Deemed as 'windows to the soul', our eyes are one of the most important organs in the human body. Not only does it help us read, write, cherish the nature around us but also helps us connect to our loved ones. Although it is quintessential in improving one’s quality of life, yet we put our eyes through immense stress throughout the day as we work in front of the desktop or laptop, use different technological devices or simply watch television. Little do we forget; all this has a number of repercussions if not taken care of on time. But much to our respite, Ayurveda brings an absolute remedy through the process of Shalakya Tantra that chiefly uses herbs and spices that targets offering numerous safe, effective and simple methods for maintaining and uplifting ocular health. One such incredible ayurvedic formulation that provides intensive eye care and also prevents a host of eye diseases is Saptamrit Lauh.
Also Read: Maha Triphala Ghritam: Benefits, Ingredients, Method, Dosage And Side Effects
What Is Saptamrit Lauh?
Saptamrit Lauh is a classical ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation that consists of 7 ingredients (5 in powdered form and the last two in the form of adjuvant, mixed in at the time of injestion). It chiefly aims at treating and managing all sorts of eye anomalies like conjunctivitis, immature cataract, dry eyes, eye irritation, vision impairment, computer vision syndrome and other underlying eye diseases. Apart from the eyes, this medication is also useful for treating and managing hair issues like hair fall, premature greying of hair, dandruff and other scalp infections. Additionally, powered with antacid, carminative, antiemetic, detoxifying and demulcent qualities, the secondary indications of this magical formulation also include treating blood disorders, difficulty in urination, urinary incontinence, vomiting, indigestion, anorexia, gastritis, vomiting, tiredness, fever, fatigue, bloating, edema and other skin issues.
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According to Rasendra Sar Sangrah, Saptamrit Lauh is also denoted as Timirhar Lauh as it is used for treating ‘Timir Rog’. In Ayurveda, Timir Rog refers to the initial stage of cataract, when a person just starts having blurred and cloudy vision, fuzzy spots, difficulty in seeing in the dark, and increased sensitivity to light.
Ayurvedic Indications
Since ages, this herbo-mineral formulation has been mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals for various indications which include Naktandhya (treats night blindness), Netra Sushkata (treats dry eyes), Abhigata (relieves eye injury), Stabdha netra (treats eye stiffness), Nakulandhya (treats defective vision), Chakushya (treats eye disorders), Nayana Tamyati (treats darkness infront of the eyes), Vataja Pittaja Roga (treats agrravation of Vata and Pitta disorders), Aavila Akshnam (clears dirt from eyes), Siraharsha (treats Acute orbital cellulitis), Abhisyanda (treats conjunctivitis), Adimantha (remedies glaucoma), Sirotpata (Treats hyperemia of conjunctiva), Ragadi Shantata (calms red eyes, and eye irritation), Keshya (good for hair), Dahahara (relieves burning sensation), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Kupachan (prevents bloating, indigestion), Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Kustha (treats skin disorders), Vamanopaga (treats emesis), Jvara (useful in fever), Varnya (improves complexion), Anaha (treats abdominal fullness), Amala pitta (treats peptic acid disorder), Mutraghat (treats urinary obstruction) and Sonisthapana (treats bleeding).
How To Prepare Saptamrit Lauh?
Ingredients:
1 part Yashtimadhu (Mulethi) – Glycyrrhiza glabra
1 part Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – Emblica officinalis
1 part Bibhitaki (Behada) – Terminalia bellirica
1 part Haritaki (Harad) – Terminalia chebula
1 part Lauh Bhasma – Iron ash
Method:
Dry and powder all the herbs separately.
Mix equal proportion of the powdered herbs along with iron ash.
Mix everything properly.
Roll them up into tablet or gutika form.
Store it in airtight amber-coloured bottles for future use.
Essential Adjuvants
1 part Ghritam or Ghee – Clarified butter
1 part Madhu or Honey
If the tablets formulated using the above 5 ingredients are consumed just with water, it does not produce any effective therapeutic benefit in treating the diseases. 1 g mixture of the above five components should be mixed with 3 grams of ghee and 6 grams of honey. This is how the medicine should be taken every time to produce a synergic effect in treating and managing the different diseases.
Ayurvedic Benefits Of Saptamrit Lauh
Prevents Immature Cataract
Immature cataract is a type of cataract characterized by a variable amount of opacification, present in certain areas of the lens along with clouded, dim or blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. Saptamrit Lauh when consumed along with Triphaladi Ghrita or Itrifal Kishneezi and Netra Sudarshan Ark is an effective remedy that not only reverses the changes in lens but also helps slow down the progress of cataract in later stages and gradually restores the natural vision.
Treats Night blindness
Night blindness, or nyctalopia, is a medical condition, where the eyes are unable to adapt to low-light conditions, such as at night time. Enriched with powerful herbs that uplift eye health, this lauh made of triphala powder and mulethi is extremely beneficial to treat night blindness.
Remedies Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, is an umbrella term that describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of technological devices like computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone. Owing to the presence of neuroprotective qualities of the bioactive components, saptamrit lauh is an ultimate remedy for all vision related problems. It not only relieves mental stress and strain but also relaxes the optic nerves and reduces eye strain and fatigue.
Also Read: Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Augments Hair Health
Apart from uplifting eye health, this incredible herbo-mineral concoction also prevents the growth of lice and dandruff on the hair and scalp, stimulates blood circulation which in turn prevents hair fall and promotes the growth of new hair follicles. Regular use of this lauh improves hair texture, prevents premature greying, restores the natural hair colour, adds shine, and stimulates hair growth.
Also Read: Top 5 Essential Oils To Revamp Your Skin Health
Enhances Digestion
Touted for its appetizing and digestive properties, Saptamrit Lauh offers a one-shot remedy for all digestive woes. The anti-flatulent property reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, constipation, bloating and abdominal distension. It also plays a key role in breaking down the food particles in the stomach, facilitating the secretion of the digestive juices and thereby increasing the absorption of essential nutrients through the intestines. Lastly, adding this formulation in regular diet also treats anorexia nervosa.
Therapeutic Dosage
The effective therapeutic dosage of Saptamrit Lauh may vary from person to person depending upon the age, severity, and condition of the patient. Consultation from an ayurvedic doctor is a must, as he or she will thoroughly examine the indications and prescribe the correct dosage for a specific time period.
Adults: 1 gm, once or twice a day, along with ghee and honey, followed with luke warm milk or as specified by the ayurvedic doctor.
Side Effects
Although it is an absolute remedy for all vision disorders, eye infections, and hair woes when taken in prescribed quantity, ensure that the formulation is consumed only with doctor’s consultation. Overdosage of the medicine or use of raw and impurified lauh bhasma may lead to severe side effects in the form of stomach troubles. It is also suggested for pregnant women and lactating mothers not to consume this herbal concoction as its efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is still not studied.
Conclusion
Saptamrit Lauh is a traditional ayurvedic remedy that is quintessential in treating umpteen eye problems including cataract, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, myopia, computer eye syndrome, night blindness, digestive issues, skin and hair woes etc. Imbued with potent herbo-mineral ingredients, seek benefit from this powerful herbal concoction with proper doctor recommendation.
