When my eyes are tired or irritated

My testimony

When I drive at night, my eyes quickly get tired. I remember our last trip to Paris, for a trade show. I drove most of the way in the rain and in the dark. I can’t see very well at night (perhaps because I’m used to well-lit roads in Belgium), which means I have to push. This was not lacking, as I arrived with lemur eyes, swollen and reddened. My eyes are quite fragile. The same thing happens to me if I drive without sunglasses in fine weather or if I spend too much time in front of the computer screen. In all cases, I apply the same routine with the hydrolats.

My tip

When my eyes are irritated, I soak a cotton pad in cornflower hydrosol and pat it onto my eyelids and around my eyes. I repeat this operation two or three times during the day. In the evening, when I go to bed, I again soak two cotton pads with cornflower hydrosol and apply one to each eyelid once I’m lying down, for about fifteen minutes. I sometimes substitute Roman chamomile for cornflower, or combine the two. Thanks to their soothing and refreshing properties, this simple little trick quickly calms irritated eyes and gives a more soothed look. These two soothing hydrolats are also great for cleansing the face and removing make-up.

What does phytotherapy have to say?

Cornflower has been associated with eye care since the Middle Ages. In signature theories, its blue flowers were the symbol of “healthy eyes” and “sight as transparent as a cloudless sky”. Cornflower decongests swollen eyelids caused by inflammation. Traditionally, cornflower hydrosol has been used for eye and face care, the anthocyanins it contains (which give it its color and name) conferring astringent properties. In recent years, the anti-inflammatory properties of cornflower polysaccharides have been well demonstrated (Garbacki et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1999), justifying the use of cornflower hydrosol for minor eye inflammation. Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of this hydrosol have also been demonstrated (Bragueto Escher et al., Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2018).

Did you know?

For dark circles or puffiness under the eyes, use a circulatory or astringent hydrosol (immortelle (helichrysum), witch hazel) to relieve congestion This treatment can be complemented by a circulatory and decongestant serum, composed of 20 ml of calophylla oil to which 2 drops of immortelle essential oil (Italian helichrysum) and 2 drops of chamomile essential oil are added

I use hydrolats SAFELY

This tip does not imply any particular contraindication, as it is a classic cosmetic use. However, it is very important not to exceed the quantities of essential oils mentioned in the recipe for the “dark circles or puffiness” serum, as the eye contour is a very sensitive area.

CENTAUREA CYANUS Cornflower

Originating in the Middle East, the cornflower is a typical messicolous plant (hence its name “harvest cornflower”), reaching 50 to 80 cm in height, which has spread to all temperate regions of the world following the progress of cereal crops, such as poppies and chamomile. This plant, with its bright blue flowers, is gradually disappearing, destroyed by selective weedkillers… Among its many nicknames, the cornflower is known as the “eye-sore”, in allusion to its beneficial effect on eyesight, known since the Middle Ages. It’s true that cornflowers work wonders to restore vitality to tired eyes, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and slightly astringent effect.