Using tea bags on your eyes is a gentle, budget-friendly home remedy that can help soothe everything from puffiness and dark circles to eye irritation and redness. The caffeine in certain teas helps shrink blood vessels, easing swelling and inflammation. Plus, many teas are rich in antioxidants that can calm and refresh tired or irritated eyes.
Whether you’re dealing with dry eyes, pink eye, or just looking for a way to unwind, this simple remedy is easy to try at home.
Let’s break down how to use tea bags for various eye concerns, plus the types of tea that work best. 👇
☕ How to Use Tea Bags on Your Eyes
- Steep two tea bags just as if you were making tea to drink.
- Squeeze out the excess liquid and let them cool until warm, or chill them in the refrigerator.
- Lie back and apply the tea bags to your closed eyes for 15 to 30 minutes.
- If you like, use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure or lightly massage around your eyes.
🌱 Best Teas to Use
Different teas offer different benefits. Here are the top options:
- Black, white & green tea – contain caffeine and antioxidants, great for puffiness, dark circles, and inflammation.
- Herbal teas like:
- Chamomile 🌼
- Rooibos 🌿
- Lavender 💜
- Calendula
- Eyebright (Clary Sage)
- Comfrey
- Fennel
- Fenugreek
These teas are soothing, hydrating, and ideal for irritated or tired eyes.
🧊 What Tea Bags Help With
1. Puffy or Swollen Eyes
Caffeine in black or green tea constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling. The tannins and flavonoids help tighten the skin and reduce fluid buildup.
2. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Some people find relief using calendula, chamomile, or fennel tea, though evidence is limited. These can work as a gentle warm compress to soothe irritation.
3. Dark Circles
Cold black or green tea bags may shrink the blood vessels under your eyes, brightening up dark circles naturally.
4. Styes
Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, black tea is a go-to for treating styes. Chamomile may also help soothe the surrounding skin.
5. Rosacea
Chamomile, lavender, and green tea are known for their anti-inflammatory powers. You can apply tea bags to the eyes or other areas of your face to calm redness and irritation—just be sure your skin doesn’t react negatively.
6. Redness or Eye Discoloration
Chamomile, rooibos, and green tea can help refresh eyes and reduce inflammation and redness.
7. Dry Eyes
Warm tea bags may help moisturize the eye area, offering relief from dryness or irritation.
8. Black Eye
Apply cold black or green tea bags to reduce swelling and bruising. The tannins may help, though research on this is minimal.
⚠️ Safety Tips & Risks
The eye area is very delicate, so take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands and face before applying.
- Remove all makeup.
- Never use hot tea bags—only warm or cold.
- Avoid tea bags with staples or that are bleached.
- Keep the tea out of your eyes.
- Take out contact lenses before treatment.
- Stop immediately if you feel any irritation, burning, or pain.
- Do not rub or touch your eyes afterward.
✅ Final Thoughts
While tea bags won’t replace medical treatment for serious eye issues, they’re a soothing and natural way to relieve minor irritation, swelling, and tired eyes.
Give yourself permission to slow down, lie back, and let your eyes rest. But if symptoms linger or worsen, always check in with a healthcare provider.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I leave tea bags on my eyes?
Leave them on for 15 to 30 minutes while relaxing with your eyes closed. You can do this once or twice daily until your symptoms improve.
2. Can I reuse tea bags for my eyes?
It’s best to use fresh tea bags each time to avoid introducing bacteria or dirt into the eye area. Never reuse tea bags that have already been applied.
3. Should tea bags be warm or cold for eye treatments?
Both can work depending on your needs:
- Cold tea bags help with puffiness and dark circles.
- Warm tea bags can help with dry eyes, styes, or irritation.
Always make sure they’re not too hot to avoid burns.
4. Can I use any type of tea bag?
Stick to unbleached, natural tea bags without staples. Organic varieties are ideal. Avoid flavored teas or those with added ingredients that may irritate your skin.
5. How often can I use tea bags on my eyes?
You can use them daily—even a couple of times a day if needed—just be gentle with your skin and monitor how your eyes react.
6. Are there any side effects?
If you experience itching, burning, or increased redness, stop using the tea bags immediately. Always consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.