Eyebright:just the Greek Euphrasia.Euphrosyne.Gladness.
Article Content:
- .Brief Info and Botanical Description.
- .Description of Eyebright.
- .History and Name of Eyebright:Euphrasia.
- .Phytochemicals and Active constituents.
- .Medicinal Action and Uses of Eyebright.
- .Therapeutics and Pharmacology of Eyebright.
- .Dosage and Administration of Eyebright.
- .Research Update of Eyebright:Euphrasia officinalis.
Medicinal Action and Uses of Eyebright.
Anti-catarrhal, Astringent, Eye Lotion, Slightly tonic and astringent. Anti-catarrhal, astringent, anti-inflammatory.
As an eyebath for conjunctivitis and other superficial eye inflammations.
Also sensitivity to light.
Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid).
As a mouthwash and gargle for inflammations of the mouth and throat.
Systemically for watery catarrhal conditions of nose, sinus and middle ear.
Nasal catarrh and sinusitis.
Eyebright is specifically used for sinusitis and conjunctivitis.
Eyebright's action is considered anti-catarrhal, astringent, and anti-inflammatory. Eyebright is an excellent remedy for many of the problems of the mucous membranes. The combination of anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it relevant in many such conditions.
Used internally, it is a powerful anti-catarrhal, and thus may be used in nasal catarrh, sinusitis and other congestive states, such as hay fever, acute coryza, irritable sneezing and lachrymation. Internally, it also helps maintain good vision and eye health by supporting the liver among other organs in such a way as to cleanse the blood supply to the eyes.
Eyebright is best known for its use in conditions of the eye, where it is helpful in acute or chronic inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes as well as over-sensitivity to light. Priest and Priest tell us that it is specific for congestive conditions of the eyes with profuse lachrymation. They give the following specific indications: Catarrhal blepharitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and conjunctivitis. Externally, an eyewash made from Eyebright and other herbs can be soothing to irritated, inflamed eyes.
In catarrhal conditions, Eyebright combines well with Golden Rod, Elder Flower, or Golden Seal. In allergic conditions where the eyes are effected, it may be combined with Ephedra. As an eye lotion, it mixes with Golden Seal and distilled Witch Hazel.
Although neglected nowadays by the faculty, modern herbalists still retain faith in this herb and recommend its use in diseases of the sight, weakness of the eyes, ophthalmia, etc., combining it often with Golden Seal in a lotion stated to be excellent for general disorders of the eyes. The juice obtained by expression from the plant in the fresh state is sometimes employed, or an infusion in milk, but the simple infusion in water is the more usual form in which it is applied. An infusion of 1 OZ. of the herb to a pint of boiling water should be used and the eyes bathed three or four times a day. When there is much pain, it is considered desirable to use a warm infusion rather more frequently for inflamed eyes till the pain is removed. In ordinary cases, the cold application is found sufficient.
In Iceland, the expressed juice is used for most ailments of the eye, and in Scotland the Highlanders make an infusion of the herb in milk and anoint weak or inflamed eyes with a feather dipped in it.
The dried herb is an ingredient in British Herbal Tobacco, which is smoked most usefully for chronic bronchial colds.
Homoeopathists hold that Eyebright belongs to the order of scrofula-curing plants, and Dr. Fernie tells us that it has recently been found by experiment:
'to possess a distinct sphere of curative operation, within which it manifests virtues which are as unvarying as they are potential. It acts specifically on the mucous lining of the eyes and nose and the upper part of the throat to the top of the windpipe, causing when given so largely as to be injurious, a profuse secretion from these parts; if given of reduced strength, it cures the troublesome symptoms due to catarrh. Hay Fever, and acute attacks of cold in the head may be checked by an immediate dose of the infusion repeated every two hours. A medicinal tincture is prepared from the whole plant with spirits of wine, of which a lotion is made with rose-water, for simple inflammation of the eyes. Thirty drops of the tincture should be mixed with a wineglassful of rose-water for making this lotion, which may be used several times a day.'
Indications of Eyebright:
Eyebright is an excellent remedy for the problems of mucous membranes. The combination of anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it relevant in many conditions. Used internally it is a powerful anti-catarrhal and thus may be used in nasal catarrh, sinusitis and other congestive states. It is best known for its use in conditions of the eye, where it is helpful in acute or chronic inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes as well as over-sensitivity to light. Used as a compress externally in conjunction with internal use it valuable in conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Eyebright tightens the mucous membranes of the eye and appears to relieve the inflammation of conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Its ability to counter mucus means that eyebright is often used for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and nasal passages. Although eyebright counters liquid mucus, it should be used guardedly for dry and stuffy congestion, which tends to be made worse by the plant's astringency.
Homeopathy:
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Scottish highlanders used an infusion of Euphrasia officinalis for affected eyes. In the 19th century it was also given for coughs, hoarseness, earache, and headaches. Today, it is used by herbalists as an antiseptic and to reduce inflammation.
Euphrasia is mainly used for eye complaints such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), iritis (inflammation of the iris), dimmed vision, intolerance of bright light, sticky mucus, or small blisters on the cornea (surface of the eye), and dry eyes that accompany menopause. It is also effective for eye injuries or whenever the eyes are watery or stinging, with a copious, burning, sticky discharge.
Colds and hay fever accompanied by hot, red cheeks and watery mucus benefit from this remedy. Hay fever sufferers, for whom the eyes are mainly affected, are helped by Euphrasia. The eyes become swollen and irritated, but there is a bland nasal discharge.
It is also used to treat splitting headaches, constipation, and the early stages of measles. In women, it is given for short, painful menstruation in which the flow lasts only one hour a day, and in men for inflammation of the prostate gland.
