Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an herb that's used internally and externally to treat eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis/blepharitis and irritated eyes. The entire eyebright plant is used medicinally in making teas or tinctures that are either ingested or used in making compresses to place onto the infected or irritated eyes. Eyebright can also be used as a mild eyewash, possibly containing both astringent and antibacterial properties, but no clinical studies have been performed to test the actions of eyebright's components.
Treating Conjunctivitis
Eyebright herbs can be used to help fight infection and dry up excess fluid associated with conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To treat conjunctivitis, the UMMC recommends steeping 1 tsp. of eyebright herb in 1 cup of boiling water for five to 10 minutes, straining the tea, and then cooling it. A clean cloth, gauze pad or cotton balls are soaked in the tea and place over the closed eyes for 10 minutes about three to four times daily. Eyebright acts to tighten the eye's mucous membranes, relieving inflammation from conjunctivitis and blepharitis, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network.
Easing Irritated Eyes
Eyebright herbs can also counter liquid mucous, helping to treat acute or chronic eye inflammations, weeping or stinging eyes, allergy-related eye irritations and over-sensitivity to light, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. It notes that eyebright "contains astringent and antibiotic principles that are useful for cleansing the eye." Eyebright herbs are often used to make compresses to relieve redness, swelling, eye fatigue and visual disturbances related to eye infections, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Sometimes a tea made from eyebright herbs is ingested along with the topical compresses.
Treating Respiratory Ailments
Although no supporting medical research exists, eyebright is also used to treat respiratory tract problems, such as sinus infections, sore throat and coughs, the UMHS says. Eyebright herbs are taken internally to treat these respiratory ailments, the anti-mucous properties in the herb helping to treat infections and allergic conditions affecting the middle ear, sinuses and nasal passages, according to the network.
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