Herb of the Month: Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright)

Welcome to month #5 of my Herb of the Month blog. Today is all about Eyebright.

Are you, or someone you know, suffering from one of the following symptoms?

• Conjunctivitis

• Blepharitis

• Eye infections

• Swollen red eyes

• Sinus infection

• Congestion

• Hayfever

• Inflammation

• Post-nasal drip

Euphrasia officinalis also known as Eyebright is a medicinal herb, one I do not often go to instinctively, but am so glad that I landed on Eyebright to jog my memory because now I will keep in my dispensary! I can see that I may have overlooked this herb in the past.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

Eyebright is a cool, bitter and slightly astringent herb. An excellent herb for the problems of the mucous membranes, all upper respiratory tract. Since it is both astringent and anti-inflammatory its relevant in many conditions, as listed above. As the name suggests, this powerful medicinal herb is best known for its use in conditions of the eye for acute and chronic conditions such as infections, stinging, weeping (think hayfever), or over-sensitivity to light. Eyebright can be used as a compress or eye wash in the latter conditions but most commonly used internally as a tea or tonic. This herb contains biochemical constituents such as tannins, iridoid glycosides, choline and volatile oils.

“Euphrasia was regarded as a specific in diseases of the eyes by the great physicians and botanists of the sixteenth century, Tragus, Fuchsius, and Dodoens.” A Modern Herbal, by Herbalist Mrs. M. Grieve. In the 16th century, Nicholas Culpepper physician, herbalist and astrologer claimed if Eyebright was used as much as it was neglected, it would put an end to the glasses trade. Culpepper is highly regarded for providing herbal medicine research accessible to the public.

Combination herbs for specific cases are recommended. This is where you can reach out to myself, or your local herbalist for an individualised tonic.

Energetics: Cool, bitter

Parts Used: Whole plant, not the root

Action: anti-catarrhal, astringent, anti-inflammatory

Preparation: Tea: 1 teaspoon of dried herb infused for 5-10 minutes. Should be drunk 3/daily. Compress: 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 500ml water and boil for 10 minutes, and let cool slightly. Moisten the compress in lukewarm water through a muslin and place over the eyes for 15 minutes. Repeat several times a day. Can also combine the cmopress with chamomile for a stronger anti-inflammatory effect.

Caution: This herb is becoming endangered and so the cultivated plant should be used!

Close up of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)