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Not only homeopathy, but Ayurveda is also considered as a treatment option for cataracts. Continue reading to know if it’s possible to treat cataracts with Ayurvedic remedies and herbs.
Table of Contents
What is cataract?
According to Ayurveda, cataracts are known as linga nasha or timira. Ayurvedic experts explain that due to aggravated Vata in the body, cataracts develop. The aggravation of the dosha results in continuous dehydration that leads to clouding of the lens. Hence, the vision gets blocked due to diseased lenses.
The process of developing cataracts is explained clearly in ayurvedic literature. The natural lens inside the eye is made up of two components: water and proteins. The protein component is arranged in a specific pattern that allows light rays to pass through the lens allowing it to reach the retina. As age progresses, these proteins start to bind together and result in a lump. The clumped up protein doesn’t allow light rays to pass through and reach the retina and hence, there is blurriness of the vision.
In ayurveda, the following symptoms and signs are identified for diagnosing cataracts-
- Double vision
- Nearsightedness, especially in older people
- Fading of colors
- Blurred, cloudy, foggy or filmy vision
- Difficulty reading and working at night
- Seeing glares around light sources
- Extreme sensitivity and glare in sunlight
- Change in prescription frequently
How ayurveda treats cataracts?
The primary objective of ayurvedic treatment for cataracts is to reduce the antagonized body energy that normalizes the blood flow and strengthens the nerves and tissues inside the eye.
Ayurveda works only in the early stages of cataracts.
Ayurvedic herbs for cataracts
Although very few, there are some herbs that can keep vatas intact and reduce the risk of cataracts developing or deteriorating of the condition. Take the following herbs or its supplements in the following dosage.
- Take 100g of almonds, 100g of fennel seeds, 100g coriander powder and 10g of dark pepper and grind these into a powder. Mix these powders together and keep it in a cool place. Take 1 teaspoon of this mixture with some sugar before going to sleep.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink this before going to bed.
Ayurvedic medicines for Cataract
Cataracts can impact the quality of life negatively as people get dependent on other people for even the simplest tasks. Although not directly, delaying the treatment can have psychological and social implications too. Ayurvedic doctors prescribe the following medicines to treat cataracts fast-
Maha triphala ghrita
The triphala helps to nourish as well as strengthen the nerves and tissues of the eyes whereas ghee stabilizes the aggravated vata. Therefore, this is the first medicine that doctors prescribe to get rid of cataracts.
Triphala choorna
This powdered mixture helps to remove harmful toxins from the body and reduce the vata dosha in the body. There are two applications of this mixture- washing the eyes as well as drinking it internally. To take this, mix 1 tablespoon of this mixture in a tumble of water and keep it covered for 12 hours.
Amla Saar
The main component of this medicine is Indian Gooseberry or Amla juice. According to Ayurvedic specialists, this is the best ayurvedic medicine that can help in restoring vision considerably in cataract patents. The antioxidant properties of this medicine help to remove the harmful toxins from the body and thereby, improve eyesight. To take this medicine, mix this juice and water in equal parts twice a day after meals.
Biberry capsules
Derived from the herb Bilberry, these capsules are rich in antioxidants that enhances the overall blood circulation throughout the body. As the blood flow improvesinside the eyes too, the eyesight improves. Moreover, this medicine has minimal side effects which it makes more preferred by Ayurvedic doctors. Mix 2 capsules with milk or water after meals.
Chandrodaya varti
Chandrodaya varti is recommended for treating severe stages of cataracts. The patient is asked to apply a mixture made out of this preparation for a couple of minutes on the eyes. When it is applied on the eyes, it stimulates circulation of blood and helps to dissolve the protein accumulation in the lenses.
Amalaki rasayan
Made up of Amla extract, these capsules are loaded with vitamin C which is an essential nutrient for eye health. Also, due to its anti-ageing effects, doctors prescribe this medicine to treat age-related cataracts.
Also read: Can eye drops effectively cure cataracts?
Ayurvedic tips to prevent cataract
Not only treating cataracts, but Ayurveda also suggests some lifestyle tips following which the chances of cataracts developing can be reduced considerably. Some of these are explained-
- Include ghee in your daily diet. Take 1 teaspoon of ghee two times daily to keep the vascular system functioning.
- Avoid food items such as pickle, strong tea, black coffee, sauce, etc, and other bitter and sour foods.
- Ayurvedic experts ask cataract patients to consume cow milk and dairy products regularly to prevent cataract from worsening.
- Eat fruits such as oranges, apples, pomegranates, bananas to get sufficient amount of vitamin C.
- Eat green leafy vegetables such as spinach, ladyfinger.
- Put fenugreek seeds while cooking meals.
- Smoking disbalances the pitta doshas of the body, heightening the vata negatively. Quit smoking to keep the pitta doshas in place.
- Include good sources of vitamin E such as sunflower seeds, almonds and spinach.
- To reduce aggravation of vatas, try to calm yourself and avoid excessive worrying and getting anxious.
- Stay away from harmful chemicals such as X-Rays, infrared rays.
Also Read: Nutrition to keep the eyes healthy
How to get rid of cataracts permanently?
Although ayurveda explains that some particular herbs and remedies can treat cataracts effectively, not a lot of people have been able to benefit from the same. Also, there is no substantial evidence that can confirm that Ayurvedic treatment of cataract can cure the problem effectively or permanently. Rather, people have complained of experiencing several side effects such as diarrhea, headache, worsening of eyesight, difficulty reading in the dark, etc. when they used ayurvedic medicines.
If you are considering getting rid of cataracts permanently, surgery is the only effective treatment option. The reason is simple as the procedure involves removing the diseased lens completely and placing a new clear artificial lens in its place. The procedure takes around 15-20 mins complete and with advanced techniques now available, vision restores quickly and the wound heals within a week at the earliest.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic treatment may not be an appropriate option for getting rid of cataracts. Severe stages of cataract cannot be treated with ayurvedic medicines and herbs. Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment available at present. At Pristyn Care, the doctors utilize the most advanced technique of cataract surgery to complete the procedure. In case you are looking to undergo the procedure or have any additional questions, book an appointment at the nearest Pristyn Care clinic without any further delay.
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