Use kajal daily let your healthy eyes speak...

                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                      
                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

• Our eyes are the most important sense organs we have in relating to the world around us.They  are the connection between outer and inner worlds.In fact it isaid that our eyes are the mirror to our soul.
• We must protect and take loving care of these delicate organs.So to protect it one should apply anjana(Collyrium/kajal) everyday.It's a traditional ayurvedic formulation for healthy eyes.It is highly effective in maintaining the health and shine of the eyes.Kohl or Kajal is one of the first make up product that most girls learn to use.
• In a world more and more polluted by gas emissions,also by pollen, by dust, by the lack of humidity in some work or living places, and more and more screens to look at, Kajal appears to be a wonderful ally to your eyes.It is very useful in young children as well.For thousands of years women have been using kajals as a natural eye care cosmetics.
• Eye kohl is one of the oldest fashion accessories found in every woman’s vanity.It is ethnic and followed by every tradition.When you put on a kajal,you bid for a new smoky look, to be in the spotlight.Your dazzling eyes build up a confidence in you to fight against pickles of your life.Beyond shadow of any doubt Kohl serves your eyes with a glamorous look.Apart from dazzling eyelooks,today we will see neumerous health benefits of kajal.

          Synonyms of Kohl/collyrium

• Kohl is known by various names in South Asian languages, like surma in Punjabi and Urdu, kajal in Hindi, Bengali and Gujrati, anjana in Sanskrit, kajalh in Marathi, kanmashi in Malyalam, kaadige in Kannada, kaatuka in Telugu and kan mai in Tamil.

          
          History and cultural importance of kajal

• Kohl is an ancient eye cosmetic.It is widely used in South asia, the Middle east, the Mediterranian, Eastern europe, North africa, the Horn of africa, and parts of West africa as eyeliner to contour and darken the eyelids and as mascara for the eyelashes.It is worn mostly by women, but also by some men and children.Kohl has also been used in India as a cosmetic for a long time. In addition, mothers would apply kohl to their infant'seyes soon after birth.Some did this to strengthen the child's eyes,and others believed it could prevent the child from being cursed by the evil eye.
• Egyptian and africa culture-Kohl was originally used as protection against eye ailments.There was also a belief that darkening around the eyes would protect one from the harsh rays of the sun.Women have long applied kohl  for cosmetic purposes, as well as to cleanse the eyes, lengthen eyelashes, and to protect the eyes from the sun's rays.
• In India, it is used by women as a type of eyeliner that is put around the edge of the eyes.In many parts of India,women of the household prepare the kajal.Local tradition considers it to be a very good coolant for the eyes and believes that it protects the vision.
• In Punjabi culture, surma is a traditional ceremonial dye, which predominantly men of the Punjab wear around their eyes on special social or religious occasions.
• Some women also add a dot of kajal on the left side of the foreheads or on the waterline of the eye of women and children to ward off "buri nazar".Buri nazar literally means 'bad glance' and is comparable to the 'evil eye',although it can be interpreted as ill-wishes of people or even lustful eyes,in the sense of men ogling women.It signifies that the person is not perfect, with them having 'black mark',and hence, people wouldn't be jealous of their beauty.
• In the centuries-old Indian Bharatnatayam dances,the dancers apply heavy kohl to their eyes so as to draw attention to their eye gestures and movement.The kohl is then applied to eyebrows and eyelids to add further enhancement to the dancers.
• The Prophet Mohammed used kohl and recommended others to use it because he believed that it was beneficial for the eyes and it is used by Muslim men today during ramadan as a sign of devotion.

