Aka: Augentrostkraut, Red eyebright, Euphrasia officinalis, Meadow eyebright, Ocularia, Euphrasia

Eyebright is a small and elegant genus of plant species that grows in the Alpine meadow regions of Europe and the United States. Also called Euphrasia, this genus of 450 plant species belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It grows up to 4 to 8 inches tall and produces a flower in the summer (July through September) that are either violet, blue-white, light red or purple that have purple line or yellow dots on them.  It is a plant that is a semi parasitic on meadow grasses and the blossoms are generally hermaphrodites, and dependent on bees for pollination. It is called “eyebright” because of its purported eye care capabilities, and the high demand for it, has led to it becoming endangered in certain parts of the world.

People have been using eyebright to treat eye disorders for at least two millennia. It saw use as a tonic in the Middle Ages, because of its astringent properties. Rich in irioids, glycosides, flavanoids and tannins; eyebright is used today to primarily ease such eye disorders like inflamed eyes, strained eyes, pink eye as well as irritated and sore eyes.

Properties

• Anti-Catarrhal (mucus)
• Astringent
• Anti inflammatory
• Tonic

Uses

Eyebright is used to treat a multitude of disorders including nose, sinus and eye problems as well as hoarse throats and coughs. True to its name, it is mainly used an eyewash to treat eye problems including irritations, inflammations, and sties.  It is also taken internally to maintain good eye health, which it does by supporting the liver and other organs, cleansing the blood supply.  Internally, it can also serve as a powerful anti-catarrhal, helping to relieve mucous build up in the nasal passages and sinuses. It can also be used as a mouthwash to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Eyebright is particularly good at dealing with problems involving catarrh and discharge build up that comes with allergic reactions and cases involving the middle ear, sinuses and nasal passages. It is also an efficient way to ease redness and swelling that may come with allergic reactions, conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

Side Effects

Taken orally, eyebright may cause nausea, confusion and sweating. When used as an eyewash, it has been said to cause photosensitivity, eye pressure changes and swollen eyelids in some individuals. If you experience any of these side effects, or other side effects such as redness, itching, or vision problems, seek medical attention. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use eyebright, nor should people who wear contact lenses. If you had recently undergone any type of eye related surgery (laser vision correction, cataract surgery, cornea transplant, ect..) be sure you consult your physician before taking eyebright.

Dosage

As a dried herb: take 2 to 4 grams by infusion three times a day.
As a liquid extract, 1:1 in a 25% alcohol solution, take 2 to 4 ml three times a day.
As a tincture, 1:5 in a 45% alcohol solution, take 2 to 6 ml three times a day.

Drug Interaction

There has yet to be any reported interactions between eyebright and other drugs.

Eyebright makes a great eye home remedy. Steep it in hot water to let the herb infuse, then remove the herb and cool the remaining liquid. You could put it in the freezer to cool it down quickly if you don't have any infused eyebright on hand in the fridge. Once its cool, use it as an eye bath, or a compress. It's great for sore eyes, and has an anti-inflammatory and soothing action.