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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.
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.
The benefits of using tea bags as a cold compress include:
The benefits of using tea bags as a warm compress include:
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:
Green tea may be more effective than black tea due to having
The caffeine in these teas also has positive effects. Applying caffeine
The authors of a 2018 study found that people who drink hot tea daily were 74% less likely to have glaucoma than those who did not drink hot tea.
Although many studies have looked at the health effects of black, white, and green tea, the
People have traditionally used chamomile tea to relieve eye infections, blocked tear ducts, and conjunctivitis.
It also contains flavonoids, so it may be helpful to reduce inflammation.
Some people believe that calendula tea can decrease swelling and help new tissue grow. However, there is limited scientific evidence on using calendula for skin and eye health.
To make a cold or warm tea bag compress for the eyes:
The eyes are very sensitive, so people should always be cautious when using tea bags for this purpose.
Never use hot tea bags on the eyes, and stop using them if there is any irritation. Putting tea bags on the eyes may also be unsuitable for children.
Tea bags are an effective means of applying cold and warm compresses to the eyes. Cold and warm compresses help relieve the symptoms of many eye and skin conditions.
Evidence is accumulating to suggest that black and green tea may be useful for eye and skin health.
However, more studies using a variety of teas are necessary before researchers can make any firm conclusions.
Always be cautious when using any alternative or home remedies on the eyes, as they are a sensitive area.
Shop for tea
Some of the teas listed in this article are available to purchase in grocery stores and online:
Last medically reviewed on September 10, 2019
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