Elaneer kuzhambu is an Ayurvedic formula for the treatment of eye diseases of pitta origin. It is a formulation based on the Kerala Ayurveda tradition. Elaneer kuzhamb may be used as anjana (applied using a rod-like instrument called salaka) or as eyedrops.
What is Elaneer Kuzhambu used for?
1. It can be used in case of eye discomfort arising due to exposure to excessive heat, sun, or smoke.
2. In combination with other internal medications, it may be used to relieve many inflammatory and allergic conditions of the eye.
INDICATIONS
- As a general rule, the anjana preparations are indicated in conditions where the vitiated doshas are confined to the eyes.
- Elaneer kuzhambu, being a rasakriya preparation is indicated in diseases of moderate strength.
- The formulation is to be used in pitta predominant conditions. The diseases include corneal ulcer, pterygium, and early stages of cataract.
What are the ingredients in Elaneer Kuzhambu?
| Sanskrit name | English name | Latin name |
| Darvi | Indian barberry | Berberis aristata |
| Haritaki | Indian gall nut | Terminalia chebula |
| Amalaki | Indian gooseberry | Emblica officinalis |
| Vibhitaki | Beleric myrobalan | Terminalia bellirica |
| Madhuka | Liquorice | Glycyrrhiza glabra |
| Karpoora | Camphor | Cinnamomum camphora |
| Saindhava | Rock salt | |
| Madhu | Honey | |
| Narikela jala | Coconut water | Cocos nucifera |
It comes under rasakriya kalpana, a secondary preparation. The secondary preparations are those which are made from the further processing of primary preparations like the Kashaya etc.
Darvi, haritaki, amalaki, and vibhitaki in equal quantities (1 part) are boiled in tender coconut water (8 parts) and reduced to 1/8th of the initial quantity. It is then filtered and reduced to a semi-solid form. After taking this off the flame, add the powders of camphor and rock salt along with honey. Mix it well and allow it to cool.
DOSAGE AND USAGE
- Applied as collyrium or eye drops, in the inner side of the eyelids
- Dose: According to the classics – one Vidanga matra.
How many times a day should I take Elaneer Kuzhambu?
In practice, the dosage of 1 drop in each eye is followed.
- As collyrium, it is applied from the inner canthus to the outer canthus
- After this Triphala Kashaya can be used for sekam (eyewash)
What are the side effects of Elaneer Kuzhambu?
If used in excessive doses or without medical supervision, it can cause eye irritation.
DIET AND BEHAVIOR TO BE FOLLOWED FOR EYE CARE
According to Ayurveda, netra is the seat of tejas. It is located in siras, which is a seat of kapha. Therefore, all the ahara and vihara causing pitta and kapha prakopa – leading to abhishyanda – are, in particular, unwholesome to the eyes.
Wholesome food
- Grains like yava (barley), godhuma (wheat), raktasali (red rice) , mudga (green gram)
- Ghee, vegetables, and meat/meat soup of animals occupying drylands.
- Dadima (pomegranate), Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Emblica officanalis), Draksha (grapes)
- Sita(sugar), saindhava (rock salt)
Wholesome activities
- Eye exercises like palming, blinking, rotation, front to side gaze, side to side gaze, up and down gaze, tip of the nose focus, etc.
- Shatkarmas like Neti, trataka, etc
- Oil massage over soles of feet
- Eyewash using triphala and yashtimadhu kashaya
- Nasal instillation with Anu taila etc
Unwholesome food
- Excessively sour, pungent, and salty foods
- Virudha aharas (Fish along with milk, Curd along with hot rice, Sour items with milk)
- Intake of a meal before the digestion of the previous meal
Unwholesome activities
- Suppression of natural urges
- Day sleep and night awakening
- Overexposure to heat, sun, or smoke
- Continuous digital screen use
CLASSICAL REFERENCE
Sahasrayogam – Urdhwangaroga chikitsa
BRANDS AVAILABLE
- Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
- Vaidyaratnam Thaikkatt Mooss
- Kerala Ayurveda
- Nagarjuna
RESEARCH PAPERS
- Clinical study on evaluation of anti-cataract effect of Triphaladi Ghana Vatiand Elaneer Kuzhambu Anjana in Timira (immature cataract) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4895755/
- Action of Elaneer Kulambu on Presbyopia- A Case Study https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Action-of-Elaneer-Kulambu-on-Presbyopia-A-Case-Krishnan-Swetha/5df1943d5daf1834826882380b381dc422122396#paper-header
