Hello, I can definitely understand your point. Sudden changes in vision due to optic neuritis are frightening - but don’t panic, there are quite safe herbal and lifestyle measures that shouldn’t harm, and might even help, the optic nerve in addition to the usual medical care 😊
YOUR CONCERN
Vision problems for 1-4 weeks; Diagnosed with optic neuritis caused by toxin exposure; Suspected involvement of the optic nerve; Certain foods seem to trigger symptoms; Overall health is excellent.
In Ayurveda, loss of vision or disturbances can be linked with Trataka and Netra Vata disequilibrium and occasionally Dhatukshaya of Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue).
Optic neuritis is the condition in which the nerve that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain (the optic nerve) becomes inflamed and damaged.
Majja Dhatu and Prana Vata correlate with the changes as the medical literature states that these changes relate to the inflammatory condition of neuritis and may be damage of the nerve. Herbal medicine is not able to substitute emergency ophthalmologic treatment but can ease symptoms and speed up the healing process.
INTERNAL MEDICATION (For the support of the optic nerve and vision)
1. Brahmi Vati 1-0-1 after meal (Provides support to nerve regeneration and memory functions)
2. Shankhapushpi Churna – ½ tsp with warm milk in the evening (Relieves Vata and replenishes Majja Dhatu)
3. Ashwagandha Churna – ½ tsp at night with warm milk (Extremely helpful in neural inflammations and provides the nervous system with energy)
4. Triphala Ghrita – 1 tsp at night (Helps vision by detoxifying, and nourishing eye tissues)
EXTERNALLY
1. Netra Tarpana (herbal ghee eye therapy) – under the supervision of an Ayurvedic qualified doctor → Nourishes optic nerve, reduces inflammation, and helps vision recovery.
HOME REMEDIES
1. Stay away from foods or triggers that worsen symptoms 2. Limit your screen time and exposure to bright light 3. Make sure you drink enough water and take your sleep time
DIET PLAN
INCLUDE
Leafy greens, carrots, beets, vitamin A-rich foods; Nuts and seeds (almonds, flaxseeds) for healthy nerves; Ghee and milk for Majja Dhatu nourishment; Fresh fruits and vegetables for antioxidants.
AVOID
Extremely processed foods, loads of sugar, and alcohol; Far too much caffeine and deep-fried foods; Foods that bring on symptoms.
LIFESTYLE TIPS
Enough sleep (7-8 hours); Stress relief: meditation or pranayama; A little light from the sun outside to get vitamin D; Do not overstress your eyes while reading or working.
INVESTIGATIONS
An ophthalmology follow-up with visual field tests; Optic nerve MRI if not already available; Blood tests for inflammatory or autoimmune markers.
Nourishment of the eye with careful herbal support, diet, and eye care may be able to help recovery take place over several weeks, but how much of the vision will be restored depends on how severely the nerve has been damaged.
It is very important to be under the constant supervision of an ophthalmologist.
Warm wishes, Dr Snehal Vidhate
1.Mahatriphala ghrita 1 tsp once daily with warm milk 2.Saptamrita lauha 2 tab twice daily with water after meals 3.Ashwagandha capsules 1 cap twice daily with warm milk after meals
Eye-Specific Ayurvedic Practices: - Triphala eyewash: Soak Triphala overnight, filter, and use as gentle eyewash. - Netra Tarpana (eye ghee therapy): Done by Ayurvedic physician, nourishes optic nerve. - Anulom Vilom pranayama: Improves oxygenation and circulation to eyes. - Avoid triggers: Spicy, oily, and toxin-heavy foods; prefer fresh, sattvic diet.
Thank you for contacting Ask Ayurveda
Optic neuritis means inflammation and stress of the optic nerve. When toxins or food reactions are involved, it usually indicates that the bodys detox pathways, digestion, liver function, and circulation to the nerve are impaired Because your symptoms are recent and your overall health is good, the chances of recovery are much more better if treatment is started early and done carefully.
