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Eyebright |
Eyebright |
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| Other Common Names: |
| Augentrostkraut, Euphrasia officinale , Eye Bright |
| Eyebright: |
| Eyebright is a popular European herb that has been used since the middle ages. Commonly found throughout the central and eastern parts of Europe, there are over 200 species of Eyebrights, which are generally a creeping, semiparasitic annual crowing to twenty inches. It has tiny oval leaves and small, scallop-edged, white flowers with yellow spots and a black center resembling an eye. It thrives in meadows and open grasslands. The flowerheads are collected during the flowering season in the summer, with July being the prime month. |
| History: |
| The use of this herb for eye problems likely stemmed, in part, from the Doctrine of Signatures, a 16th century theory that held that a plant's appearance pointed to the ailments for which it was to be used. John Gerard was aware of its properties; and Culpeper was so enthusiastic about the plant that he stated "If the herb was as much used as neglected, it would half spoil the spectable-makers' trade". |
| Eyebright is useful: |
Products for use in the eye should be made under sterile conditions, which are not generally found in the home. Eye preparations should come only from reputable commercial sources.
When it is taken by mouth, eyebright is used to treat respiratory conditions including allergies, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis. Astringent chemicals known as tannins contained in eyebright may shrink and tighten the top layers of mucous membranes, thereby reducing mucus secretion, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. As a result, eyebright is thought to help control symptoms such as watery eyes or runny nose associated with allergies. Eyebright also contains chemicals, especially caffeic acid, that may have antibacterial properties.
As its name implies, eyebright has also been taken by mouth or used as an eye wash for treating conditions of the eye. The tannins in it may decrease eye inflammation, as well as making a protective film over the surface of the eye. The caffeic acid may act as an anti-infective agent. Generally, however, any product for use in the eye should not be homemade. Eye drops and eye washes should be packaged commercially under sterile conditions. |
| Traditional Uses: |
Eyebright is used mainly externally in the treatment of ophthalmic or eye diseases in the forms of bath infusions or washes, lotions, and poultices. A liquid extract of the flowers or an infusion can be used as eyedrops. The herb tightens the mucous membranes of the eye and appears to relieve the inflammation of conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes, eye fatigue symptoms, functional eye disorders of muscular and nervous origin, and for any eye complaints associated with inflammations of the blood vessels, eyelids, or conjunctiva and as a preventative against mucus and catarrh of the eyes.
Its ability to counter mucus makes it an effective treatment for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and nasal passages. Infusions and decoctions can also be taken internally for coughs and hoarseness. Although the herb dries liquid mucus, it should be used guardedly for dry, stuffy conditions which tend to be made worse by the plant's astringency |
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