Eye care by Ayurveda in 21 century

21 century has defiantly seen progress but on the expenses paid by us on our health. Eyes are one such sense organ that takes the heaviest toll. They are constantly exposed to either bright light from laptops or computers or television and if not this then on streets from bright neon signs. The new generation are equipped either with glasses or lens and the older generation like you and me facing many degenerative diseases of the eyes like macular degeneration and glaucoma.

In Ayurveda four major herbs or food items are known to be best when it comes to cure or prevent different disorder of the eyes. In this article we would have look and see if they still hold the magic key for good eye sight.

1] Ghee or Clarified Butter
Ghee or Clarified butter is a well known milk product for most of us Indian, but for others it seems like a product full of fats and cholesterol. Ghee in Ayurveda is said to be very cooling in nature. Over all Ayurveda speaks of ghee as a important Rasyana one that can nourish each and every cell of our body with its properties. Ghee thus acts as a tonic for our eyes too internally as well as externally and thus uses in treatment known as “Netra Tapan”. My personal experience speaks highly of the use of this treatment for macular degeneration , retinal prolapsed and other conditions of the eyes.

2] Honey:
Honey is known for its medicinal properties since ages and Ayurveda too has lot to add when using honey as medicine. The role of honey in Ayurveda is that of a catalyst. Add certain herbs with honey and the herbs are bound to reach smallest cells of the body with the help of honey. When it comes to eyes honey works more like a cleanser. Apply some honey in your eyes with a very smooth hand and see how it feels. Tears flow from the eyes and soon one can see that your eyes are clear from all the dirt and dust. In general Ayurveda regards honey to be great herb to work on the eyes.

3] Triphala :
One of the potent herb that Ayurveda recommends when it comes to different health issue of the eyes is Triphala. Triphala or basically a combination of three fruits thus the word Tri-phala namely Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). This combination acts like cleanser and also rejuvenates the eyes. A potent mixture for most of the diseases of the eyes, Triphala unluckily should not be just taken without the consent of your naturopaths or Vaidya or Ayurvedic practitioner. Consult your Vaidya and see what he recommends and then try this this magic herb for your eyes.

4] Breast Milk:
One of the recommendations in the books of Ayurveda when it comes to work on eyes is the use of Breast Milk. Fresh breast milk is said to be good for the eyes possibly due to its cooling action on the eyes.
I personally use instead Cow’s Milk instead of Breast Milk since the availability is an issue. After long strenuous day on computers, soak gauze in cold milk and then keep it on your closed eyes. Keep that gauze for a while and see the result. Try it now ...if you wanted.

Besides all those food group carrots, green vegetable like spinach , herbs like bilberry fennel are known to be good for our eye sight and to prevent and cure different eye issues. Lastly it all comes down to prevention rather than cure and thus trying avoid all those triggers such conditions in general.

Source: e-swastya.com