Eyes are the “Mirror of the soul” - clichéd but true! You would want your eyes – the main feature of your face to sparkle with good health and happiness.
Dull, lifeless and bloodshot eyes are the result of many factors – illness, fatigue, inadequate diet and dryness. The whites appear pinkish or greenish yellow at times due to lack of sleep, too much alcohol or a weak liver.
Reading in inadequate lighting or keeping the book or paper too close causes the eyes to squint and redden. Reading material should be kept at least 10 inches away from the eyes.
Wearing make-up or lenses will be a stopgap arrangement for sparkling eyes- in fact using too much make up will harm the delicate skin around the eyes.
To be absolutely confident of shining sparkling eyes would be to work on your system internally – begin with the most basic method – drink enough water, a minimum of 2 liters a day.
Eat adequate quantities of vitamin A and vitamin C; fill up on carrots, sweet potatoes, squash and spinach for vitamin A and guavas, bell peppers, citrus fruits and papayas for vitamin C. After a bout of illness or fatigue take supplements till you find a difference.
You can take Omega 3 supplements after consulting your medical practitioner – take 4 capsules a day – 2 after lunch and 2 after dinner.
When your liver is sluggish it will be a good idea to detoxify your system with half a cup of beetroot juice, first thing in the morning.
A very simple method to relax eyes and add sparkle to them is by rubbing the palms of your hands together till they become warm before placing them on closed eyes for a few minutes – the eyes feel rested and fresh.
Rinse your eyes well, after removing make-up with a remover. Wash well and pat the eyes gently with a soft towel to dry them.
Keeping a bowl of hot water ready – first rub a piece of ice gently over eyelids in a circular movement, immediately follow this with applying cotton dipped in hot water or splash it on the eyes, repeat this hot and cold procedure 7-8 times. Not only do the eyes feel rested they definitely sparkle.
Prepare a strong, black tea decoction by adding 1 teaspoonful tea leaves to 1/4th cup of boiling water and steep it for 5-6 minutes. Keep this tea to cool in the fridge, soak cotton wool pads in the decoction and place on closed eyelids while lying down. Warm tea may be used if you can’t use cold tea. Leave it on for 15 -20 minutes for best results.
Shut your eyes tightly and squeeze them hard, now open them suddenly as wide as possible, Repeat this exercise till eyes begin to water, the eyes look and feel fresh and bright.
Soak a teaspoon full of Indian gooseberry powder in a glass of water overnight, strain the water through a muslin cloth and splash eyes with this – you might find a slight sting but the eyes will sparkle. You can also soak cotton pads in this liquid and add a drop of castor oil on the pad and place on closed eyes.
Apple juice has proved to be beneficial to some people. Grate fresh apples and squeeze the juice through a muslin cloth, soak cotton pads in the juice and place on closed eyes. Relax for 15 – 20 minutes, repeat as required.
The basic and all time favorite remedy of cucumber juice applied on cotton pads will add freshness, as will a splash of organic chilled rose water.
Remember to wear sunglasses to protect eyes from the glare of sunlight or strong, dusty winds.
Always clean off eye makeup before going to bed. Cup handfuls of water and use as an eye cup – wash your eyes by keeping them open.
Try to relax with a bit of meditation, or yoga or deep breathing along with a positive attitude – your eyes will reflect inner peace.
