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Ayurvedic Formulation

Nayanāmṛtāñjana: Traditional Ayurvedic Eye Paste (Añjana)

Ref: Śārṅgadhara Saṃhitā, Uttarakhaṇḍa, Adhyāya 13:119-120

Nayanāmṛtāñjana is a traditional Ayurvedic eye paste (Añjana) for external use only. Made from purified lead, mercury, black antimony (Sauvīrāñjana), and camphor, it soothes eye strain, reduces mild redness, and supports overall ocular health.

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Indications & Uses

General eye care – Helps maintain normal eye function and comfort.

Eye strain – Soothes tired or burning eyes after reading, screen work, bright light, dust, or wind exposure.

Mild redness – Cooling action may lessen temporary redness.

This preparation is not a cure for any specific eye disease. Use only under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner due to the presence of purified heavy metals.

Key Ingredients

  • Śuddha Nāga (Purified Lead) – 10 Parts: Grounding effect, calms excess heat in the eye area, and firms delicate tissues.
  • Śuddha Pārada (Purified Mercury) – 10 Parts: Penetrates subtle channels, stimulates natural lubricating mechanisms of the eye.
  • Kṛṣṇāñjana (Sauvīrāñjana / Antimony Sulfide) – 20 Parts: Cleansing agent, removes minor irritants, supports clear vision.
  • Karpūra (Camphor) – 4 Parts: Provides cooling sensation, mild anti-inflammatory effect, relieves burning or tiredness.

Dosage & Anupana

Dosage & Administration

Dose: Apply a small amount of the paste to the eyelid margin using a sterile eye-rod (Netra Śalākā).

Vehicle (Anupana): Mix with a few drops of honey (Madhu) or clean water (Jala) before application.

Frequency: Follow the practitioner’s instructions, usually once or twice daily.

Storage

Store the finished paste in an airtight glass container, away from moisture. When kept properly, it can remain stable for up to a year.

How the Ingredients Work Together

Purified lead and mercury undergo repeated processing (heating, grinding with herbal juices, and washing) to reduce free metal content. When applied externally in fine particles, they act as a gentle astringent, tightening the eyelid margin and supporting the eye’s natural moisture.

Black antimony (Kṛṣṇāñjana) acts as a mild cleanser, removing tiny debris from the eye’s surface. Camphor provides a cooling sensation and mild anti-inflammatory effects, activating cold-sensing receptors to relieve heat or burning in the eyes.

Together, the blend cleanses the ocular surface, cools irritation, and supports a smooth tear film, making the eyes feel more comfortable during prolonged reading or screen time.

Preparation Method (Brief)

  • Melt purified lead in an iron crucible and remove from heat.
  • Add an equal weight of purified mercury and grind quickly.
  • Add black antimony powder equal to the combined weight of lead and mercury; grind to a fine powder.
  • Add camphor (one-tenth of the total weight) and continue grinding until a soft, uniform paste forms.
  • Sift the paste through a super-fine cloth to ensure safety for the delicate eye area.

Modern Scientific Explanation

Ayurvedic shodhana (purification) procedures for lead and mercury involve repeated heating, grinding with herbal juices, and washing to reduce free metal content. External application of highly purified, finely divided metal particles in low concentrations may act as mild astringents, modulating ocular surface tension.

Camphor exhibits mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties when applied topically. It stimulates cold-sensitive receptors (TRPM8), producing a cooling sensation that alleviates discomfort from eye strain or environmental irritants.

Laboratory investigations indicate that traditional collyrium formulations may exhibit antioxidant activity and help maintain tear film stability by reducing surface irritants.

Note: These actions are supportive; the formulation is not intended to treat or cure any specific eye disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nayanāmṛtāñjana used for?▼

Nayanāmṛtāñjana is an Ayurvedic eye paste (Añjana) used to soothe mild eye strain, reduce temporary redness, and support overall ocular comfort. It is not a cure for any specific eye disease.

How should I apply Nayanāmṛtāñjana?▼

Mix a tiny amount with honey or water, then place a small dot on the eyelid margin using a clean eye-rod (Netra Śalākā). Do not let the paste enter the eye itself.

What are the main ingredients in Nayanāmṛtāñjana?▼

The primary ingredients are purified lead (Śuddha Nāga), purified mercury (Śuddha Pārada), black antimony (Kṛṣṇāñjana / Sauvīrāñjana), and camphor (Karpūra).

How is Nayanāmṛtāñjana prepared?▼

Purified lead is melted in an iron crucible, mixed with purified mercury, and ground. Black antimony powder is added, followed by camphor. The mixture is triturated into a fine powder, sifted through a super-fine cloth, and mixed with honey or water for application.

How should Nayanāmṛtāñjana be stored?▼

Store the paste in an airtight glass container, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Properly stored, it can remain stable for up to a year.

Is Nayanāmṛtāñjana safe for everyone?▼

Use only under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. People with metal allergies, active eye infections, or open wounds should avoid it. Discontinue use if irritation occurs and seek medical advice.

Reviewed By

Syed Aman Hussain

Reviewed By

Syed Aman Hussain

BAMS, MD

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