         
          Anjana in ayurveda

• The preparation and benefits of Kajal are written in the ancient Ayurvedic treaties dating back to more than 5000 years ago.It is used as a beauty treatment by indian women since that time.
• Anjana in simple words means a thick honey like consistency medicinal substance to be applied in the eyes for maintaining their health and prevent diseases.There are two types of it, first is called as "Souviranajana"i.e. it should be put daily.It’s our own lovely kajal or Surma that we apply every day. 
• Second type of Anjana is the Rasanjana i.e. prepared with honey, berberis aristata and goat’s milk.This is a little strong type and is put in the eyes only during night time.This is available in the ayurvedic pharmacy or one can try putting one drop of pure honey in the eyes at night.This stings the eyes a bit and eyes start watering.Due to this any redness, impurities or foreign bodies are washed away and in just few minutes one realizes the eyes are cleaned up.Also it imparts good sound sleep.This Anjana is told to be used only for 5 to 8 nights continuously every month and not to be exceeded above that.Only that one should not see bright light or watch tv, computers after this is done. So one should put it just before going to sleep.

          
          Types of anjan in ayurveda 

• According to charaka -Sauviranjana and rasanjana
• According to susrutha-Prasadana,lekhana,ropana
• Depending on the form of medicine -Gutikanjana, Rasanjana, Churnanjana
• Depending on action-Mridu and tikshna
• (We need not go in detail of every type of anjana as they are to be practiced under guidance of ayurvedic physician,in this post we will only focus on souviranjan which is the kajal/kohl  which we put daily.)

         
          Doshas present in  our eyes

• Ayurveda explains that Pitta dosha,the element of fire and light governs our eyes.Specifically, the sub-dosha “Alochaka Pitta”lives in the eyes.Alochaka pitta absorbs images and colors, allowing us to take in and digest all of the visual impressions coming to us.When Alochaka pitta is in balance,eyes are healthy, bright, clear, shiny, luminous, and we enjoy sharp vision.
• Tarpaka Kapha is responsible for keeping the eyes lubricated, moist and cool. 
• Prana Vata is responsible for the life force that runs throughout the head region, for movement of the eyes, blinking, and sensory perception.

         

          Uses of putting kajal/kohl daily

• Collyrium helps remove dirt and dust, and relieves watering and burning of eyes due to strain.
• While applying kajal, the underside of the eyeballs gets a massage, which improves the blood circulation of eyes and hence, improves eye sight.
• Kajal protects the eyes from sharp rays of sun.
• It helps to make the little red vessels in the eyes disappear so that they remain     white.               
• It helps to protect from bad luck/evil eye (particularly little kids)
• The organic and natural soot we use in form of kajal has refreshing,astringents and disinfectant properties.
• It moisturises the eyes and evacuate tear fluid faster.
• Regular use of kajal also helps to avoid cataract to some extent.

          
          Need for making our own homemade kajal

• Kajal/kohl/surma had been used for centuries in most South Asian and Arab nations, multi-tasking as an eye cosmetic and evil eye-fighter.But its reputation has suffered recently,when investigations had revealed that the products contain dangerously high levels of lead sulphate which can create several problems.
• The commercial production of kajal today,on a large scale,has bought its own share of problems.Some of the most commonly found impurities in kajal are charcoal which is added for its dark colour, and silver nitrate,which gives the kajal its lustrous glow.If the silver nitrate content in the kajal is more than two per cent, it can cause irritation, burning and redness of the eyes.
• Where does that leave our homegrown kajal? The process by which it has been traditionally made is painstaking and as delicate as the body part to which it is applied.Kajal has been used for hundreds of years by us is proof enough that it does not have harmful effects on the eyes,so the best decision would be to make kajal at home as grandmother used to make/or depend on reliable organic brands.

         
          Recipe for making kajal

• Copper panel or plate with up edges
• Silver box/airtight clean box
• Pure castor oil
• Pure cotton filaments 
• Some ghee
• 1 spoon
• A bronze/earthen oil lamp
• Camphor
• (Another version of home-made ayurvedic kajal is made using almond oil. Almonds have natural oils that are very beneficial for the eye and is also known to improve eyesight.)

