EYEBRIGHT
Botanical: Euphrasia officinalis Family: Scrophulariaceae (snapdragon) Other common names: Euphrasia, Ocularia, Red Eyebright, Meadow Eyebright

For bright eyes, try Eyebright!  This nutrient-rich herb has been used for centuries to ease eyestrain, conjunctivitis, sore and runny eyes, and is also thought to relieve allergies and hay fever. Eyebright is an antioxidant that fights free-radical damage and promotes overall eye health.

History:
Eyebright is a creeping herb with small, scallop-edged, spotted white flowers and a black center, somewhat resembling a bloodshot eye. It is a delicate annual plant that is difficult to grow and reaches a height of only about eight inches. The plant attaches itself by underground suckers to the roots of neighboring grass plants and drains nutrients from them, and to be cultivated, Eyebright must be given nurse plants upon whose roots it may feed. There are several species of Eyebright that may be used interchangeably, including Euphrasia officinalis, Euphrasia stricta  and Euphrasia rostkoviana.  Eyebright was first introduced into medical literature in the works of the pioneering naturalist, St. Hildegard (1098-1179), and was also recorded as a medicinal herb for "all evils of the eye" in the fourteenth century. However, its legendary use is said to go back to the beginning of time. Eyebright's botanical name is derived from the Greek, euphrosyne, meaning "good cheer." Certainly, Eyebright brought euphoria and good cheer to Adam when the Archangel, Michael, used the herb to cure him after he was afflicted with blindness for eating the forbidden fruit in Milton's Paradise Lost.  For centuries, Eyebright has been the herb of choice for various diseases of the eye and has also been used since the Middle Ages as a tonic and astringent. Some of Eyebright's constituents include flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, essential oils, caffeic and ferulic acids, tannins, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins, beta-carotene and vitamins C, D and E.

Beneficial Uses:
Eyebright, as its name suggests, is the most widely recommended herb for eyestrain, eye inflammations, conjunctivitis (pink eye), stinging and weeping eyes, and over-sensitivity to light.

Taken internally, Eyebright is thought to maintain good vision and promote general eye health. The tannin content in Eyebright accounts for its astringent properties. It tightens membranes surrounding the eyes and prevents secretion of fluids, reducing excess phlegm and mucus in the eyes, sinuses and upper respiratory tract. It also soothes the mucous membranes, easing catarrh and relieving the discomforts of minor irritations. Eyebright is said to be effective in treating allergies, itchy and/or watery eyes and runny nose and is also thought to combat hay fever.

The herb is a bitter, astringent herb that is used to relieve inflammation and infectious conditions associated with colds, coughs and sore throats.

Used externally, Eyebright is a fine eyewash, and its antiseptic qualities have been known to relieve not only inflammations and eye infections (sties), but also weeping eczema and herpes.

Contraindications:
When taking therapeutic doses of Eyebright currently, there are no warnings or contraindications. The safety of this herb during pregnancy and lactation is not proven.




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Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.