Do tea bags benefit eye health? Know Here

NEW DELHI: Using tea bags on the eyes is an accessible and inexpensive home remedy. It not only aids relaxation but may also help with several eye ailments. Camellia sinensis and Camellia sinensis assamica are two varieties of tea plant that grow in around 45 countries, including China, India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. These two tea plants make up the most common types of tea, such as black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea. Some scientific studies suggest that tea may have healing properties and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions. This article looks at the benefits of using tea bags on the eyes, whether different varieties of tea affect the eyes in different ways, and how to use them. Very few studies have specifically investigated the benefits of using tea bags on the eyes. Some evidence has suggested that using cold and warm compresses on the eyes has benefits, and tea bags are the perfect size to use as an eye compress.

Researchers have also examined the health benefits of properties present in tea, such as caffeine and polyphenols.

As a cold compress

The benefits of using tea bags as a cold compress include: Reducing dark circles under the eyes. Dilated blood vessels below the eyes may play a part in dark circles. Holding a cold tea bag over the area may make the vessels constrict.

Shrinking bags under the eyes. A cool tea bag compress may improve the appearance of puffiness or mild swelling under the eyes.

Relieving pink eye. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, occurs when the mucous membranes become inflamed and swollen. A cold tea bag compress may help alleviate some of the dryness and inflammation.

Soothing red eyes. Red or bloodshot eyes occur when the blood vessels under the surface of the eye become irritated. Placing cold tea bag compresses over the eyes may help ease this irritation.

Easing minor eye injuries. If the eye sustains a hit by a ball, elbow, or other hard object, placing a cold tea bag compress on the area for 15 minutesTrusted Source may reduce pain and swelling.

As a warm compress

The benefits of using tea bags as a warm compress include:

Reducing Blepharitis. Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelids due to bacteria, scalp dandruff, or problems with oil glands in the eyelids. Holding a warm tea bag over closed eyes for at least 1 minute may loosen the flakes that are stuck to the eyelashes and prevent oil glands from clogging.

Draining a stye. A blocked oil gland usually causes a stye, which is a red, painful lump that grows under the eyelid or at the base of the eyelid. The medical term for this is a chalazion. Applying heat with a warm tea bag compress to the stye for 10–15 minutes two to three times per day may help release the pus and heal the stye.

Relieving dry eyes. Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Putting warm tea bags on the eyes may release oil from the glands and improve the quality of tears.

There is no evidence to suggest that using a tea bag is any better than using a clean washcloth soaked in cold or warm water, however.

Different types of tea may have different benefits for eye and skin health.

Black, green, and white teas have antioxidants and caffeine that may help with some eye conditions, whereas herbal teas may soothe eye irritation and inflammation.

Black tea and green tea contain polyphenols, caffeine, and certain minerals. Some of these compounds may have protective or disease preventing properties.

Polyphenols act as antioxidants and may protect against free radical induced damage. Polyphenols include many different components, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

Some research suggests that EGCG has anti-inflammatory effects. Additional studies suggest that polyphenols may: soothe burns from sun exposure, prevent sunburn, heal burns injuries and scars.

Green tea may be more effective than black tea due to having higher flavonoid content.

The caffeine in these teas also has positive effects. Applying caffeine may help improve skin elasticity and reduce dark eye circles, as well as reduce swelling and pigmentation. (Agencies)

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