How to remove dark circles under eyes permanently - #17022
I’ve had dark circles under my eyes for as long as I can remember. At first, I thought it was just because of lack of sleep, but even when I get a full 8 hours, the dark circles are still there. Some days, they look even worse, almost like I have bruises under my eyes. I don’t smoke, I drink plenty of water, and I eat healthy, so I don’t understand why they won’t go away. I’ve tried so many things—expensive eye creams, cold spoons, tea bags, cucumber slices, and even vitamin supplements. Nothing works permanently. Some treatments make my under-eye area look better for a few days, but the dark circles always come back. It’s frustrating because I feel like I look tired all the time, even when I’m not. I started looking into Ayurveda, and I read that dark circles can be caused by internal imbalances, not just lack of sleep. Some articles say they are linked to weak digestion or excess heat in the body. If that’s true, does that mean I need to change my diet to get rid of them? Are there any Ayurvedic remedies that actually work to remove dark circles under the eyes permanently? I’ve seen people mention almond oil, rose water, and turmeric, but do these really help long-term? Also, if digestion or stress is a factor, what changes should I make to my lifestyle? If anyone has successfully lightened their dark circles with Ayurveda, please let me know what worked for you. I’m tired of wasting money on eye creams that don’t do anything.


Doctors’ responses
In Ayurveda, dark circles are often linked to poor digestion, excess heat (Pitta imbalance), or stress weakening the adrenal system. Even if you sleep well, toxins (Ama) in the body, weak Agni (digestion), or excessive screen time can make them worse. Since creams and external treatments give only temporary results, focusing on internal balance and blood purification is key for long-term improvement.
For effective Ayurvedic remedies, try applying almond oil or pure ghee under your eyes before bed—they nourish the delicate skin and reduce pigmentation over time. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) powder is an excellent blood purifier; take it with warm water at night to detox from within. Drinking Triphala water in the morning improves digestion and prevents toxin buildup. Cooling herbs like rose water, sandalwood paste, or cucumber juice can be applied externally to soothe and lighten the area naturally.
Since digestion and stress play a role, avoid spicy, oily, and processed foods, and include more leafy greens, coconut water, and pomegranate in your diet. Practice Shatkarma (yogic detox), Pranayama (deep breathing), and reducing screen time, especially before bed. If stress is a factor, Ashwagandha or Brahmi tea can help calm the nervous system. With consistent internal detox and natural nourishment, your dark circles should gradually fade over time!
In Ayurveda, dark circles (kalaati chaaya) are often linked to imbalances in Pitta and Vata doshas, poor digestion, stress, and toxin buildup in the body. Even if you sleep well, weak Agni (digestive fire) or excess heat can cause pigmentation under the eyes. Strengthening digestion with herbs like Triphala or Amla and following a Pitta-Vata pacifying diet—including cooling foods like cucumber, coriander, and ghee—can help. Hydrating from within with warm water and avoiding excessive caffeine, processed foods, and late-night screen exposure is also important. Externally, applying almond oil or rose water under the eyes at night nourishes the delicate skin, while a paste of turmeric and milk or sandalwood can help lighten pigmentation over time. Practicing Nasya (applying Anu taila or Brahmi oil in the nostrils) can improve circulation around the eyes. Stress management through Abhyanga (self-massage with warm oil) and yoga can also reduce strain and improve overall skin health. Healing dark circles naturally takes time, but with consistent care, Ayurveda can provide long-term relief.
Dark circles can be really annoying, I totally get it. You are not alone in this – a lot of folks dealing with similar issues, and yeah, sleeping more isn’t always the magic fix. So, let’s dig into Ayurveda, which might just have some tricks up its sleeve for you.
First off, in Ayurveda, dark circles are often seen as a Vata or Pitta imbalance. Vata is all about wind and movement—and can be linked to dry skin, stress, and lack of nourishment. Pitta involves heat and digestion—think inflammation or excess heat in your system. So where do you start? Let’s tackle this from the inside out.
Diet-wise, consider gentle, nourishing foods. Favor warm, cooked meals over raw foods, which can disturb Vata. Include almonds (soaked overnight) in your daily routine, as they pacify Vata and nourish your skin. If you’re up for it, amla (Indian gooseberry) is an awesome source of Vitamin C and supports your digestive fire, or agni. Reduce spicy, fried foods if Pitta’s your issue, replacing them with cooling, naturally sweet options like cucumber and pumpkin, which can help soothe excess heat.
Now, onto lifestyle stuff—try a regular sleep cycle (and I mean consistent bed and wake times), but since you’re already doing the 8-hour thing, let’s focus also on stress management. Yoga or even just some gentle evening stretching can help calm the mind. Deep breathing exercises or Pranayama can be super effective in dialling down excess Vata and Pitta.
For your face—almond oil is great! You can lightly massage it under your eyes before bed. Go easy, just a couple minutes is fine. And turmeric mixed with rose water can be used as a paste—apply gently and let it sit for around 15 minutes before rinsing. This combo is both anti-inflammatory and cooling, soothing both Vata and Pitta. A home trick but could be a part of regular routine.
Keep in mind Ayurveda is holistic, personal. It works on balance, which isn’t instant but rather a journey. Try incorporating these and give it a bit of time. But if things feel off, or if these are tied into something deeper health-wise, seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner for tailored guidance would be wise. Each body is a bit unique so adjustments might be necessary along the way.

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