Ayurvedic medicine can support healing of the optic nerve, reduce inflammation, improve blood supply, and helps detoxification, but it will not replace urgent medical monitoring. Optic neuritis can permanently affect vision if inflammation is not controlled properly.
Reducing nerve inflammation Removing toxin load from the system Improving micro-circulation to the optic nerve Nourishing and regenerating nerve tissue Identifying and avoiding triggering foods
Herbal formulations that support nerve healing and vision nourishment Mild detox support for liver and digestion Anti-inflammatory herbs that are safe for nerve tissue Eye-specific rasayanas used traditionally for optic nerve support
These medicines are usually taken for 6–12 wks
Since you already noticed food triggers, you must strictly avoid Very spicy, fried, fermented foods Alcohol, smoking, packaged foods Excess sour, vinegar, cheese, bakery items Food additives, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers
Prefer Warm, freshly cooked meals Simple grains, vegetables, and adequate hydration Foods that feel light and do not worsen eye strain or heaviness
Avoid screen time completely No late nights Eye rest, no forceful eye exercises Protect eyes from bright sunlight
Optic neuritis is a sensitive condition. Consult neurologist/ ophthalmologist asap If you experience: Sudden worsening of vision Loss of color vision Severe eye pain Double vision
Ayurveda works best here as supportive and restorative therapy, not as a replacement for acute care. With early intervention, careful diet control, and proper herbs
Yes, recovery is possible. Since symptoms started only 1-4 weeks ago, you are in the Golden Period. The nerve is likely inflamed but not dead. We must flush out the toxins and reduce swelling immediately.
Medicines 1 Saptamrit Lauh: 1 tablet twice daily. Take with 1 tsp Triphala Ghrita (Medicated Ghee) and Honey. This is the specific remedy for optic nerve regeneration. 2 Maha Manjishthadi Kashayam: 15ml mixed with 45ml warm water, twice daily (before food). 3 Amrita Sat (Giloy): 2 pinches twice daily with water.
External Therapy Nasya (Nasal Drops): Put 2 drops of lukewarm Cow Ghee in each nostril at bedtime. The nose is the direct route to the optic nerve. Triphala Eye Wash: Soak Triphala powder overnight, strain carefully, and wash eyes in the morning to reduce local toxicity.
Dietary & Lifestyle Advice Stop Alcohol, Smoking, and Sour foods (Vinegar, Pickles) immediately. These increase heat and worsen nerve damage. Your optic nerve is fragile. Reduce screen time to absolute necessity.
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
Herbal medicine in Ayurveda can support eye health, but before considering these remedies, it is important to prioritize medical advice from a specialist, especially if there is nerve damage involved. The optic nerve plays a critical role in vision, and intervention by a medical professional is essential. If you’re already consulting a healthcare provider and want to complement your treatment with ayurvedic methods, there are several considerations.
Start by focusing on your diet and lifestyle, since these are cornerstone of managing health in Ayurveda. Include foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as Amla (Indian Gooseberry), which is known as a powerful rejuvenator. You might consume it raw or as a juice to support general eye care. Additionally, incorporating Triphala, an Ayurvedic combination of three fruits, taken nightly with warm water can be supportive due to its balancing effect on the doshas and its gentle detoxifying properties.
Ghee, particularly medicated ghee like Triphala Ghrita, may be considered due to its purported benefits for eye health. Consuming a small amount daily could help nourish eye tissues. Additionally, practicing Trataka, a yogic practice of focused gazing, can sometimes assist in improving mental focus and eye strength, but ensure you do it under guidance to avoid strain on your eyes.
Always be cautious with herbal remedies, especially if they’re prepared or used improperly, as they can lead to unexpected effects. Ensure products are from reputable sources and consult with someone who has knowledge of both your specific condition and Ayurveda.
