How To Improve Eyesight Naturally With Ayurveda?

The eye is one of the most crucial body parts in the human body. Our eyes are responsible for the sense of vision, allowing us to perceive the world around us and perform our daily activities with ease. Any disruption in the functioning of our eyes can lead to significant discomfort and difficulties.
According to Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, the Pitta Dosha, which represents the elements of fire and light, governs our eyes. More specifically, a sub-Dosha known as “Alochaka Pitta” resides in the eyes. Alochaka Pitta is responsible for processing and interpreting the images and colors we see, enabling us to absorb and make sense of all the visual information that comes our way.

When Alochaka Pitta is in balance, our eyes remain healthy, appearing bright, clear, shiny, and radiating a natural glow. Our vision is sharp, and we experience no issues. However, if Pitta becomes excessive, we may feel an increase in internal heat, leading to emotions like anger, frustration, and potential liver problems. As Pitta rises within a person, they can become stressed, overwhelmed, and eventually experience burnout.

Weakened vision and eye problems are often linked to an overactive Pitta and imbalances in the liver. Ayurveda recommends avoiding activities such as reading in inadequate lighting and, of course, prolonged periods of watching television, as these practices can exacerbate eye-related issues.

In summary, our eyes play a vital role in our daily lives, and Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining the balance of Alochaka Pitta and overall Pitta Dosha to ensure healthy, clear, and sharp eyesight while avoiding stress and related problems.

Causes of Poor Eyesight

There are several factors that can contribute to poor eyesight. Here’s a brief list of some common reasons to be aware of:

1. Improper Nutrition

In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook the importance of proper nutrition. Neglecting our dietary needs can have immediate or long-term consequences on our overall health, including our eyesight.

Fast foods, while convenient, may lack the essential nutrients required for good eye health, such as vitamins A, E, C, B, and proteins.

2. Infections

Dust particles and pollutants in the environment can lead to various eye infections and allergies. It’s advisable to wear protective eyewear like glasses when you’re in dusty or windy areas.

If you ride a two-wheeler, wearing a helmet with a visor can shield your eyes from potential harm. Additionally, avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands, as they can easily transfer infectious germs.

3. Unprotected Screen Exposure

Many working professionals and students spend extended hours in front of computer screens or other electronic devices. While this is often necessary, prolonged screen exposure can negatively impact our eyesight.

To reduce the rate of damage, it’s recommended to use protective eyeglasses specifically designed for screen use. Additionally, practice the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes of screen time.

4. Ageing

Age is a factor that cannot be ignored. As we get older, our bodies may experience a natural decline in eye strength and overall eyesight.

While aging is unavoidable, maintaining a proper diet and engaging in regular exercise can help mitigate age-related eye concerns and slow down the natural deterioration process.

Tips: Maintaining good eyesight requires attention to factors like nutrition, protection against infections, responsible screen usage, and acknowledging the effects of aging.

Ayurvedic Tips for Enhancing Eye Health

When it comes to addressing eye health issues, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach that focuses on tackling the root causes for long-term benefits rather than quick fixes.

While the results may not be immediate, Ayurvedic eye treatments provide complete rejuvenation and restoration of eye health. Here are some Ayurvedic tips to help maintain healthy eyes:

1. Start Your Day with Eye Wash: Ayurveda recommends beginning your day by washing your eyes with cold water. Hold some water in your mouth while doing this. Avoid using extremely hot or cold water, as it can potentially harm your eyes.

2. Trataka for Improved Vision: Trataka is a potent Ayurvedic practice that involves gazing at the flame of a burning ghee lamp. Sit in a dark room with the ghee lamp at a 30-degree angle to your line of sight and gaze at the flame for 10 minutes each day. This practice can enhance blood circulation, improve eye strength, and enhance the luster of your eyes.

