Cataract is called Lingnasha or Timira in Ayurveda. There are various treatments for cataract in Ayurveda. The disease is one of the most common eye diseases in old age. With the advancement of cataract, vision becomes obscured and there is difficulty in focusing on near objects. Only a few people develop a higher degree of opacity and need surgery for lens replacement as its cure.
In cataract, the lens become opaque and hard. The lens of the eyes interfere with eye vision. As the light is unable to enter the opaque lens, hence the eyes fail to give the representation of the object. In the long run, the eye retina is also rendered useless and cannot accept the light rays coming from the objects. Hence, the perception of vision becomes impaired.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Cataract
Pure ghee (clarified butter oil) prepared from cow’s milk is one of the best treatments for all kinds of eye ailments. Following are some of the Ayurvedic treatments for cataract –
- Triphala — Triphala and Maha Tripahala Ghritta are valuable medicines for cataract cure if diagnosed in early stages. Tiphala provides nourishment to the eye tissues and Maha Triphala Ghritta is prepared from cow’s ghee and is taken with a cup of lukewarm milk.
- Chandrodaya varti — This medicine is used externally to enhance lubrication of the eye. Chandrodaya varti is dipped in water and rub it on a clean hard stone. The paste obtained by rubbing is called medicated collyrium. It should be used around eyes at night.
- Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) – It is an excellent cure for cataract. Aniseed powder can be mixed with coriander seeds powder with equal weight of unrefined sugar. Take 12 gm of this preparation twice daily.
- Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata) — It is also good for cataract prevention.
Some other Ayurvedic herbs for cataract cure include –
- Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra)
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
- Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
- Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)
- Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
- Patol (Tricosanthe dioica)
- Patha (Cissampelos pareira)
- Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)
- Haridra (Curcuma longa)
If these herbs are used for a longer period, these will prevent lens degeneration, lessen waste product accumulation and can also preserve the eye functions.
Ayurvedic view of Cataract
- According to Ayurveda, cataract problem develops due to aggravation of vata dosha or air body humor.
- As the air dries up everything, the liquid making the lens and retina supple dries.
- Thus, Ayurveda cure relies first on correction of vata dosha.
Sarvangasana and Shirshasana are highly beneficial for cataract treatment as they increase the blood circulation in the eyes.
