Eye infections can be painful and uncomfortable, causing redness, itching, and even eye discharge. While over-the-counter medications can provide relief, but may also have side effects. On the other hand, natural and Ayurvedic remedies can be gentle yet effective. The Ayurvedic treatment of eye conjunctivitis, myopia, cataract or any other disorder related to the eyes focuses on the root cause of the problem and provides relief from the symptoms safely. This blog post will discuss five natural and Ayurvedic options to relieve an eye infection.
Natural ways to get relief from eye infections:
Wash your eyes with coriander water
In Ayurveda, conjunctivitis is known as Netra Abhishyanda and is a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the eyes. Coriander, or Dhaniya, is an Ayurvedic herb used for years to treat various health conditions, including eye infections. It contains compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective remedy for Netra Abhishyanda. To prepare the coriander extract, in Ayurveda, we boil a handful of coriander leaves in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes, which is known as Kwatha. We then strain the mixture and let it cool, which is known as Shita Virachana. The resulting solution can be used to wash your eyes twice a day, known as Netra Dhauti. This will help to reduce inflammation, kill harmful bacteria, and promote the healing process. This Ayurvedic eye conjunctivitis treatment is a natural and easy remedy that can be done at home with readily available ingredients. However, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner before using coriander extract for any health condition is essential.
Triphala Eye Wash
Triphala is a powerful Ayurvedic herb used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including eye infections. It is a blend of three fruits – Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki – known for their Tridoshic properties, meaning they can balance all three doshas in the body. These fruits contain compounds that have potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating eye infections. To make a Triphala eye wash, in Ayurveda, we boil 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes, which is known as Kwatha. We then strain the mixture and let it cool, known as Shita Virachana. Use the solution to wash your eyes twice daily, known as Netra Dhauti. Along with eye infections, it is also an excellent ayurvedic Treatment for computer vision syndrome. This will help to reduce inflammation, kill the harmful bacteria and promote the healing process.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is considered a Sattvic herb in Ayurveda, meaning it has a cooling and soothing effect on the body and mind. The gel is derived from the succulent leaves of the aloe vera plant. It is rich in compounds such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and anthraquinones with anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is an excellent natural product for eye conjunctivitis treatment. Application of a small amount of aloe vera gel around the eyes and eyelids can help alleviate symptoms of eye infections such as itching and burning. The gel can also help reduce inflammation in the eyes and promote the healing process.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a highly revered Ayurveda spice known for its Tridoshic properties, meaning it can balance all three doshas in the body. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it an effective remedy for eye infections. To make turmeric eye drops, mix a pinch of turmeric powder in warm water, which is known in Ayurveda as Ushnodaka. Warm water is used in this recipe as it is believed to enhance the absorption of turmeric. Then, using a dropper, apply a few drops of the solution to each eye, known in Ayurveda as Netra Tarpana. Turmeric eye drops can help fight against the bacteria causing the infection and reduce eye inflammation. However, it is essential to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before using turmeric eye drops, especially if you have any existing eye conditions or are prone to allergies.
Neem
In Ayurveda, neem is known as Nimba and is considered a potent herb with numerous therapeutic properties. It has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including eye infections. Neem contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it an effective remedy for Netra Abhishyanda or eye infections. To make neem eye drops, we mix a few drops of neem oil in a cup of warm water in Ayurveda, known as Jala. We then use a dropper to apply a few drops of the solution to each eye, which is known as Netra Tarpana. Neem eye drops can help to fight against infection-causing bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. However, it is important to note that neem oil should be used in moderation and under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner, as it can have side effects if used incorrectly.
Benefits of Ayurvedic and natural herbs for an eye infection:
Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine based on the principles of balance and harmony, offers several natural remedies for eye infections. These remedies are derived from various Ayurvedic herbs and spices and can help balance the doshas, which are the fundamental energies that govern the body. Here are some of the benefits of Ayurveda for eye infections in Ayurvedic terms:
Shuddhi: Ayurvedic remedies for eye infections are shuddha or pure, as they are made from natural ingredients that are free from chemicals and toxins. This makes them safe to use and less likely to cause any adverse effects.
Shothahara: Ayurvedic treatments such as triphala eye wash, coriander eye wash, and turmeric eye drops have shothahara or anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce shotha or inflammation in the eyes. This can help alleviate symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.
Krimighna: Many Ayurvedic herbs such as neem and turmeric have krimighna or antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight against the krmi or microbes causing the eye infection.
Shitala: Ayurvedic remedies such as aloe vera gel have Shitala or cooling properties that can soothe the eyes and relieve symptoms such as itching and burning.
Samprapti Vighatan: Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to treat eye infections, focusing on Samprapti Vighatan or correcting the underlying imbalances in the body that may contribute to the condition. This can help prevent the recurrence of the condition.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Ayurveda offers several natural remedies for treating eye infections, myopia, colour vision deficiency and more that are effective, safe, and easy to use at home. Aloe vera gel, turmeric eye drops, Triphala eye wash, coriander extract, and neem eye drops are all Ayurvedic options that can help reduce inflammation, fight against infection-causing bacteria and viruses, and promote healing in the eyes. However, it is always recommended to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying new remedies to ensure proper use and avoid potential side effects.
