Natural remedies for black eye are helpful when the area around the eye turns black following a blow to the eye. This trauma causes blood to pool around the delicate eyeball, which is the body’s attempt to accelerate healing.
Natural Remedies for Black Eye
- Boxing trainers deal with black eyes all the time. They mainly apply an icy iron (like a small tire iron) to the affected eye, reducing swelling. An alternative is to hold a clean, cold soda can against the cheek (but against the eye itself) for several minutes. Avoid putting pressure on the eye itself. Or, to constrict the swelling, apply cold compresses to the area.
- Abstain from taking aspirin. Because it is an anticoagulant, the blood will not clot as well. Instead, the bleeding will continue longer.
- Avoid blowing your nose. If you received a severe lick to the eye, blowing your nose could cause blood vessels to burst beneath the skin in a much wider area. Sometimes the injury fractures the eye-socket bone. And blowing your nose could force air from your sinus neighboring the socket. The air is injected under the skin, swelling the eyelids even more. This can increase the likelihood of infection.
- Internal bleeding is always a danger. Therefore, you may want to visit an ophthalmologist.
Dangers of a Black Eye
While a black eye is often a minor injury, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers. In most cases, the discoloration and swelling are simply due to broken blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. However, a black eye can sometimes signal a more serious underlying issue.
One of the primary concerns is the possibility of damage to the eye itself. This could include anything from a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the eye’s surface) to more severe injuries like a fractured eye socket or bleeding within the eye. These conditions require quick medical attention to prevent vision loss or other complications.
Another potential danger is a concussion or other head injury. If the force that caused the black eye was significant enough, it could have also impacted the brain. Symptoms like dizziness, confusion, nausea, or persistent headaches should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Additionally, a black eye can sometimes be a sign of a skull fracture, particularly if both eyes are bruised (known as “raccoon eyes”). This is a severe medical emergency that demands immediate treatment.
While most black eyes heal independently with simple home care, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of a more severe injury and seek medical attention when necessary. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you experience any vision changes, severe pain, bleeding from the eye or nose, or persistent symptoms after a head injury.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 391. [natural remedies for black eye]
- “Bromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well-being in a dose-dependent fashion in an open study of otherwise healthy adults.” Phytomedicine, Volume 11, Issue 6, 2004. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15298751
- “Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising after total knee replacement surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Rheumatology International, Volume 34, Issue 7, 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442171
- “Lavender and the Nervous System.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2013, 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440
- Mayo Clinic: Black Eye First Aid: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-black-eye/basics/art-20056675
- Healthline: Home Remedies for Black Eyes: https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-black-eye
