Ayurveda is rich in techniques and practises to cleanse and rebalance the body. Here we share some fascinating and ancient techniques to treat the eyes.
Ayurveda, India’s traditional healing system has much to say on the subject of eye care and eye remedies. Approaches to healing the eye fall into three basic categories, these are: external applications i.e.: collyriums (eye wash) applied directly into or the area about the eye. Internal remedies i.e.: medicines taken orally to promote eye health, and finally, non-corporeal approaches such as the use of astrological amulets, recitation of mantra or the performance devotional acts.
In this article we will explore the first and second remedial measures mentioned above. Some are simple, some complex but all are commonly recommended day-to-day remedies in India.
Ayurveda is very much a living tradition, most of its practices time honoured and trusted to deliver relief from suffering; this article describes some of the recipes and their uses, but should not be taken as medical advice.
Note: Please do note that application of anything in the eyes must be administered by an experienced and qualified practitioner only.
External applications (Kajal/Kohl)
The use of Kajal (sometimes referred to as Kohl) is very old; it was and is still considered both a cosmetic as well as a health regime. Kajal is seen not only to improve one’s looks, but also to help protect the eye from harsh, gruelling environments. The use of Kohl is also believed to stave off infections via air born contaminates as well as, parasites and general industrial pollution.
Kajal comes in a number of guises; these being either a mixture of herbal and animal products or a mixture of herbs and powdered minerals. The former is obtained by collecting the soot from lamps burning clarified butter, known as ghee. Here a burning cotton wick draws up the oil and deposits the resulting soot onto an upturned brass bowl, placed just above the flame. The end result is rich black soot which can be harvested using one’s finger, brushing the accumulated material to the edge of the dish. In some cases the soot can be combined with a little ghee to make a paste to apply as a kind of mascara or to delicately apply the soot about the eye with a brush.
Another popular form of Kajal uses galena (lead sulphide). Here pieces of the raw mineral are ground into a soft fine powder and applied as collyrium. As this material is toxic in its native form, some prefer to use a purified form before applying in the form a collyrium.
Purification of galena usually involves the mineral being ground and mixed with lemon juice until a creamy paste is achieved. This is then allowed to dry under the sun before repeating the process, seven times in total. In some cases an additional heating of the mineral (in a closed crucible) may also be undertaken. Heating is continued for about one hour at about 400°c. The end result is a highly processed bluish-black lead sulphide.
X-Ray diffraction analysis of more ancient sources of Kajal reveal it to be a mixture of four different types of lead compound, these being: galena (lead sulphide), white cerussite (lead carbonate), phosgenite (lead chlorocarbonate) and laurionite (lead chloride hydroxide). Typically these materials would be mixed in a medium (like oil) for application and applied like paint directly onto the skin under and around the eyes.
A closer examination of Kohl suggests it stimulates the immune system via its lead ions which are known to react with human skin; this then causes an overproduction of nitrogen monoxide (nitric oxide), a molecule known to be an important biological messenger in mammals. It therefore might be said that Kajal functions as an immune system stimulant.
By applying this toxic substance to the eyes, some more ancient cultures apparently discovered that there were health benefits in mildly provoking their immune systems and thus warding off attacks from flies, contaminated water, sunlight, dry air and bacteria, not to mention sand and grit. Even the application of the aforementioned lamp soot stimulates eye tearing, which then produces a flow of natural saline, washing and brightening the eye.
Note: Some samples of Egyptian Kohl, taken from burial tombs, shows traces of malachite, turquoise and lapis lazuli included in the mixture, all bound together with goose fat. The addition of these minerals may well have enhanced the overall cleansing effect i.e.: the copper in malachite having natural antibacterial properties etc.
Please note: It is not recommended that anybody uses lead for medicine, we are simply describing traditional techniques.
Rasa-anjanum using the herb Berberis aristata
The word ‘Rasa’ is associated with rejuvenation and ‘anjana’ is a common term used to describe different types of collyrium.
Rasa-anjanum is popular traditional eye remedy. The main herbal ingredient used is Berberis aristata. Ayurveda refers to this plant as Daruharidra, meaning ‘woody turmeric’, and while it has a large number of uses, it is particularly useful in eye disorders, particularly inflammatory conditions such as conjunctivitis.
