Puffy and dark circles under the eyes are telltale signs of the body not receiving adequate amount of sleep. It is during sleep that the body is actively repairing and rejuvenating the cells in the body by increasing blood flow and circulation to eliminate waste and deliver vital nutrients, like oxygen, to our skin. However if you are getting plenty of sleep and still have puffy eyes, the causes may be allergies, excessive salt in your diet, poor circulation, hormonal imbalances, hereditary factors or simply the ageing process. Poor skin complexion and dark circles under the eyes could also be the manifestation of cells congested with toxins.

Our bodies are constantly exposed to environmental toxins from the air, water and food that we consume. Not only do we have to contend with toxins from our environment, the breakdown of medicine, alcohol and the by-products of food also produce harmful substances which impact our health negatively.

It is through the respiratory system, digestive system, liver, lymphatic system, skin and urinary organs that toxins are eliminated from our body. Toxins are rendered less harmful via these eliminative organs and the liver is the main organ in the detoxification process of the body.

A healthy liver functions optimally by breaking down chemical substances and eliminating waste efficiently. However poor diet, stress, excessive alcohol, illness, sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles can result in poor or impaired liver function leading to toxins build-up. If these toxins are not excreted they will be stored in fatty tissues and heavy metal contaminants will be stored in protein tissue, muscle, hair, bone and cartilage.

Throughout history, milk thistle and dandelion have been choice herbs for dealing with poor liver functions. Studies suggest that silymarin, an active ingredient in milk thistle, exerts both protective and restorative actions on the liver. Apart from protecting the liver from free radicals damage, milk thistle also restores liver health by means of stimulating protein synthesis for the generation of new liver cells which enhances the detoxification process. This would help clear the accumulated toxins, thus minimising the effects of a sluggish liver. To help improve liver function and for a healthy glowing skin, consider 3000mg milk thistle dried herb and 300mg dandelion dried root supplement three times daily.

A healthy skin complexion and enhanced liver function require more than just herbs. Start with a proper diet and lifestyle practices. Avoid processed foods high in refined sugar, colour, additives and flavourings, caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables with a reasonable amount of good protein sources such as fish, free-range chicken, lean meat, lentils and pulses work wonders for the skin. Opt for organic produce as much as possible.

Drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of purified water daily flushes out excessive toxins in the body. In cases where dietary nutrients intake is lacking, take nutritional supplements. Incorporate an anti-free radical supplement of betacarotene, vitamin C, E and zinc in your diet to beat premature wrinkles and strengthen collagen in the skin.

Exercise not only improves your complexion but also augments effective elimination of toxins via improved circulation. Ample rest and proper stress management are essential too if you want to look radiant without dark circles under your eyes. Basic skin care should not be neglected and especially the application of sunscreen should be exercised daily for protection from the sun.

* Yam Cher Seng is a pharmacist who is actively involved in the dissemination of information on natural healthcare and holistic therapies. For more information, she can be contacted at csyam@streamyx.com