Keep Your Eyes Cool and Relaxed this Summer

This article is a part of our affiliate relationship with Maharishi Ayurveda

Your eyes are among the most important organs in your body. Ayurveda identifies all five elements within your eyes: earth (prithvi) — muscular part of the eye; fire (tejas) — the blood vessels; air (vayu) — the color; water (apu) — the white area; and space (akasha) — the tear ducts and channels. Alochaka Pitta is the subdosha of Pitta which governs outer and inner vision, or intuition.

Alochaka Pitta can become less balanced with age, so it's important to care for your eyes throughout your life. During the heat of Pitta season — summer — when the sun’s rays are strong, your eyes can become light-sensitive, dry, or red and irritated.

Here are a few ayurvedic recommendations to keep your eyes cool, relaxed, and healthy this summer:

Protect Your Eyes

When you are out in the bright sun, favor the shade, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the skin on your face and shade your eyes, and/or wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Cool from Within

Cool your eyes from within by eating sweet, bitter and astringent foods (Pitta balancing). Eat foods that are room temperature or warm rather than hot. Favor cooling drinks and sweet, juicy fruits. Reduce or avoid heating spices as well as hot, sour, and salty foods, as these can unbalance Pitta dosha. Cool and soothe yourself, and your eyes, by adding Organic Rose Petal Spread to your diet with a recipe like this Rose-Coconut Salad Dressing. At the end of the day, engage in a relaxing activity — a walk, talking or reading on a swing, or just hanging out on a backyard hammock. A room-temperature cup of Organic Cooling Pitta Tea in hand is ideal.

All Natural Herbal Support

Two special herbals to nourish the eyes are Organic Premium Amla Berry and Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus). Amla Berry is a single herb, praised in ayurveda for its strengthening qualities for the mind, eyes, heart, skin, and digestion. Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus) is a powerful tonic for the digestive system, and as an added benefit it is nourishing for the skin and eyes. Take one tablet of Organic Premium Amla Berry two times a day and one tablet of Organic Digest Tone two times a day, after breakfast and after dinner. Both of these can have a mild laxative effect and are considered Pitta balancing.

Soothe Your Eyes

When you come in from the sun, soothe your eyes with a dash of cool water. Spritz Organic Rose Water on your face, or use the Rose Water to wet two cotton rounds and lie down with the cotton on your closed eyes for ten minutes. For something different, try slices of fresh cucumber on your eyes for a few minutes. At night, after cleansing and toning, apply Youthful Skin Cream to your face and the delicate area around your eyes. This provides natural nourishment for your skin and gives health and longevity to the eye area while renewing elasticity.

For more ayurvedic eye care solutions read: A New Look at Eye Care for Dry, Tired Eyes.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.