Facial Hygiene

Washing the face and the eyes with a decoction of kṣīri trees (trees with milky sap like aśvattha), or mixed with milk or with a decoction of bhillodaka, or of āmalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), or with cold water is beneficial. It destroys nīlikā (skin ailment), dryness of the mouth, boils, vyaṅga (black spot) and haemorrhagic diseases; improves complexion and eyesight.^[1]

Regular application of collyrium (añjana) in the eyes is advised in the texts as it has several benefits. It alleviates kapha in the eyes and keeps the vision clear;^[2] relieves burning and itching sensation; removes dirt, discharge and pain from the eyes; improves eyesight and appearance of the eyes; protects the eyes from the wind and glare of the sun; and prevents ocular diseases.^[3] Two kinds of collyrium are mentioned by Caraka- (i)sauvīramañjana which is applicable daily, and (ii) rasāñjana (an extract of Berberis aristata) applicable once in every five or eight days only at night for lacrymation.^[4] Sauvīramañjana is identified as Plumbi Sulphuratum (sulphide of lead) and procured from Sauvira, a country along the Indus.^[5] Rasāñjana is variously explained. In one view it is the vitriol of copper, a sort of collyrium prepared by the addition of curcuma; or according to some from the calx of brass or from lead ore.^[6] Suśruta recommends śrotāñjana (antimony sulphide^[7]) produced in Sindhu as the best and purest form of collyrium.^[8] In the Amarakośa, śrotāñjana and sauvīraṃ are included as antimony.^[9] References to rasāñjana and śrotoñjana occur in the Vinaya Piṭaka (I.203) as medicine in eye diseases, while monks were allowed to possess the collyrium box (añjanī) as well.^[10]