Eyebright, known botanically as Euphrasia officinalis, is a member of the Scrophulariaceae or figwort family. It is an annual plant that grows four to eight inches high and has tiny leaves with pink and purple flowers that bloom during the months of June through September, according to James Duke and Steven Foster in their book, "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs." It is used in folk medicine as an astringent herb and as its name suggests, it helps to treat eye infections. Always consult your primary health practitioner before taking any herbal remedies if you are taking medications.
Astringent
According to the book "The New Holistic Herbal" by herbalist David Hoffmann, the presence of tannins in eyebright make it an astringent herb. These tannins bind onto mucus membranes and curdle protein molecules to form an impenetrable coating that impedes the passage of bacteria and toxins to affected areas, explains Simon Mills in his book, "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism."
Due to its astringent benefits, eyebright can be used to treat diarrhea, as it will reduce the reflex evacuation of the bowel. It is also useful to coat the intestinal walls against inflammation caused by peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids and colitis.
Take one to four droppersful of eyebright tincture three times per day diluted with water. Eyebright is a safe herb that can be taken for extended periods of time without risk of toxicity.
Anti-Inflammatory
According to the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, the A-to-Z Guide to Supplements" by nutritional counselor Phyllis Balch, eyebright has strong anti-inflammatory benefits that, alongside its astringent properties, helps to relieve discomfort caused by eye infection, inflammation and strain. It can be used as an eye wash and is also beneficial for treating irritation in the eyes due to allergies, such as hay fever.
According to Mills, eyebright is also beneficial in treating inflammation in the mouth and throat by using it as a mouthwash and gargle.
Anti-catarrhal
Hoffman labels eyebright as anti-catarrhal, which means that is is useful in treating nasal catarrh as well as sinusitis and other congestive states. He recommends combining eyebright with elder flower or golden seal and making an infusion by adding a tbsp. each of dry eyebright and dry golden seal or elder flower to a cup of boiling water and letting the herbs steep for five to 10 minutes. Strain out the plant material and drink thrice daily until nasal congestion is gone.
References
- "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Perscription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements" Phyllis A. Balch C.N.C.; 2002
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