         
          Procedure 

• Fill the Bronze/Earthen oil lamp with approximately 100 ml of castor oil,put a wick and light the lamp.
• Place the copper plate on top of the lamp in such a position that the flame touches the plate.Fix the position of the plate with the help of a stand.
• Place this lamp in a place with no wind blowing, let the lamp burn over night,or as long as the oil burns.This will approximately take 8-10 hours.
• When the oil is burnt, you will see a thick powdery black residue on the copper plate.This is the base of your kajal.
• Gather as much soot as possible and put it in the container.Take a small amount ghee and mix it into the collected soot.
• Add a few small beads of camphor and mix well for minute or two.
• Make the kohl as consistent as you want it. Ideally, it should have the consistency of eatable butter.Too thin and your kohl will smudge, too thick and it will be in lumps.
• Kohl is ready to use.Put the kohl in an airtight box/silver box.
• Apply on your eyes once in a day.

         
          Benefits of ingredients used

• Rich in Vitamin E-Pure castor oil is the richest form of vitamin E.It helps heal the eyes,makes your eye lashes thick and blacker and known to relieve stress.
• Anti-Bacterial-Copper is well-known for its healing properties and is considered a purifier.You will get a very minute amount of copper in the kohl because of the heated copper plate where your soot gets collected.Copper helps keep your eyes free from external and makeup infections.It also helps in lens and strengthening eye muscle and relaxing.
• Relaxes Irritated Eyes-Bronze and silver are known for their regenerating properties. They also help in healing allergies, relaxing irritated and swollen blood vessels because of over rubbing.
• Provides Coolness To Eyes-Camphor helps for providing coolness and gives stress relief.It helps subside minor eruptions in the eyes.Camphor comes from the resin of the camphor tree, it has refreshing, astringents and disinfectant properties.
• Keeps Dark Circles Away-Ghee keeps your dark circles at bay by relaxing them if you are an electronic person who uses laptops, computers, and phones constantly.It cleans your eye of salt deposits from tears.Also removes your minute makeup residue trapped under the upper and lower eye lids.
• Cotton being the most natural fibre available anywhere in the world.

          Storage of  kajal 

• The container is very often not sterile and can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.So keeping the kajal/surma stick well covered, away from dust and other dirt, is very important.
• kajal once prepared at home easily lasts  for 8 to 11 months if used only by one person and one time application.It doesn’t expire but it should not be kept near water.Homemade kajals usually have a good shelf life even though no preservatives are used.

         
          Application of kajal

• Wash your face and hands.Take very little kajal/kohl on your(right hand) finger,widen the eyes with left hand and apply collyrium using the right hand.Always it should be applied from inner canthus to outer canthus. 
• The other way to apply kajal is by using shalaka(applicator), start off by cleaning the probe(applicator) with the help of a clean dry cloth.Dip the probe into the bottle and twist a little and shake.Take out the probe and tap it gently to remove the excess material so that only a fine film will remain on it.Apply the probe carefully along the lower eyelid, while closing the upper eyelid and softly slide out the probe side ways up till its end.Clean the probe again with dry cloth prior to repeating the same procedure for the other eye.
• Home made kajal is very dark, so one of the ways to use it is, put heavily on eyes at night before going to sleep, wash your face in the morning/after bath, the remaining kajal leaves a beautiful,natural tint on your eyes,which no makeup artist can replicate.

          
          Indications and Contraindications 

• One should apply collyrium everyday for protecting the eyes.Eyes are dominant in tejo mahabhutha,so there is fear of it being afflicted with kapha.Hence process which alleviates kapha is good for eyes.
• One should not apply collyrium in conditions of tiredness, Udavarta, crying, after intake of alcohol, anger, fear, fever, suppression of natural urges and diseases of head.It is also contra indicated in ocular conditions like redness of eyes, pain,blindness,excessive lacrimation,pain and swelling.

       

          Features of proper collyrium application

• Clear vision, lightness, no excessive lacrimation, proper functioning, purity of eyes are features of proper action of collyrium.

         
          Conclusion 

• Gold ornaments are cleaned by means of oil, cloth and hair brush,similarly application of collyrium cleans the human eyes which makes them shine like bright moon in clear sky.

         
           Stay healthy !