3. Ayurvedic Herbs for Eye Health: Ayurveda recognizes several herbs that can significantly improve eye health. Examples include Amla, Punarnava, and Triphala. Consider incorporating Kerala Ayurveda’s Triphala tablets into your eye care routine for their potential benefits.

4. Kriyakalpa: Kriyakalpa refers to a group of Ayurvedic eye treatments involving medicated ghee and powdered formulations. Different types of Kriyakalpa treatments, such as Tarpana, Putapaka, Seka, Anjana, Aschyotana, Pindi, and Bidalaka, can improve eye health and address various eye conditions.

5. Ghee: Ghee is considered a superfood for the eyes, providing essential nutrients and reducing inflammation. You can incorporate ghee into your diet or explore medicated herbal ghees for added benefits.

6. Eye Exercises: Engaging in eye exercises like palming, blinking, and rotating the eyes can help enhance blood circulation and reduce eye strain. These exercises promote healthy eyesight and alleviate tension in the eye muscles.

Tips: Ayurvedic practices and tips in your daily routine can contribute to the maintenance and improvement of your eye health.

Ayurvedic Herbs For Improving Eyesight

Ayurvedic herbs have long been valued for their potential to enhance eyesight naturally. These herbs offer a holistic approach to promoting and maintaining healthy vision.

1. Marigold (Calendula)

Marigold is a herb often used in Ayurveda for its cooling properties. When used as a cold extract, it can be beneficial for washing stressed eyes.

The soothing and cooling effect of marigolds helps alleviate eye discomfort, especially in cases of eye strain or irritation.

It can also be useful in addressing conditions like pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Marigolds may be prepared as an eyewash or used in the form of marigold-infused eye drops.

2. Aloe Juice

Aloe vera, known for its various health benefits, can contribute to better vision when used in combination with clove oil and water.

This mixture is typically consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants and contains vitamins and minerals that may support eye health.

Clove oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the eyes. However, it’s crucial to use aloe vera juice from a trusted source and ensure it is suitable for internal consumption.

3. Green Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and lutein. These nutrients are essential for maintaining and improving eye health.

Vitamin A, in particular, is crucial for proper vision and can help prevent conditions like night blindness. Including green spinach in your diet can provide your eyes with the necessary vitamins and antioxidants for better vision.

4. Carrot

Carrots are widely recognized for their eye-friendly properties. They are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for good vision.

Vitamin A helps to strengthen the eyes and protect them from night blindness, a condition where vision is impaired in low-light conditions. Regular consumption of carrots can contribute to maintaining healthy eyes.

5. Indian Sorrel (Gongura)

Indian Sorrel, also known as Gongura in some regions, is used in Ayurveda to address various eye problems.

Applying a few drops of the juice extracted from its leaves into the eyes daily is believed to help relieve eye strain and may assist in preventing conditions like cataracts.

The exact mechanism behind its potential benefits for eye health may be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Coriander

Coriander, when prepared as a decoction, can be used as an eyewash for individuals with pinkeye (conjunctivitis).

The decoction is believed to have soothing properties that can lead to an immediate reduction in symptoms such as burning, redness, and swelling of the eyes. Coriander is known for its anti-inflammatory and cooling effects.

7. Indian Gooseberry (Amalaki)

Indian Gooseberry, known as Amalaki, is renowned for its ability to manage various optical difficulties. It is considered beneficial for conditions like pinkeye and glaucoma.

Consuming its juice with honey is believed to have the best effects for improving eye health. Indian Gooseberry is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can support eye health and reduce the risk of eye-related problems.

8. Aniseed

Aniseed is known for its potential in the treatment of cataracts, commonly referred to as “waterfall.” The powdered seeds of anise can be taken in a tablespoon amount daily, both in the morning and evening.

Aniseed contains various antioxidants and nutrients that may contribute to eye health and help manage cataract development.

9. Babul (Acacia)

Babul is considered effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis. To use babul leaves for this purpose, they can be applied to the eyes before going to sleep at night.

