Eyebright | Euphrasia: An Herbal Medicine

Occurrence:

With over twenty species, eyebright herb grows in North America, Western Asia, Northern Asia and Europe   A dainty plant that grows up to two to eight inches in height, flowers from June through September.

Parts used:

The aerial parts of eyebright are used for medicines.

Medicinal Uses Of Eye bright:

Eyebright is rich in volatile oil, resin, tannins, saponins and glycosides  It has been used in herbal medicines since ancient times, especially to cure conjunctivitis and bloodshot eyes  It is also believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Conjunctivitis: Eyebright has been used to treat conjunctivitis for the past several years

Allergies And Hay Fever: This herb is used as an eyewash and poultice to bring relief from inflammation caused by allergies, sinus infections and cold

Congestion And Sinus: Apart from being used as an eyewash to treat itchy, sore eyes; eyebright is also used to treat nasal congestion and as a gargling component to soothe inflammations in the throat and mouth  The eyebright herb has anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-catarrhal and anti-septic properties, which work on the respiratory tract  These properties in this herb cure measles, hay fever and common cold

Aches: Eyebright helps to cure headaches, earaches, and acute catarrhal infections   Eyebright is great for curing influenza

Sore Throat: Aucubin in this herb has certain anti-inflammatory properties, which can cure sore throat and hoarseness

Tired Eyes: Eyebright can soothe inflamed and tired eyes and can even improve weak eyesight  It is supposed to have a detoxifying and cooling effect because of the silica, cobalt, riboflavin and niacin

Inflammation: The astringent properties in tannins relieve inflammation in the mucous membranes.  The caffeic acid in the eyebright herb helps to fight styes  The aucubin in it combats toxicity in the liver. Some research shows that it can cure epilepsy, vertigo, improve memory and appetite

Glaucoma: Herbal eyebright has vitamin C and flavonoid quercetin, which has antioxidant properties, which maintains collagen in the eyes and can protect against glaucoma

Optical Nerve: Eyebright is said to provide elasticity to the optic nerve

Administered As:

Eyebright can be used as an eyewash, a compress or as infusions such as eyebright tea. Eyebright can be administered in the form of capsules and tinctures. Eyebright can be combined with other herbs like hesperidin, rutin, and bilberry. Eyebright herb can be used with nettle to protect you against allergies.