Eyebright is a small annual plant that is native to Europe, where it has been used medicinally, primarily for the treatment of eye afflictions, since the Middle Ages. Eyebright can be taken internally in capsule, tablet, tincture and liquid extract form; the dried herb can be made into a tea. It can be also be used topically in the form of lotions, poultices and eye rinses. Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before using eyebright or any other herbal remedy for treatment of illnesses or health conditions.
Nutritional Benefits
Eyebright contains volatile oils, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. It also contains the phytochemicals beta-carotene, caffeic acid and tannins. Phytochemicals are potent antioxidant compounds found naturally in plants that help to prevent and treat disease in humans. Eyebright has anti-inflammatory properties, and contains phenol-carboxylic acid, which demonstrates anti-bacterial activity.
Eye Health
Eyebright is commonly used as an oral and topical remedy for the treatment of a variety of eye problems. Eyebright helps to reduce eye inflammation by helping to tighten mucous membranes around the eye. As such, an infusion of eyebright has been traditionally used in oral and topical form for the treatment of eye-related conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eye sties, eye fatigue and eye strain. Eyebright may relieve the discomfort of allergy-induced itchy eyes and prevent the secretion of fluids, thereby preventing watery eyes.
Additional Uses
Eyebright is used to help treat problems affecting the middle ear and to reduce nasal congestion caused by an overproduction of mucus, but should not be used for the treatment of dry and stuffy nasal congestion, because the herb has astringent properties which can cause inflammation of dry nasal passages. Eyebright can be taken internally for the treatment of coughs, hoarseness and respiratory tract infections.
Precautions
Eyebright may cause confusion, headaches, insomnia, weakness and rashes. There have been no conclusive scientific studies that prove eyebright is effective in the treatment of eye disorders or any other condition, and its uses are based on anecdotal reports. The website herbs2000 warns that there is a risk for complications and infections when eyebright herbal products are made at home and used without proper sterilization. As with any herbal product, you should talk to your healthcare practitioner before using eyebright.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- Herbs200.com: Eye Bright
- "Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook"; Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2005
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