This application is believed to reduce itching, excessive tearing, and the redness associated with sore eyes. Babul leaves have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

10. Passion Flower

Passion Flower is an herb that can be particularly beneficial for eyes exposed to constant stress. It is known to relax the fine blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a soothing and calming effect.

Reducing stress and promoting relaxation in the eye muscles can be helpful for maintaining healthy eyesight, especially in situations of eye strain.

11. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is rich in carotenoids and flavonoids, which can enhance blood circulation in the eyes.

Improved blood flow to the eyes can reduce the risk of developing shortsightedness (myopia). These compounds in hawthorn are believed to support overall eye health.

12. Goldenseal

Goldenseal is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to address infected or swollen eyes.

Preparing eye washes from herbs like Goldenseal can be beneficial in soothing and cleansing the eyes, especially in cases of eye infections or irritation.

13. Chicory Root

Chicory root can be powdered, and a mixture of half a teaspoon of the powder with half a teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cow milk ghee can be consumed once or twice daily with milk.

This herbal remedy is believed to be advantageous for weak eyesight. Chicory roots may contain nutrients and compounds that support eye health.

14. Parsley

Fresh parsley leaves are known for their potential benefits for eye care. Parsley contains properties that can help with various eye issues, including cataracts, corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis (pink eye), weak eyes, and pupil dilation.

The fresh juice of parsley leaves may be used topically or consumed for potential eye health benefits.

15. Bilberry

Bilberry is considered a wonder herb for improving eyesight, particularly night vision. It contains flavonoids that are thought to help control retinal damage and reduce capillary fragility in the eyes.

Bilberry supplements are often used to support eye health and may be especially beneficial for those experiencing difficulty with night vision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can Ayurveda improve eye vision?

A1: Ayurveda offers holistic approaches and herbal remedies that may help improve eye vision over time.

Q2: How to improve eye health in Ayurveda?

A2: Ayurveda suggests a balanced diet, herbal treatments, and practices like Trataka to maintain and enhance eye health.

Q3: Can Ayurveda treat eye problems?

A3: Ayurveda offers treatments for various eye conditions, but consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner is advisable.

Q4: How to remove spectacles permanently by Ayurveda?

A4: Ayurveda may help reduce dependency on glasses through natural remedies, but complete removal depends on individual factors.

Q5: Can Baba Ramdev cure eyesight?

A5: Baba Ramdev, through Patanjali Ayurved, offers Ayurvedic products and practices that aim to improve eye health, but results vary.

Q6: How to improve vision in 7 days of Ayurveda?

A6: Rapid vision improvement in 7 days is unlikely, but Ayurvedic practices can contribute to long-term vision enhancement.

Q7: Can Patanjali Drishti cure eyesight?

A7: Patanjali’s Drishti Eye Drops and other products are designed to support eye health, but their effectiveness varies by individual.

Q8: How to use ghee to improve eyesight?

A8: Ghee can be consumed or used in Ayurvedic eye treatments to potentially enhance eye health, but its effects may take time.

Q9: Which leaf is good for eyesight?

A9: Leaves like spinach, kale, and Indian Sorrel are rich in nutrients that promote good eyesight in Ayurveda.

Q10: Which Hindu god is for eyesight?

A10: Lord Surya, the sun god, is often associated with eyesight and is revered for its role in providing light and vision.

Q11: How can I cure weak eyesight naturally?

A11: Natural remedies in Ayurveda include herbs, eye exercises, and a balanced diet to gradually improve weak eyesight.

Q12: Can Ayurveda cure myopia completely?

A12: Ayurveda may help manage myopia, but a complete cure depends on factors like the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment.

References:

• Review of unique ophthalmic formulations in Vaidya Manorama: A traditional Kerala Ayurveda literature(1)
• Conceptual analysis of Physiology of vision in Ayurveda(2)
• AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO PREVENT EYE DISEASES: A REVIEW(3)