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Known for its anti-inflammatory and hydrating qualities, rose water is a natural healer for multiple eye problems.
Apply rose water to counter various eye health challenges. (Representative Image)
A fragrant liquid distilled from rose petals, the Rose Water comes with multiple benefits and has been used in Indian households for centuries for cooking and skin care. But it also has several soothing and curative properties that can be influential in improving our eye health. With its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hydrating qualities, the Rose Water can be a fruitful remedy for multiple eye conditions.
Dealing with burning, dry or itchy eyes? The rose water might provide you instant relief with its gentle and natural healing qualities. However, it’s important to use the natural remedy correctly to keep the potential side effects at bay. Here are the benefits and precautions you need to be mindful of.
Rose Water Benefits:
Relieves eye redness and irritation
The rose water can help resolve the common eye redness and irritation. According to a study published in the Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology in 2015, the rose water consists of flavonoids and terpenes that trigger an anti-inflammatory process. If applied correctly, it can ease the irritation caused by dust exposure, extended screen time, sensitivity and allergies.
Lubricates Dry, Fatigued Eyes
The rose water can act as a great moisturiser for dry and fatigued eyes which can happen under certain environmental circumstances, excess staring at your digital devices or low tear secretion. The cooling nature of the lubricant can relieve strain on our eyes and eliminate the burning caused by the dryness, according to a report by the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology.
Conjunctivitis Healing
Conjunctivitis, the redness of the conjunctiva due to inflammation, is often a triggered response of our eye following contact with a virus or bacteria. The rose water can help ease the severity of the problem, according to studies, because of its weak antimicrobial and antiseptic effects. While no substitute for medical treatment, rose water can be an adjunct for conjunctivitis as it promotes calming inflammation and reduces the irritation experienced.
Reduces Cataract Progression
The cataracts usually require operations, especially when experienced in advanced form. But the rose water helps mitigate the cataract progression as it contains antioxidants through its phenolic compounds. It helps guard the eye against oxidative stress. According to a 2012 Pharmacognosy Review, the rose water antioxidants can counter free radical damage and lower inflammation in the eye, playing a supporting hand in preventing early-stage cataracts.
Rose Water Precautions And Side Effects
The rose water comes with several eye care benefits, but here are a few precautions for users to keep in mind and safeguard themselves from its side effects.
Allergy Test
It is advised to take a patch test before applying the rose water close to one’s eyes because individuals can be allergic to its use. The symptoms for the same can be redness, itching and swelling of the eyes.
Use Only Sterile and Preservative Free Products
Be mindful not to use non-sterile rose water which might be counterproductive and cause infections. Go for ophthalmic-grade or lab-distilled rose water considered safe.
Opt For Medical Advice If Already Using Eye Drugs
Already using eye drops for glaucoma, infections or allergies? Do not apply the rose water before taking proper medical advice from your ophthalmologist as it might temper with the drug absorption in play.
About the Author
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha…Read More
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha… Read More
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