Overview
Willow is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for conjunctivitis. Willow is Vetasa, the river-born bark Ayurveda gives for Pitta heat and bleeding. Cold, bitter, astringent; 1-2 tola decoction cools Raktapitta and red, weeping eyes.
How Willow Helps with Conjunctivitis
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Willow has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing conjunctivitis:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Other Herbs for Conjunctivitis
See all herbs for conjunctivitis on the Conjunctivitis page.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
1-4 Names of Shastras Mandalagra, Vriddhiptra, Uttpala Patra, Adhyardha Dhara, Sarpa Mukha, Eshani, Vetasa Patra, Sarari Mukha, Trikurchaka, Kushapatra, Atavadana Atimukhi, Antrarvaktra, Ardha chandraka, Vrihimukha, Kuthari, Shalaka, Anguli Shastra, Badisa, Karapatra, Kartari, Nakha Shastra, Danta lekhanaka, Suchi, Koorcha, Khaja, the four kinds of Ara, and Karna vedhanaka- are the names of the twenty six sharp instruments.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastra Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastra Vidhi
The application of jambu (Syzgium cumini), Indian hog plum jujube, country willow, barks of five herbs (panchavalkal) and the herbs of panchamla group mixed with ghee over pericardial region, face are curative of fainting, giddiness and thirst.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
In the water prepared with sprouts of banyan, citrus medica, country willow, roots of sacrificial and thatch grass and liquorice and quench black earthen or black sand or pieces of new earthen vessel which have been heated up to red hot.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
), ikshuvalika (Asteracanthalongifolia Nees), vetasa (Salixcaprea Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
), parivyadha (type of Vetasa, Salix species) bhutika (Trachyspermumammi Sprague), ananta (Hemidesmus indicusR.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
Prepare medicated oil from vetasa, manjiṣhthā, mrināla, sandal, padmaka and khasha and bark of latex-exuding plants.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा); Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
A comprehensive anti-leucoderma paste: Vakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia), Vetasa (Salix caprea/willow), Laksha (lac), Kakodumbarika (Ficus hispida), Kana (Pippali/Piper longum), Rasanjana (Berberis extract), iron powder (Ayash Churna), and black sesame (Krishna Tila) in equal parts.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A comprehensive anti-leucoderma paste: Vakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia), Vetasa (Salix caprea/willow), Laksha (lac), Kakodumbarika (Ficus hispida), Kana (Pippali/Piper longum), Rasanjana (Berberis extract), iron powder (Ayash Churna), and black sesame (Krishna Tila) in equal parts.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
For a child afflicted by Shakuni, a knowledgeable physician should use a decoction of Vetasa (cane/willow), Amra (mango), and Kapittha (wood apple) for sprinkling.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha
Gundra, rice, shaivala (aquatic moss), shailabheda, daruharidra (tree turmeric), ela (cardamom), utpala (blue lotus), rodhra, abhra (mica), lotus petal, sugar, darbha (sacred grass), tala (palmyra), rodhra, vetasa (cane), and padmaka.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
For a child afflicted by Shakuni, a knowledgeable physician should use a decoction of Vetasa (cane/willow), Amra (mango), and Kapittha (wood apple) for sprinkling.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.