About the Eyebright Herb

Eyebright is a sweet little plant with a long history of use. Do you have a cold with itchy eyes? Herbalists have used eyebright since the 14th century to ease eye ailments. In Britain it is even mixed with pipe tobacco to ease chronic bronchitis. This unassuming little meadow plant is a powerful weapon in the herbalists arsenal against illness.

Description

• Eyebright is a small plant ranging in size from two to eight inches that is found in temperate regions from North America, through Europe, and into Northern and Western Asia. It's leaves are serrated and cover the length of the stem that terminates in the flower. Flowers are white with a yellow patch on the lip and purple stripes on the petals. Eyebright derives some of its nutrition from parasitizing other plants through its roots, so if you plan to put it in your garden, plant it near grass.

History

• Its scientific name, Euphrasia officinalis comes from the Greek word euphrosyne, meaning gladness. The first mention of eyebright use is in 1305 in Gordon's Liticium Medicina and his prescription is the same as herbalists today. It is said that the plant was first used because the purple stripes on the flower's petals resemble a bloodshot eye.

Part of the Plant Used in Medicine

• All of the plant, cut just above the root is used in making powders, tinctures, lotions and teas. Fresh eyebright, harvested between July and August when the plant is in full flower is said to be the most effective.

Treatments for Eye Ailments

• Eyebright is said by herbalists to be effective in treating general eye ailments. Although no scientific studies have been done, herbalists claim the astringent tannins in eyebright are effective for drying out mucous membranes in the eyes and easing discomfort caused by allergies or colds. An eyewash of eyebright used to flush the eyes several times a day are prescribed for itchy, watery and inflamed eyes.

Treatments for Respiratory Ailments

• The astringent tannins in eyebright are also traditionally used to help clear up respiratory discomfort. Teas made with eyebright are said to help reduce chest congestion from allergies and colds and may even clear up sinusitis.