Don’t replace or delay conventional medical treatments with ayurvedic solutions for eyesight restoration, especially in acute situations. Ayurveda complements but doesn’t substitute necessary medical interventions in complex conditions like optic neuritis, specifically when toxins are involved. Prioritize overall health maintenance and stress reduction, as these bolster your body’s natural healing processes.
Optics neuritis is inflammation in optic nerve faster inflammation settles, easier to get back it’s functions. Start with Saptamritlauh 1-0-1 and wash with clean Amalaki Rasayan 1-0-1 after food with water Triphala grith 2 tsp twice in a cup of warm milk twice daily. Giloy ghanvati 1-0-1 will help reduce inflammation. Visit ayurvedic centre to get eye treatment like Netra Tarpan Avoid strong lights coming teyes. Wear glasses.
HELLO,
In Ayurveda, vision disorders involving the optic nerve are understood under Drishti Nadi Vikara and Timira kasha spectrum , mainly involving -Pitta dosha =inflammation, heat, toxins -Vata dosha= nerve damage, degeneration -Rakta Dhatus dushti= toxin interaction, inflammation -Majja dhatu kshaya= nerve tissue depletion
Since your condition is toxin-induced , Ayurveda views this as -Aama+pitta+vata prakopa affecting majja dhatu of optic nerve
IMPORTANT REALITY CHECK -Ayurveda cannot guarantee full restoration of vision if the optic nerve is severely damaged -Earlystage optic neuritis (1-4 weeks, as in your case)has better recovery potential. -Ayurvedic treatment works best when –inflammation is reduced early –toxins are cleared –nerve nourishment is started promptly
Do not stop conventional treatment if prescribed like steroids Ayurveda works best as integrative supportive therapy
TREATMENT GOALS -remove toxins -reduce inflammation -nourish optic nerve -prevent further degeneration -improve visual clarity gradually
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
A) DETOX AND INFLAMMATION CONTROL FIRST 2-3 WEEKS
1) GUDUCHI SATVA= 500 mg twice daily after meals with warm water =neuroprotective, anti toxic
2) AMALAKI RASAYANA= 1 tsp in morning =powerful antioxidant for optic nerve
3) KAISHOR GUGGULU= 2 tabs twice daily after meals =rakta sodrana, toxin clearance
4) PRAVAL PISHTI= 125mg twice daily with honey =controls pitta, supports nerves
B) OPTIC NERVE NOURISHMENT (after acute inflammation reduces)
1) SAPTAMRITA LAUHA= 1 tab twice daily with honey or ghee =classical medicine for vision and optic nerve
2) BRAHMI GHRITA= 1/2 tsp twice daily empty stomach =excellent for nerve regeneration
3) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp at night with warm milk =majja dhatu strengthening
PANCHAKARMA (very important for best results) -NASYA WITH ANU TAILA = in morning empty stomach 2 drops in each nostril -NETRA TARPANA -SHIRODHARA
Panchakarma should NOT be done during active severe inflammation without physician assessment
DIET -warm,freshly cooked food -cow ghee 1-2 tsp/day -green leafy vegetables -bottle gourd, pumpkin -pomegranate, amla -moong dal, rice, wheat
AVOID -spicy, fried, fermented foods -alcohol, tobacco -packaged and preserved foods -excess tea, coffee -sour foods vinegar, pickles
LIFESTYLE AND EYE CARE -avoid screen as much as possible -no late nights -gentle eye exercises only after pain reduces -daily Triphala eye wash (very mild, once inflammation subsides) -Avoid sunlight exposure to eyes
EXPECTED TIMELINE OF IMPROVEMENT 2-3 WEEKS= reduced pain, pressure, inflammation 1-2 MONTHS= stabilisation of vision 3-6 MONTHS= partial improvement (depends on nerve damage extent)
Earlier treatment= better outcome
Yes, Ayurvedic medicine can help support recovery and prevent further damage, especially in early toxin induced optic neuritis, but -It cannot magically regenerate a dead optic nerve -It works best alongside modern treatment -Early intervention matters greatly
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Please consult some opthalmologist in person for better treatment
