Background: Ayurvedic remedies for dry eyes

On September 14, 2011, in Uncategorized, by sabhlok

Try Ayurvedic eye drops (Tulsee).

The cure for eye strain/ dry eyes (for most cases of dry eye)

I also found this link today (22 May) which refers to putting ghee into the eyes:

Ghee is especially good for the eyes and helps the functioning of the extraocular muscles, eyelids and tear. Internal and external use of Maha triphala ghee has been shown to play a significant role in the treatment of eye disorders, such as glaucoma. This formulation is made up of ghee, milk and thirteen herbs, all predominantly sweet in taste and cold in nature and beneficial to the eyes. Dr Vasant Lad recommends putting one drop of lukewarm liquid ghee in each eye at bedtime for burning sensations. It not only soothes, but also strengthens the eyes and can help improve vision along with Yoga eye exercises. [Source]

Maha Triphla ghee consists of ghee with triphala. More on this ghee here.

Triphala is a combilation of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Amla, an Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) in equal proportion [Source] For more detailed info on the properties of these fruits, see this. I'm not sure if it is going to work on my eyes, but I'll definitely start taking capsules now. See some health benefits touted here. Sounds plausible.

Further info on both triphala and honey:

• If Triphala (an Ayurvedic preparation) is available, you can wash the eyes with 'Triphala water'. Put a teaspoonful of Triphala powder in a glass of water, and let it stay overnight. Strain the water and wash the eyes with it.

• Putting one drop of honey in each eye once a week is also beneficial to the eyes. It causes a bit of irritation, but cleans the eyes. [Source]

Here's more info on properties 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. [Source]

Here's info on Triphala eyewash. When I went to buy triphala from an Indian shop, the shop-owner told me she uses Triphala eyewash regularly. That prompted this research for eyewash.

Here's how to do the eyewash:

Take one half of a level teaspoon of Triphala powder (1 gram) and place it in a teacup. Add 120ml (1/2 cup) of hot water that has just boiled. Let the Triphala infuse until it is the same as your body temperature.

Once the infusion has cooled to body temperature DO NOT STIR IT. Take a sterile round cotton pad that used for make-up or for medical reasons. Dip the cotton pad into the infusion and remove it. Squeeze it so that some liquid remains, but that it is not dripping wet.

Lay down on your bed. Place a towel under your head. Place this cotton pad over your eye. Blink. Repeat this for the second eye. Leave for at least 15 minutes. 20 minutes is an optimal time for this treatment and 30 minutes is the maximum time.

There should be enough liquid that some runs into your eye. The first few times that you do the treatment it may burn. This will pass after two or three days in most cases. If it burns it means you need this treatment in most cases. If burning persists more than a week it is not normal – see your doctor.

For loss of vision due to age or life style do this ONE time per day, evening is best before bed so your eyes can rest after the treatment.

For all other disorders do the treatment TWO times per day. Make sure to rest the eyes for 30 minutes before using the computer or other screens.

For serious disorders do the treatment THREE times per day.

Also this:

–Glenn Finley, N.D., owner of New Leaf Holistic Health Clinic in Kingston, N.Y. Art Ayurvedic physician says: According to Ayurvedic theory, all symptoms result from imbalances in one of the body's three essential energies, known as doshas. When the vata dosha is aggravated, often due to stress, people experience dryness, and the eyes are especially vulnerable.

Treatment: To rebalance vata, eat three meals a day instead of nibbling all day or inhaling your food. Treat dry eyes directly with a two-step rinse: Stira teaspoon of triphala powder into 8 ounces of water and let it sit overnight. You'll see amber-colored water and sediment on the bottom; suction a dropperful of the amber liquid and deposit it into your eyes. After one minute, rinse your eyes with a droppefful of liquid ghee and pat dry with a clean towel.

–John Douillard, Ph.D., Ayurvedic doctor and owner of LifeSpa, an Ayurvedic retreat center and clinic in Boulder, Cola [Source]

Also see this. Here's more info on triphala:

The triphala lotion is generally prescribed in case of eye problems. Triphala is a mixture of the two myroblans – belleric and chebula – and the Indian gooseberry. The choorna is soaked in water for half an hour to get the lotion. This lotion is used as an eye-wash three or four times in a day. Triphala lotion has potency to treat eye problems such as cataract and conjunctivitis. Washing the eyes regularly with triphala also keeps them moist and healthy.

Chandrodaya vati is another important Ayurvedic preparation used in eye care. It is made into a paste in water and then applied externally over the eyes. Chandrodaya vati is beneficial in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and cataract. [Source. Note - this website also has more home remedies worth looking at]

Ayurvedic eyecare program

I found this program from this book. Spare copy here. [ I haven't tried it yet ]

Drinking lemon juice may help [Source]

Netra program

This program can be undertaken two or three times each year. It is especially beneficial for Pitta types who are more prone to eye complaints and is indicated for eyes that are frequently tired, hot, achy or gritty. Outside of this program, the application of ghee to the eyes should not be practiced for more than two or three days consecutively, as this can allow the eyes to become lazy and may prevent them from producing their own lubrication.

Instructions:

Melt a small amount of ghee in your palms and apply to eye area (with eyes closed). Open eyes slowly and blink a few times so that ghee bathes the eyes.
Week one Practice every night before bed
Week two Practice every other night before bed (ie; three times during week)
Week three Practice every third night before bed (ie; twice during week)
Week four Practice four days after last application
Week five Practice five days after last application
Week six Practice six days after last application
Week seven Practice seven days after last application
The idea is to gradually reduce the number of times each week that you practice this procedure. Thus, in the first week you are placing ghee in the eyes every night and by week seven you are only placing ghee in the eyes once during the week.

Ayurvedic medicine

There is treatment for dry eye in ayurveda. It is not a simple external eye drops, but a systematic approach. It includes oil application, nasal drops, external medications like tharpanam along with suitable internal medicines. [Source] Leading and frontline ghrita compound generally used in tarpana is Triphala ghrita. [Source]

Here's an excellent article on this subject.

Ayurvedic:

Drink fennel seed water each day. Boil 1/2 t. fennel seed in a cup of water, and boil it back until reduced to half. Sip when warm. [Source]

Boil two spoons of triphala powder in a glass of water until it reduces to a quarter of a glass. When it is lukewarm, filter it and add a spoon of honey. Drinking this decoction every day strengthens the eyes. [Source]

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