Ayurvedic Eye Care Rituals

In Ayurveda, the eyes are considered one of the most delicate and important sense organs. Classical texts describe specific daily practices for eye care under the name Netra Charya, the routine care of the eyes.

Two practices form the foundation of Ayurvedic eye care. Netra Prakshalana is the gentle cleansing of the eyes using copper cups filled with clean water or herbal preparations like rosewater. The second is nourishing the skin around the eyes with herbal formulations, a tradition that Kumkumadi preparations have served for centuries.

Together, these practices offer a simple daily ritual: cleanse, then nourish. Copper cups for refreshing the eyes, and Kumkumadi-rich cream for the delicate under-eye area.

Art of Vedas Pure Copper Cups Set with Lids - Ayurvedic Copper Drinking Vessels for Health and Wellness

Copper Eye Wash Set

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€20,00

Art of Vedas Netra Prakshalana transparent glass eye wash cups pair, traditional Ayurvedic eye cleansing tools for soothing and refreshing tired eyes

Netra Prakshalana Eye Basti

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€20,00

Art of Vedas Ruby Eye Cream with Kumkumadi and Saffron - Luxury Ayurvedic Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Fine Lines

Ruby Eye Cream

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How to Practice Netra Prakshalana (Ayurvedic Eye Wash)

Netra Prakshalana is the Ayurvedic practice of gently washing the eyes using small cups, traditionally made from copper.

The ritual is simple and takes only a few minutes.

Step 1 — Prepare the cups
Clean your copper eye cups thoroughly. Fill them with clean, filtered water at room temperature. You can also use rosewater or Triphala water (a light herbal infusion) if you have it available.

Step 2 — Position
Lean slightly forward over a sink or basin. Place one filled cup over your eye, pressing it gently against the eye socket to create a light seal. Keep your eye closed during this step.

Step 3 — Blink and rotate
Tilt your head back slowly so the water covers your closed eye. Open your eye gently and blink several times within the cup. You can slowly rotate your eyes in a circular motion — this helps the water reach all areas.

Step 4 — Release
Tilt your head forward again and remove the cup. Discard the used water. Pat the area around your eye dry with a clean cloth.

Step 5 — Repeat
Use a fresh cup of water and repeat on the other eye.

When to practice
Morning is the traditional time — after waking and washing your face, before applying any creams or oils. You can also practice in the evening if your eyes feel tired after a long day of screen work or reading.

When to skip
If your eyes are red, inflamed, or infected. If you have recently had eye surgery or any eye procedure — wait until fully healed. If you experience any discomfort during the practice, stop and rinse your eyes with plain water.

After cleansing
Once both eyes are washed, you can apply your eye cream or oil as the final nourishing step. Freshly cleansed skin around the eyes absorbs nourishment more readily.

Ayurvedic Eye Care — Common Questions

Netra Prakshalana is the Ayurvedic practice of gently washing the eyes using small cups filled with clean water or herbal preparations such as rosewater. The practice is described in classical Ayurvedic and Yogic texts as part of Dinacharya — the recommended daily self-care routine. In Yoga traditions, the same practice is often called Netra Shudhi. The word "Netra" means eye in Sanskrit, and "Prakshalana" means washing or cleansing. The practice is simple: you fill a small cup (traditionally copper), place it over the eye, and blink gently to allow the water to wash over the surface of the eye. It takes only a few minutes and can be practiced daily or as often as your eyes feel tired.

Copper — called Tamra in Ayurveda — holds a special place in traditional Ayurvedic practice. Classical texts describe copper vessels as naturally purifying and cooling. When water is stored or used in copper containers, Ayurveda considers it to carry the beneficial qualities of the metal. For eye washing specifically, copper cups are preferred over plastic or glass because they are durable, easy to clean, naturally antimicrobial, and aligned with the traditional practice. Art of Vedas eye cups are handcrafted from pure copper and shaped to fit comfortably over the eye socket.

Kumkumadi is a classical Ayurvedic oil preparation whose name comes from Kumkuma — the Sanskrit word for Saffron. Traditional Kumkumadi formulations combine Saffron with a base of sesame oil infused with specific herbs. In Ayurvedic beauty traditions, Kumkumadi preparations have been used for centuries as part of facial care rituals, particularly for the delicate skin around the eyes and face. The Art of Vedas Ruby Eye Cream uses Kumkumadi Oil alongside Saffron, Manjishta, Sandalwood, Laksha, and Vetiver in a sesame oil base, combined with Rose, Geranium, and Cedarwood essential oils. The result is a rich, aromatic cream that feels nourishing without being heavy.

Yes — they complement each other as a two-step ritual. The traditional sequence is: cleanse first, then nourish. Start with Netra Prakshalana (eye washing with the copper cups) to refresh the eye area. Pat dry gently. Then apply a small amount of Ruby Eye Cream around the orbital bone as the nourishing step. This mirrors the classical Ayurvedic approach of Shodhana (cleansing) followed by Shamana (nourishing).

Rinse the cups with warm water after each use and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth. Do not leave them wet or damp, as copper naturally develops a patina (greenish layer) when exposed to moisture over time. If patina develops, you can restore the shine by rubbing gently with a paste of lemon juice and salt, then rinsing and drying. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners. Store in a dry place. With simple care, copper cups last for years.

Classical texts describe it as a daily practice — part of the morning Dinacharya routine. However, you can adjust the frequency to your own needs. Some people practice daily, others a few times per week, and some only when their eyes feel particularly tired or dry. There is no strict rule. Listen to your body. If you spend many hours looking at screens, you may find the practice especially refreshing in the evening as well.

The Ruby Eye Cream is formulated with plant-based ingredients and contains no synthetic fragrances, parabens, or artificial colours. The Kumkumadi Oil and Saffron base is traditionally considered suitable for all skin types in Ayurveda. If you have very sensitive skin or known allergies to any of the listed ingredients, test a small amount on the inner wrist before applying around the eye area.