Berberis root yields a hard yellowish wood with an aromatic small, not dissimilar to turmeric. When the bark is dried and broken into small pieces, about the size of a barley grain, a decoction can be prepared by boiling it in water. Due to the hardness of the root, the decoction process is usually done over a low flame for a prolonged period. After boiling, the root and small particles are filtered out and the remaining decoction is mixed with an equal quantity of goat’s milk. The next process involves reducing the water content until a thick paste of milk solids and decoction resins remain.
The finished paste is then sold wrapped in a lotus leaf or sun dried in pill form. Either paste or pill can be mixed with water and used in eye drops or an eye wash. The highly astringent nature of this herb can be a mild irritant in larger doses, and so is contraindicated in pregnancy or during lactation.
Medicated ghee (clarified butter)
Simply put, ghee is the oil obtained from cooking butter. This is best obtained by heating butter over a low flame for long periods. Gentle cooking allows the heavier milk solids to sink and the residual water content to evaporate. The end result is golden coloured oil which retains a semi-solid structure at room temperature. Ghee has excellent stability when re-heated at higher temperature and is well noted for its longevity, if stored in a cool environment in a sterile container.
Ghee is highly prized in Ayurvedic medicine, noted for its ability to both preserve and stabilize herbal infusions. Medicated ghee’s known as Grtha form an important mainstay in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. The synergistic interchange between oil and herb doubly enhancing potency, while improving bodily assimilation and penetrating power.
One popular use of liquid ghee is in eye baths. This treatment method is known as akshi-tarpana, meaning ‘eye satiation’. The technique literally sees both eyes immersed in a warm medicated variety of ghee. The ghee of choice for akshi-tarpana is known Triphala ghee. I will firstly explain the treatment procedure then outline the method to prepare this medicated ghee.
Before beginning akshi-tarpana, the subject is firstly required to have the area about the eyes (and head in general) gently fomented (steamed). This practice is seen as the best way to open all the heads channels of elimination. Ayurvedic thought pays close attention to elimination channels in the body, making sure that once turbid material has been separated from the tissue, it has somewhere to exit the body without becoming lodged in another place.
Fermenting is achieved by lightly tamping a cotton bolus filled with warm herbal pastes about the face, forehead, upper neck and ears. This process is repeated until the patient shows signs of sweating.
Next, a well macerated ring of gram flour mixed with water is rolled into short lengths and pressed about the periphery of the eye sockets. From here the compacted paste is smoothed down – forming a sticky oil-tight seal against the skin. This barrier will act as a container for the liquid ghee. The inside and outside of this retaining ring are paid special attention – making sure its contact with the skin is consistent all the way around the eyes. Once the ghee is poured into them there is not much one can do about seepage and so better to spend a bit more time in their affixation to avoid annoying drips during the treatment.
When the retaining wall is complete and its integrity seems satisfactory, both rings are filled slowly with warm ghee. This is heated to just above body temperature. Filling is firstly undertaken by dripping small amounts of oil onto the skin furthest from the eye. This is to test the subject’s reaction to warm ghee. The temperature of the oil should not be ‘HOT’ for obvious reasons but it should also be noted that ghee cools very quickly once poured. Treatment is therefore relatively swift; something close to 7 minutes is optimal by Ayurvedic reckoning. As ghee cools, it loses transparency, giving the subject the initial feeling of looking out through golden coloured lenses which slowly dull and become foggy.
During the initial part of akshi-tarpana, toxins are thought to be expelled both through the normal channels of circulation as well as those drawn directly outward from the eyes into the ghee. While all parts of the eye have been observed to benefit from ghee baths, it seems the actual lens benefits the most from the immersion, regaining some of its youthful elasticity ‘during the brief soaking period’.
At the close of akshi-tarpana, excess oil is removed by cotton pads, along with the removal of the gram flower wall. The subjects face is then washed in warm water to remove any residual oil. The final, and some say the most important procedure, is known as Nasya or nasal lubrication. Here, another type of medicated oil is dripped into each nostril and allowed to penetrate deeply. This then stimulates the sinuses and produces large amounts of mucus. The oil also stimulates sneezing, and expectoration which again helps the purgation of toxins. Nasya is not pleasant, but is an essential part of akshi-tarpana and sometimes missed. I cannot stress enough how important this part of the treatment is, so be wary if it’s missing from the program.
