Ayurveda classifies five tanmatras (subtle elements) used for sense perception—sight/form, taste, sound, touch, and smell. Of all the “doorways” from which energy escapes—eyes, mouth, ears, and nose—the eyes release up to 80% when they are open. You can also factor in that the eyes receive a major workout from all the impressions they ingest throughout the day. Eye strain from computer usage, driving, reading, etc. can leave the eyes tired, burning, and depleted.

Ayurveda for the Eyes

Quality of life is greatly affected by the health of the eyes. Ayurvedic treatments for the eyes can help preserve and rejuvenate eyesight.

Preventative Eye Care

• Salt wears down the eyes. Favor a more gentle salt such as pink Himalayan salt.
• Bathe the eyes in cool water each morning upon rising.
• Many jobs require prolonged amounts of time staring at a computer screen. Consider purchasing blue light eyeglasses or filters to put over the computer screen to help attenuate stress put on the eyes.
• Paying attention to diet is important. Reduce or avoid foods with very heating spices such as wasabi and very hot chili peppers, fried foods, processed, and fast food. Alcohol and tobacco are also enemies of the eyes.
• On a spiritual and emotional level, care for the eyes by avoiding watching anything disturbing or stressful such as violent movies. Take breaks from the news channels. Instead, infuse the eyes with beautiful sights by taking walks in nature or sitting face to face with a loved one in the dead of a quiet meditative eye embrace.
• Avoid napping and staying up late.
• Wear sunglasses, especially in the midday sun.
• Meditate with eyes closed to preserve energy and rest the eyes.

Alleviate Dry Eyes

• Place a drop of castor oil in each eye at bedtime (massage the soles of the feet with a little bit of castor oil, too!).
• Cucumber slices over the eyes moisten, cool, and soothe.

Alleviate Tired/Strained Eyes

• Place cotton balls soaked in goat’s milk over the eyes.
• Triphala eye wash is a universal solution for many eye imbalances. Stir 1/2 tsp. triphala powder into one cup of boiled water. (If you don’t have Triphala powder, you can crush two Triphala tablets into powder.) Allow the water to cool and then, strain the Triphala from the water. At bedtime, use an eye cup to bathe the eyes in the Triphala water for 3–5 minutes while blinking occasionally. Or, place the Triphala water in swim goggles and do both eyes at once!