Anjana / Collyrium (Eye Drops)

Anjana is an essential component of Ayurvedic daily practices (Dinacharya), primarily used for promoting eye health. It is known for its ability to enhance vision, soothe tired eyes, and eliminate impurities.
 

Applying collyrium (surma) to the eyes is highly beneficial and is recommended as a daily practice in Ayurvedic Dinacharya. This ritual enhances vision, strengthens the eyelids, and beautifies the eyes, making them more delicate.

• Sloka:
  “अञ्जनं तु विशेषेण दृष्टिप्रदर्शनं च यत्र।
  तत्र सर्वा नेत्राणि सम्यग्दृष्टिमुपैहति॥”
  (Translation: "Anjana is particularly effective for enhancing vision and clarifying the eyes. All the eyes attain proper vision through it.")

Preparation

Traditional Ingredients:

Anjana is typically made from a blend of beneficial herbal ingredients, which may include:

• Triphala: A well-known herbal combination that detoxifies and rejuvenates the eyes.
• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Renowned for its antibacterial properties, helping to soothe eye irritation.
• Other Eye-Friendly Herbs: Additional herbs like Brahmi and Tulsi may be included based on individual needs.

Application Method

Hygiene:

• Thoroughly wash your hands to prevent contamination.

Using the Applicator:

• Use a clean stick (often bamboo) or a finger to apply the collyrium.
• Dip the applicator into the Anjana, ensuring it remains clean.

Application Steps:

1. Positioning: Sit comfortably in front of a mirror.
2. Creating a Pocket: Gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket.
3. Applying Collyrium:
   • Apply a small amount of Anjana to the inner canthus (the corner of the eye).
   • Gently push the collyrium into the pocket created by the lower lid.
4. Massage: Release the eyelid and gently massage it to distribute the Anjana evenly.

Timing

Best Time for Application: Early morning, after washing your eyes, helps refresh them and allows the herbal ingredients to work effectively throughout the day.

Sloka

“अञ्जनं तु विशेषेण दृष्टिप्रदर्शनं च यत्र।
तत्र सर्वा नेत्राणि सम्यग्दृष्टिमुपैहति॥”
(Translation: "Anjana is particularly effective for enhancing vision and clarifying the eyes. All the eyes attain proper vision through it.")
 

Precautions:
While applying collyrium is beneficial, certain conditions warrant avoidance:

• Those who have stayed awake at night.
• Individuals feeling tired from exertion.
• After experiencing vomiting.
• Post meal.
• Individuals suffering from fever.
• Those who have sustained a head injury.

Regular application of Anjana is associated with numerous benefits, including:

• Enhances Vision: Improves clarity and sharpness of vision.

• Strengthens Eyelids: Supports the structural integrity of the eyelids.

• Beautifies Eyes: Makes the eyes appear more radiant and delicate.

• Reduces Irritation: Alleviates heat, stickiness, and discomfort in the eyes.

• Protects from Environmental Stress: Shields against wind and sunlight, helping to prevent eye-related diseases.

• Purification: It is best to purify the black surma from the Sindhu mountain before application.

• Sloka:
  “दृष्टिप्रदर्शनं च यत्र शुद्धं सुरमं च यथा।
  नैषा सम्पूर्णता प्राप्यते तत्र सर्वा नेत्राणि॥”
  (Translation: "Where pure surma is applied, there is completeness of vision, and all eyes benefit from it.")

• Improvement of Vision:

  • Regular use of Anjana can improve clarity and brightness of vision, especially in conditions like myopia and hyperopia.

• Relief from Eye Strain:

  • It soothes tired eyes and reduces discomfort caused by prolonged screen exposure or reading.

• Detoxification:

  • Anjana helps in detoxifying the eyes by removing impurities and toxins.

• Sloka:

  • “अञ्जनं तु विदितं सर्वदोषविनाशनम्। नेत्राणां श्रेयसार्थं नित्यं यत्नेन करोति यः॥”
  • (Translation: "Anjana is known to eliminate all doshas, ensuring the welfare of the eyes when applied consistently.")