Eyebright

Euphrasia officinalis – Eyebright

Herb Name - Eyebright

Botanical Name - Euphrasia officinalis

Family -  Scrophulariaceae

Parts Used -  Ariel parts

History - Eyebright was and continues to be used primarily as a poultice for the topical treatment of eye inflammations, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and styes. A compress made from a decoction of eyebright can give rapid relief from redness, swelling, and visual disturbances in acute and subacute eye infections. A tea is usually given internally along with the topical treatment. It has also been used for the treatment of eye fatigue and disturbances of vision. In addition, herbalists have recommended eyebright for problems of the respiratory tract, including sinus infections, coughs, and sore throat.

Description - Euphrasia officinalis has been used to refer to a vast genus containing over 450 species. European wild plants grow in meadows, pastures, and grassy places in Bulgaria, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia. Eyebright is also grown commercially in Europe. The plant flowers in late summer and autumn. The whole herb is used in commercial preparations.

Active Constituents - Eyebright is high in iridoid glycosides, beta-carotenes, flavonoids, and tannins. The plant has astringent properties that probably account for its usefulness as a topical treatment for inflammatory states and its ability to reduce mucous drainage.

Actions

·         Anti-catarrhal

·         Anti-inflammatory

·         Astringent

·         Antibacterial

·         Mucous membrane tonic

Indications - Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), Conjunctivitis, Irritated eyes.

Eyebright can be used for a wide range of conditions relating to the respiratory system and excessive production of nasal catarrh. It is indicated for nasopharyngeal catarrh, chronic sinusitis, hay fever, serous otitis media, pharyngitis, catarrhal deafness and sinus headache.

Its combination for reducing allergy symptoms and supporting the lungs helps it to reduce mucus build up during colds and flus. This makes it extremely valuable at hay fever time.

It contains beta-carotene and flavonoids, this is part of its great activity for helping repair eyesight and the small blood vessels found in the eyes. In aiding circulation is a great herb for cognitive performance and to increase the memory.

The astringent and antibacterial activity will tighten porous oily skin and hence can be beneficial with healing acne and irritated skin. As an astringent, the herb is used to aid in the healing on skin wounds. It is made into a poultice and used on the wound topically. It can also be used to treat acne and aid in skin inflammation. A cold eyebright poultice can help tighten skin.

Dosage -  Traditional herbal texts recommend a compress made with 1 tablespoon of the dried herb combined with 0.5 litre of water and boiled for ten minutes. The undiluted liquid is used as a compress after cooling. This was commonly combined with antimicrobial herbs, such as goldenseal. The current German monograph on eyebright does not support this application, due to potential bacterial concerns.

For cataracts, weeping eye, pink eye (conjunctivitis), blood shot and strained eyes, an Eyebright tincture may help when used as an eyewash. To make an Eyebright eyewash, mix 5-8 drops of tincture in 2 cups of cool filtered water or boil 1 teaspoon of eyebright in 1 1/2 cup of water. Dilute the strained tea in a cup of cool rose water. Washing the affected eyes with this eyewash every 4 hours may alleviate the symptoms.

Internally, eyebright tea, made using the same formula above, can be drunk in the amount of two to three cups per day. Dried herb, as 2-4 grams three times per day, may be taken. The tincture is typically taken in 2-6 ml doses three times per day.

A great home remedy can be made by mixing 2 tbsp powder of the dried Eyebright, half tsp of ground mace, 2 tbsp of fennel seeds together, with honey to taste. Take half teaspoon of this mixture every morning with juice. Drinking one cup of Eyebright tea daily may improve gradual memory loss.

Cautions -  Due to limited information on the active constituents in eyebright and the need for sterility in substances used topically in the eyes, the traditional use of eyebright as a topical compress currently cannot be recommended. Used internally at the amounts listed above, eyebright is generally safe. However, its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been proven.

You can purchase eyebright here