After akshi-tarpana, the subject is advised to avoid any intense or localized light source for about 4 hours, for example: bright sunlight, car headlights, television, mobile phones etc. As a consequence of this, the procedure is often preferred in the evening, whereby patients may retire to a bedroom and subdued light, almost immediately after a treatment.
Usually akshi-tarpana treatments are performed weekly for a period of about eight weeks. Over time improvements become clearer. It is unlikely that one or two treatments will have a long lasting effect.
How to prepare triphala ghee
For those not acquainted with ghee making I have given the method here also.
To prepare about 1.5 liters of ghee you’ll need about 2kg of organic, unsalted butter. It’s worth spending a little more on a trusted brand, as the final quantity varies widely upon producer quality.
- Butter is melted in a pan. The heat source should be as low as possible. Making ghee is an art and the slower you prepare the better the ghee.
- Cook butter, as it melts and liquefies, foam will form on the surface. This is a kind of emulsion and is best removed with a flattish spoon.
- This collected emulsion paste can be discarded.
- After about 2 hours the ghee will become still and quiet, you will be able to see to the bottom of the pan. If you have made a good job of removing contaminants, the floor of the pan should be quite clear of debris.
- Ghee may now be ready to remove from the heat; however a quick test is first needed.
- Make a small wick from a piece of cotton and dip it into the heated oil. Remove this wick and ignite it. If a cracking noise is heard, the heating process should be continued as water is present still.
- If wick burns without noise, stop the heating and allow the ghee to cool.
- While ghee is cooking Triphala decoction can also be prepared. This requires the following ratio: 1 cup of triphala powder to 8 cups of water. Mix triphala and water and bring to the boil.
- When the decoction has been reduced by roughly 1 third, or just under half the amount, heating is stopped and the decoction allowed to cool.
- Carefully filter the decoction through a cloth. If you allow the powder to settle, it will not clog the filter cloth.
- Filtered decoction can now be added to previously prepared ghee.
- In addition, an equal quantity of milk is added to the mixture, as is 1 tablespoon of fresh triphala powder.
- The mixture is again heated and very slowly cooked. As the process continues, a second residue accumulates on the surface and is similarly scraped off. The heavier milk solids and triphala powder will sink to the bottom and become a dark sticky paste.
- Nearing the end of the process, clear ghee oil will be seen between a surface foam, and lower depth paste.
- Again, a cotton wick dipped in the ghee is used to determine the water content of the ghee.
Before decanting the finished ghee into a sterilized jar (a Kilner variety is best), it is advisable to pour the ghee through another cloth, just to make sure there is no debris (milk solids) present in the final ghee.
Allow ghee to stand at room temperature for 24 hours before use. Do not refrigerate as this will dampen its penetrating power. Ghee has a unique property to improve digestion and penetrate the tissues. If you refrigerated ghee, this property will be reduced.
Benefits of Ghee
Ghee contains high levels of significant vitamins such as A, E and D as well as monounsaturated fats (Omega 3). Ghee also contains a number of important short-chain fatty acids such as Butyric acid, as well as important medium-chain fatty acids. These stimulate liver function without contributing to excess adipose tissue.
Triphala eye bath
This simple technique does not require any heating and is relatively simple to implement. The down side of this method is that to experience lasting benefit, the process will need to be repeated for about one month, minimum. It is well worth the effort, and compared with other methods, relatively simple.
Firstly wash a glass and add water, about half a cup will be sufficient. Next place 1 teaspoon of triphala powder into the water and stir carefully until it is thoroughly mixed. Cover the glass and allow the contents to settle. This technique is known as ‘cold infusion’ and will require the water and powder to stand for a good number of hours. Ideally this is done in the morning and allowed to stand until the evening.
Returning to the glass, it can be seen that the triphala powder has settled, and that the water now has a brownish hue. No not disturb the liquid.
Taking two cotton pads, gently dip them into the water. Allow them to retain some liquid and lying on your back place both pads over the eyes and gently press down, allowing some liquid to flow directly into the eyes.
The liquid will sting, so close the eyes until you can open them again and continue to ‘bath’ the eyes much as is possible. This process should be repeated for about 10 minutes, upon which the pads can be discarded and the faced washed with cool water. The remainder of the triphala water can be drunk, but do not drink the powder at the bottom of the glass. The glass is then washed out and the process repeated for the following day.
These techniques end the introduction to Ayurvedic eye care, a fascinating part of this ancient medical doctrine.
