How to Use Eyebright

Eyebright, also called euphrasia, is a flowering plant commonly believed to have medicinal properties. Traditionally, because of a principle known as the Doctrine of Signatures, herbalists believed that a plant's medicinal uses could be determined by the shape and color of its leaves, roots or flowers. Because eyebright flowers bear vague resemblance to an injured eye, it was believed that the plant could cure almost all eye ailments, including conjunctivitis, physical trauma and macular degeneration.

Most modern herbalists and physicians now view the Doctrine of Signatures as a myth and superstition. However, it did enable the coincidental discovery of many very real remedies. Few studies have fully evaluated the potential values and risks associated with medicinal use of eyebright.

Things You'll Need

• Eyebright leaf
• Tea bag or tea ball
• Teapot or kettle
• 8-oz. mug

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Check with your doctor. Because studies of eyebright are still very limited, your doctor may recommend against using the herb if you are taking certain medications or have a medical condition.

• 2

  Prepare an herbal tea using eyebright leaves. This can be done with fresh leaves, dried leaves, or commercially available tea bags containing the herb. Steep 1 oz. of eyebright in 8 ozs. of boiling water for three to four minutes.

• 3

  Avoid placing eyebright tea directly on the eye because homemade preparations are not distilled and purified. At least one study has shown that eye drops made with eyebright leaves can help to relieve conjunctivitis or eye irritation.

• 4

  Hold your face directly over the steam of the eyebright tea, allowing the vapors from the infusion to soothe your eye. The steam from the preparation can encourage the eye to drain mucus and stabilize pressure, enabling faster healing and clearer vision.

• 5

  Eyebright tea can be taken internally and may help to enable better function of the mucus membranes. The preparation tastes best with 1 tsp. of sugar per 8 fluid ozs., and should be served hot.

• 6

  Repeat steam-therapy using eyebright tea as often as desired. However, since the potential side effects of internal eyebright are not yet fully understood, do not drink more than 3 cups of the tea per day.