Eyebright
Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright) has been used since the Middle Ages to keep eyes healthy and bright. It may be used topically, but is very beneficial taken internally. Other benefits include the maintenance of good vision and eye health. Introduction Eyebright is an elegant, tiny English pasture plant, with deeply-cut leaves and numerous, small, white or purplish flowers variegated with yellow. Its botanical name Euphrasia is borrowed from the Greek Euphrosyne (gladness), one of the three graces who was distinguished for her joy and mirth. In Elizabethan times, "eyebright ale" was a popular remedy for eye problems of all sorts. Constituents Anti-inflammatory acubin, antiviral caffeic acid, antiallergenic ferulic acid. Parts Used Leaf, stem and small pieces of the flowers. Typical Preparations Warm compress or tea. Also convenient as an extract or capsule. Summary Herbalists use eyebright as a poultice with or with concurrent administration of a tea for the redness, swelling, and visual disturbances caused by blepharitis and conjunctivitis. The herb is also used for eyestrain, and to relieve inflammation caused by colds, coughs, sinus infections, and sore throat. Precautions The safety of this herb during pregnancy and lactation is not proven.
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