Ayurveda Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis

It’s quite often that people suffer from an eye allergy. It is known as allergic conjunctivitis, says Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Director and Principal Consultant of Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore.

The renowned Ayurveda Doctor from Ayush Singapore adds, “Whenever our eyes get in touch with an allergen, it can cause conjunctivitis. Our body releases histamines, which cause swelling in the eye’s blood vessels.”

The renowned Ayurveda Doctor says that our eyes’ whites and eyelids are shielded by a transparent layer called the conjunctiva. “When it gets swollen due to allergy, we name it allergic conjunctivitis.”

Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis

Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says, “The common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are redness, itching, watery eyes, swollen eyelids, and increased sensitivity to lights.”

He adds, “In Ayurveda, we call allergic conjunctivitis Netra Abhishyandam. It is caused majorly by bacterial and viral infections. Sometimes, it can be due to a hypersensitive reaction to substances like dust, pollen, and chemicals, too.”

He says that allergic conjunctivitis can be acute or chronic. “ But Ayurveda has effective treatment for both.”

Ayurveda treatment for allergic conjunctivitis

Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore,says that Ayurveda considers allergic conjunctivitis as a result of an imbalance in Kapha and Pitta doshas.

“Our eyes are managed by Pitta. But when there is an excess water element or Kapha, it starts affecting the eye health, which results in swelling, watery eyes, redness, and yellow discharge.” He adds that Ayurvedic management of allergic conjunctivitis includes internal cleansing using herbs to reduce the aggravated Kapha and Pitta doshas. “Herbal pastes and Panchakarma therapies ease the affected area. We also recommend diet and lifestyle changes.”

Stay away from allergens

Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore,says that allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the air has more humidity. “It is better to prevent it and hence stay away from the causes of the disease. Maintain your eyes clean and wipe them with a clean cloth to prevent infection.”

Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, suggests some remedies that one can do at home.

Cold Compress: Take a small piece of linen or cotton cloth and dip it in ice-cold water. Squeeze away the excess water and apply it over the eyes. Do it 3-4 times but with a different piece of cloth each time.

Saline Solution: He recommends washing eyes regularly with saline solution. Make a solution of salt in water and use it as eyewash. The saline solution reduces irritation and inflammation.

Rose Water: The Ayurveda doctor says that rosewater has anti-inflammation qualities. “Add a few drops of rose water to the infected eye twice daily. You can add rosewater over cotton balls and keep them over your eyes.”

Turmeric: He says that the curcumin present in turmeric has healing properties. “Turmeric reduces irritation and inflammation of the eyes. It has antibacterial properties, too. Boil some water with one teaspoon of turmeric. Dip a piece of cotton in it and use it as a warm compress.”

Triphala Powder: Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says that Triphala powder addresses the root cause of allergic conjunctivitis. “However, it should be used after consulting an experienced Ayurveda doctor.”