Medicinal Plants : Euphrasia officinalis

Name

Eyebright

Biological Name

Euphrasia officinalis

Other Names

Eyebright

Parts Used

Flower

Active Compounds

Eyebright is high in iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins. The plant has astringent properties that probably account for its usefulness as a topical treatment for inflammatory states and its ability to reduce mucous drainage.

History

Eyebright was and continues to be used primarily as a poultice for the topical treatment of eye inflammations, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and styes. A compress made from a decoction of eyebright can give rapid relief from redness, swelling, and visual disturbances in acute and subacute eye infections. A tea is usually given internally along with the topical treatment. It has also been used for the treatment of eye fatigue and disturbances of vision. In addition, herbalists have recommended eyebright for problems of the respiratory tract, including sinus infections, coughs, and sore throat.

Remedies For

Used for:

Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
Conjunctivitis
Irritated eyes

Description

Euphrasia officinalis has been used to refer to a vast genus containing over 450 species. European wild plants grow in meadows, pastures, and grassy places in Bulgaria, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia. Eyebright is also grown commercially in Europe. The plant flowers in late summer and autumn. The whole herb is used in commercial preparations.

Dosage

Traditional herbal texts recommend a compress made with 1 tablespoon of the dried herb combined with 0.5 liter of water and boiled for ten minutes. The undiluted liquid is used as a compress after cooling. This was commonly combined with anti-microbial herbs, such as goldenseal. The current German monograph on eyebright does not support this application, due to potential bacterial concerns.

Internally, eyebright tea, made using the same formula above, can be drunk in the amount of two to three cups per day. Dried herb, as 2-4 grams three times per day, may be taken. The tincture is typically taken in 2-6 ml doses three times per day.

Safety

Due to limited information on the active constituents in eyebright and the need for sterility in substances used topically in the eyes, the traditional use of eyebright as a topical compress currently cannot be recommended. Used internally at the amounts listed above, eyebright is generally safe. However, its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been proven.