Ayurveda emphasizes holistic health, and eye care is integral to this approach. The Ayurvedic diet is crucial for eye health as it balances the pitta dosha, which governs the eyes.
Ayurvedic Wisdom for Eye Health
Dr. Mandeep Singh Basu, Director at Dr. Basu Eye Hospital, explained to HT Lifestyle that Ayurvedic eye health strategies include dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies. He stressed the importance of hydration, recommending ample water intake and hydrating foods like fruits and herbal teas. A Pitta-soothing diet should include cooling and nourishing foods such as cucumbers, leafy greens, coconut water, and sweet fruits like grapes and melons. Additionally, consuming ghee daily is common for its lubricating properties.
Dr. Basu also suggested, “To relax eye muscles and support rejuvenation, incorporating eye exercises and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial. Prioritising practices like eye hygiene and protection from environmental pollutants helps prevent infections and minimize the impact of external aggressors. Stress management techniques like yoga and meditation are recommended to promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being. To prevent the progression of eye conditions, seeking guidance from an eye expert is advisable. Ayurveda offers specialised therapies such as Netra Tarpana and Netra Basti for various eye ailments. These principles not only contribute to healthy eyesight but also promote overall health and longevity by averting illnesses and enhancing well-being.”
Dietary Tips and Herbal Remedies
Dr. Karthik Krishnan, Vice President at Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Limited in Coimbatore, shared his insights, stating that simple ingredients like ghee, barley, wheat, Shastika Shali (old rice), Saindhava Lavana (rock salt), Draksha (dry grapes), and Dadima (pomegranate) provide essential nutrients for overall health, including eye health. He recommended incorporating herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus officinalis) and green gram into the daily diet to further enhance vision clarity and vitality.
He advised, “Traditional practices like Anjana (Collyrium) application and Nasya (Infiltration of Medicines through Nostrils) are recommended for maintaining eye hygiene. These practices also help balance Kapha dosha, which governs nourishment and lubrication in the body. Regularly washing the eyes with Triphala kashaya, a powerful herbal decoction, acts as a natural cleanser and strengthens the eyes, protecting them from various ailments. Interestingly, even foot care plays an important role in eye health. Padabhyanga, a therapeutic foot massage with oil, offers benefits that extend to the eyes. Finally, regulating your sleep patterns by avoiding daytime napping and night time wakefulness supports the body’s natural rhythms, promoting overall well-being and fostering healthy vision.”