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Pharmacy Links

HERBS: EYEBRIGHT

March 30, 2009

Euphrasia spp.

(E. rostkoviana, E. brevipila)

Action: Anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, astringent, alterative, tonic. .

Systems Affected: Eyes, mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, liver, blood. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

Eyebright is the best known of all herbs used for treating eye conditions. The plant, native to poor meadowland in Europe, is partially parasitic on certain grass species and cannot easily be cultivated unless grown in close association with the grass roots from which it obtains nutrients. The Swedish botanist Linnaeus listed Eyebright as Euphrasia officinalis, but his classification is a mixture of a number of species and the term is an ambiguous name with no real standing. Only Euphrasia species possessing glandular hairs on the calyx have medicinal value.

An infusion of the plant is used as an eyewash or lotion for conjunctivitis, eye weakness, opthalmia and other eye complaints. For this purpose it is often combined with other herbs such as Fennel, Witch Hazel and Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis). The tea can also be taken liberally and on a daily basis as an adjunct to external treatment for eve problems.

Eyebright contains various glycosides, a volatile oil and astringent principles, the combined effect of which is anti-inflammatory for mucosae: the infusion, taken as a tea (or as a nasal douche), is an effective treatment for sinusitis, head colds and nasal catarrh.