Eyebright Benefits

Eyebright benefits the body by working as an eye, nose and throat decongestant. It is an herb that is native to the areas east of Italy--specifically, Bulgaria, the former Yugoslavia and Hungary--that grows as a blossoming creeping plant. The herb's name is Euphrasia officinalis in Latin, yet because its flowers bear a striking resemblance of an eye, it is commonly called Eyebright.

Properties

• Eyebright is used to treat eye ailments, including inflammation, and it relieves coughs, reduces hoarseness, and sinus, eye and nasal congestion. Its mechanisms of effectiveness is enhanced by its properties, which include amino acids, tannins, phenolic acids, iridoid glycosides, choline, sterols and volatile oils.

Function

• Its components give Eyebright its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce on-the-site swelling. Its astringent properties act to contract the body's tissues, pulling them together and promoting their inner integrity and strength. Additionally, Eyebright's anti-catarrhal effects reduce the mucous membrane inflammation of the nasal and throat areas.

Time Frame

• Eyebright is harvested as an herb from the end of summer until the early autumn. This period of time is when the herb is in bloom, and both the blossoms and plant are used for herbal purposes. The herb is then dried for year-round use and is formulated for commercial use.

Considerations

• The herb is prepared as a tea to drink two to three times a day or as a compress to place over the eyes, nose or throat. Eyebright is available as a bulk herb and in powder from, as well as in capsules and extracts. Under the prescription and supervision of a health care professional, Eyebright is prescribed in varying levels of strength in the most appropriate form for the patient.

Warning

• There are several concerns associated with taking Eyebright. First, the herb should not be self-administered, and it should not be taken unsupervised along with other herbs or medications. Second, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Third, Eyebright is currently unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that caution, regarding purity and safety, should be exercised when purchasing Eyebright. Finally, the FDA has not evaluated Eyebright for its medicinal benefits, nor has it recommended its use as an herbal medicine.