Our eyes give us a glimpse into our overall health and let us connect with the world, as about 80% of our interactions come through vision. Whether we’re reading, watching TV, texting, or using a computer, we put our eyes to work all day long. It’s easy to forget that this constant use can lead to wear and tear. That’s why it’s essential to take daily steps to keep our vision in good shape.
Ayurveda places great importance on eye health. In its teachings, the eyes are considered the most vital sense organ. One of its remedies involves using ghee, a type of clarified butter, for its medicinal properties to care for the eyes. An Ayurvedic therapy called netra basti is all about this. It involves applying medicated ghee to the eyes. Typically performed by an Ayurvedic expert, this treatment uses a dough ring around the eyes, which is filled with ghee to bathe them for about 15-20 minutes.
Netra basti is beneficial for those with specific eye conditions and for anyone who overworks their eyes with tasks like computer work. It even promises cosmetic benefits, potentially making the whites of your eyes brighter.
Ghee, with its ancient roots in Ayurveda, is clarified by heating unsalted butter to separate its components—and it leaves behind nourishing milk fat. This process gives ghee its gentle, nourishing properties that help boost overall vitality and serve as a stable food source. Besides being used for cooking, ghee is applied externally for massages, used in oil pulling for digestion, and combined with herbal medicines to improve absorption.
Loaded with Vitamin A, pure ghee helps keep eyes well-hydrated, which can prevent dry eye syndrome. Those who spend hours on computers or frequently stare at bright screens often face dryness in their tear glands, and ghee’s moisturizing qualities can restore natural health and lubrication to these glands, promoting better eye health.
When attempting Ayurvedic eye treatments like netra basti at home, it’s crucial to ensure your ghee is pure and smooth, free from particles that could irritate the eyes. Although some people find the idea of ghee in their eyes a little daunting at first, the experience is often soothing. The warm, soft ghee feels nourishing and provides a comforting layer of lubrication. You might want to open your eyes now and then during the treatment, but the ghee will seep in regardless, creating a slight film over your eyes. While mild stinging can occur, it’s not harmful and fades away after the session.
Netra basti can be done weekly over several weeks for sustained benefits. You can enhance the treatment results with certain Ayurvedic herbs and formulas that support eye health from within. Remember, your lifestyle and diet play key roles in maintaining good eye health. Simply put, when aiming for healthy eyes, focus on nurturing your entire body.
