark circles under one’s eyes make one look stressed and exhausted. Who wants that? Not many of us, yet sometimes with these are inescapable given life’s vicissitudes.

Before I give you some quick, on-the-spot help, a long-term solution could be to get a better handle on possible allergies you might suffer from, as under-eye bags are also called allergic shiners. Could you be allergic to dust? Pollens? Check out my piece about how to outwit dust mites, and another how to make a nontoxic cleaning kit.

You may have the ingredients in these quick, easy fixes in your frig or cupboard. If not, they are easily found in supermarkets and health food stores.
1. Place cucumber slices over closed eyes, and rest with them for 15 or 20 minutes. Cucumber is the exact pH of the skin and give hydration to the area as well.

2. Place cooled chamomile tea bags over closed eyes, and rest with them for 15 or 20 minutes. Chamomile is anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, astringent, and antioxidant. It contains tannins, flavonoids, and salicylates and is rich in minerals.

3. Place cooled peppermint tea bags over closed eyes, and rest with them for 15 or 20 minutes. Peppermint oil contains Menthol, giving a cooling effect.

Extra tip: Place warm, wet wash cloths over closed eyes, and rest with them for 15 or 20 minutes. Sometimes the skin around the eyes looks tired simply because it is dehydrated.

I’ve also posted a remedy for anti-wrinkle eye cream.