Ayurvedic Treatment for Dry Eyes

Did You Know?

Ayurveda has been used for centuries to treat various eye problems, including cataract, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and macular degeneration.

Ayurvedic medicines have long been used to strengthen and improve eyesight. One has to no longer depend on artificial tear drops or ointments to treat eye conditions like dry eyes. Ayurveda provides a number of methods to heal dry eyes at the earliest. Ayurvedic eye care is fulfilling that rejuvenates and nourishes the eyes to the core.

Before we actually delve into the different Ayurvedic treatments, it is necessary to know about dry eyes. In this condition, the eyes are unable to produce tears in sufficient amounts. This failure to provide adequate moisture may lead to a persistent burning sensation. Decreased tear production has been attributed to a wide range of reasons, the most common being failing to blink regularly.

It might not be overly obvious, but to facilitate the healing of eye conditions, you need to follow a healthy diet and stay away from smoking. Here are some Ayurvedic treatments that can help you from the condition of dry eye.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Ghee has proven to be very effective in promoting eye health. Simply massaging the eyes externally with ghee can soothe the eye and provide relief. Ghee is a powerhouse of nutrition, hence simply adding a drop of lukewarm liquid ghee into each eye can help heal the condition.

Triphala Powder
Triphala powder, made up of 3 herbs - amla, harada, and baheda, can also work wonders in treating dry eyes. Prepare a mixture by adding a teaspoonful of Triphala powder in a glass of water and leave it overnight. In the morning, strain it with a cheesecloth and use this water to wash your eyes.

Triphala Ghrita
This Ayurvedic medicine, that essentially consists of ghee and numerous herbs, can also help relieve itchy sensation in the eyes.

You can drink a solution containing water mixed with half a teaspoon of Triphala Ghrita, preferably before meals, twice a day, or else you can simply add a teaspoon or two of Triphala Ghrita to warm milk in the morning. Drinking this milk can provide a substantial amount of relief from dry eyes.

Honey
Honey too is good for the eyes, and can help relieve dry eyes. Just add a drop of honey to your eyes every week and you will feel better. Honey is full of minerals and displays antioxidant activity. It acts as an excellent antimicrobial agent, hence its application can work wonders in healing eye problems.

Another way of using honey is to dilute it with water. Prepare a mixture by adding honey to boiled water in equal proportions. Allow the water to cool; you can either use it as an eyewash, or else apply it gently on the eye with a cotton ball.

Netra Tarpana
Netra tarpana, an important treatment that involves washing the eyes with ghee made from cow's milk, is also useful in the treatment of dry eyes. Netra tarpana is a stress buster and provides immense relief to tired eyes. Viewing a computer screen for long periods can make the eyes sore and scratchy.

However, bathing the eyes with this medicated ghee can uplift the eyes and relax the tissues surrounding them. It is an enriching experience that can protect the eyes and even help to improve vision.

In this procedure, a dough of white flour is used to enclose the area around the eyes. A liquid form of cow's ghee is then slowly decanted onto the eyelids. The butter-like liquid is kept for around 15-20 minutes before removing the dough.

However, if you are feeling uncomfortable, you can remove the dough after 2-3 minutes. It is observed that 3 to 5 sittings of this treatment are necessary to reap its benefits to the fullest.

Castor Oil
Looking for a natural way to heal dry eyes? Well, castor oil is the best bet you can rely on for healthy eyes. It acts as an excellent moisturizer, which helps to soothe and refreshen the eyes.

Commercial eye drops made from castor oil ease the inflammation, and lubricate the eyes. Simply put one drop in each eye at least once a day to relieve dry eyes. Many prefer to apply it just before going to bed, so as to get rid of morning dryness.

Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil can also help to moisten and alleviate symptoms of dry eyes. Taking a tablespoon of flaxseed oil every day is a natural way to improve dry eye syndrome.

Make sure to buy the cold pressed variety of flaxseed oil to reap maximum benefits. TheraTears Nutrition, a combination of flaxseed and fish oil supplements, may also work to improve production of tears, leaving your eyes comfortable and healthy.

Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are a good source of nutrition that can also help maintain eye health. Simply eating them raw is said to promote good vision. Moreover, the seeds can also contribute to get rid of the dry and tired feeling of the eyes.

For treatment, add a teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water. Steep the solution for approximately 20 minutes and then strain it. Allow it to cool. Dip a cloth in the tea and then put it on your closed eyes. Do this every day for around 5 minutes, and you are sure to eliminate the dryness and keep your eyes sparkling and disease free.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.