BOO HOO! A different kind of swelling - pls help!

[Molly]

Hi ladies -
Well, it's nearly midnight and I came online to seek remedies for swollen eyes. My subject heading was going to have something to do with boys/men being stupid, but - what a surprise! - that was already taken
Seriously, though, I've noticed that whenever I cry in the evening/night the next morning my eyes are always incredibly swollen. It's awful
I saw something now about bromelain being an anti-inflammatory, so I just ate half a can of pineapple - pathetic, huh? Another thing I saw actually said Preparation H, but I'd heard that before and assumed it was some sort of myth.
Does anyone have any suggestions that have worked for them? Sadly, I am in anticipation of my next time of need, as I'm already done in for tomorrow.

Blah.

Thanks -
Molly

[fawnmarie]

Preparation H does indeed work.

It is NOT a myth.

Also - if you are crying in the evening, you may also be craving and indulging in sweets and salty foods - both of which cause morning swelling. If I eat anything super starchy, I usually wake up the next day with puffy eyes, hands and feet.

If you are suffering a bit of SAD (seasonal affection disorder) and it's making you bummed at night, and you are eating too much sugar, starch and salt, you may want to try some St. Johns' Wort to lighten your mood. Or try to get out in the sun.

At least - stick to sugar free consolation chocolates.

And Preparation H does help - shrinks tissues - but only goes so far if the tissues are water-logged from salt and sugar.

Fawn

[Venus]

In case you don't have Prep H on hand, I also heard that a slice of cucumber over each eye for about 10 minutes is supposed to work. I never tried it myself, but heard it works.

Venus

[Molly]

Thank you ladies!

I am happy ( I guess... ) to report that I think the bromelain works! Usually my eyelids look like a full sponge - I couldn't put on eyeliner if I tried, because I can't see the roots of my lashes, things are so swelled. I just had some mild puffiness this morning, and I put cotton balls with witch hazel on for about 5 min. which also helped a little more. I didn't look like some complete freak 'the morning after.'

I've gotta say, I'd feel a little embarrassed buying Preparation H! But it would probably be a good idea to keep it around, in case I don't have pineapple or cucumbers! I'm pretty sure I can also pick up some bromelain in pill form.

Whew! Only took me about 20 years to solve that one - thanks for the help!

Molly

[Wenonae]

BEB's great! ;D

[fawnmarie]

I sometimes use Prep H around my jaw line, where Irish girls start to get a little droopy first.

Glad the bromelain works - I've used it for circulation and a friend assures me it's great for morning stiffness (the BAD kind!).

Fawn