According to experts, the knowledge of Ayurveda promotes overall health and eye care is no exception, where a balanced Ayurvedic diet serves as the basis for healthy eyes. This is because in Ayurveda, maintaining good eye health is important for overall health. Pitta dosha Controls the eyes.
Ayurvedic wisdom for eye health:
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, director, Dr Basu Eye Hospital, shared, “Ayurvedic strategies to promote eye health focus on dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and herbal treatments. Hydration, which is the foundation of health, underscores the importance of adequate water intake and consumption of hydrating foods such as fruits and herbal teas. A Pitta-pacifying diet should include cooling and nourishing foods such as cucumbers, leafy greens, coconut water, and sweet fruits such as grapes and melons. Additionally, daily consumption of ghee, which is renowned for its lubricating properties, is common.”
He suggested, “To relax the eye muscles and support rejuvenation, it is important to incorporate eye exercises and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Prioritizing practices such as eye hygiene and protection from environmental pollution helps prevent infections and reduce the effects of external aggressors. Stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation are recommended to promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being. To prevent aggravation of eye conditions, it is advisable to seek guidance from an eye specialist. Ayurveda offers special therapies such as Netra Tarpana and Netra Basti for various eye diseases. These principles not only contribute to healthy vision but also promote overall health and longevity by warding off diseases and enhancing well-being.”
Dietary Suggestions and Herbal Remedies:
Offering his expertise, Dr. Karthik Krishnan, Vice President, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Ltd, Coimbatore, said, “Simple ingredients like ghee, barley, wheat, shastika shali (old rice), sendhava lavan (rock salt), draksha (dried grapes) and daadima (pomegranate) provide the entire body with essential nutrients, with the added benefit of improving eye health. For an extra boost, adding herbs like shatavari (asparagus officinalis) and green gram to your routine can further enhance the clarity and vitality of your vision.”
He advised, “Traditional practices such as applying anjana (collyrium) and nasya (administration of medicines through the nose) are recommended to maintain eye hygiene. These practices also help balance the kapha dosha, which governs nutrition and lubrication in the body. Regularly washing the eyes with triphala kashaya, a powerful herbal concoction, acts as a natural cleanser and strengthens the eyes, protecting them from various diseases. Interestingly, foot care also plays an important role in eye health. Padabhyanga, a therapeutic massage of the feet with oil, benefits the eyes. Finally, regulating your sleep patterns by avoiding daytime naps and nighttime wakefulness supports the body’s natural rhythms, promotes overall health and promotes healthy vision.”