How it works in the body:
The astringent qualities found in eyebright form a protective layer on the mucous membranes of the eyes and so reduce inflammation. This is especially beneficial for infections such as conjunctivitis. In addition, it is helpful where there is an allergic condition, such as the streaming or irritated eyes which occur with hay fever, or the effects of pollution.
Applications:
Eyebright is truly the most famous plant for soothing and treating eye disorders: conjunctivitis, glaucoma, keratitis and iritis. Perform an eye wash using a cold decoction: 1 t (5 g) of the fresh or dried plant, boiled in 1 cup (250 ml) water for 5 minutes. Compresses can be reapplied after repeatedly dipping them in the decoction. Or, rinse the eyes with 1 T (15 ml) of the cool liquid. The eyebright decoction can also be drunk: 3 whole fresh plants in 1 cup (250 ml) water or 1 t of dried plants in 1 cup (250 ml) water. It fights diarrhea, sinusitis and seasonal allergies that provoke painful nasal and ocular discharges.
General disorders of the eyes:
Although neglected nowadays by the faculty, modern herbalists still retain faith in this herb and recommend its use in diseases of the sight, weakness of the eyes, ophthalmia, etc., combining it often with Golden Seal in a lotion stated to be excellent for general disorders of the eyes. The juice obtained by expression from the plant in the fresh state is sometimes employed, or an infusion in milk, but the simple infusion in water is the more usual form in which it is applied. An infusion of 1 OZ. of the herb to a pint of boiling water should be used and the eyes bathed three or four times a day. When there is much pain, it is considered desirable to use a warm infusion rather more frequently for inflamed eyes till the pain is removed. In ordinary cases, the cold application is found sufficient.
In Iceland, the expressed juice is used for most ailments of the eye, and in Scotland the Highlanders make an infusion of the herb in milk and anoint weak or inflamed eyes with a feather dipped in it.
Modern herbalists still prescribe eyebright as a popular remedy for eye irritations and disorders, such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Icelanders use the juice from the pressed plant to treat most eye afflictions. Scottish people make an infusion in milk for inflamed or weak eyes. Eyebright is used to treat poor vision, eye strain, eye infections, sensitivity to light, and eye ulcers. Eyebright's antiseptic properties are highly regarded in soothing and cooling eyes that itch, burn, weep, and are red.
Restore the sight decayed through age:
Helps restore the sight decayed through age. Arnoldus de Villa Nova says it has restored the sight to them that have been blind a long time before. If the herb was as much used as it is neglected, it would half spoil the spectacle maker's trade.
Inflammatory eye disease:
Eyebright is probably more popular today than at any previous time. No herbal dispensary is likely to he without it. It is the remedy of choice for inflammatory eye disease. An infusion is made by adding one teaspoonful of the herb to a cup of boiling water for 30 minutes. This is strained and used as an eye lotion. Compresses soaked in the lotion when cold can he applied to the eyes. Some herbalists recommend combining Eyebright with Fennel in equal parts for eye conditions. Tinctures and fluid extracts are available.
As its name implies, eyebright has also been taken by mouth or used as an eye wash for treating conditions of the eye. The tannins in it may decrease eye inflammation, as well as making a protective film over the surface of the eye. The caffeic acid may act as an anti-infective agent. Generally, however, any product for use in the eye should not be homemade. Eye drops and eye washes should be packaged commercially under sterile conditions.
Treatment of eye problems:Eyebright
Eyebright has a long history of herbal use in the treatment of eye problems and is still in current herbal use. It is important that only the correct forms of eyebright, with glandular hairs on the calyx, are used, since other forms do not possess medicinal virtues. Eyebright tightens the mucous membranes of the eye and appears to relieve the inflammation of conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Its ability to counter catarrh means that it is often used for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses and nasal passages. The whole plant is anti-inflammatory, astringent, digestive, ophthalmic and slightly tonic. It is taken internally in the treatment of catarrh, sinusitis, hay fever, upper respiratory tract infections etc. As an ophthalmic, an infusion of the plant can be taken internally or used as an eye wash. Alternatively, the diluted juice can be dropped into the eyes. Some caution should be exercised, experimentally it can induce side effects including dim vision.
Treat eye irritation and inflammation:
Eyebright is primarily used to treat eye irritation and inflammation. It is particularly beneficial for sore, itchy eyes which may have a discharge. The flavonoids in eyebright act as anti-inflammatory agents that can help relieve inflamed mucous membranes of the eyes, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract. The flavonoids in eyebright act as anti-inflammatory agents that can help relieve inflamed mucous membranes of the eyes, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract.
Remove toxins and Detoxifier:
Eyebright stimulates the liver to remove toxins from the body. Eyebright is only to be used EXTERNALLY. It has been used to treat eye infections and afflictions, such as pink-eye. The herb strengthens the eye, and helps to repair damage. Please consult your physician for proper use of Eyebright.
Treat respiratory conditions:
When it is taken by mouth, eyebright is used to treat respiratory conditions including allergies, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis. Astringent chemicals known as tannins contained in eyebright may shrink and tighten the top layers of mucous membranes, thereby reducing mucus secretion, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. As a result, eyebright is thought to help control symptoms such as watery eyes or runny nose associated with allergies. Eyebright also contains chemicals, especially caffeic acid, that may have antibacterial properties.
Healing Wounds,colds and inflammations:
The plant's astringency makes it inappropriate for treating dry or stuffy congestion. The plant can be used externally as a poultice to aid the healing of wounds. Eyebright should be harvested when in flower and can be dried for later use. The dried herb is a ingredient of herbal smoking mixtures, used in the treatment of chronic bronchial colds. A homeopathic remedy is made from the expressed juice of the plant. It is used particularly in the treatment of eye inflammations and colds
Slightly tonic and astringent.:
Although neglected nowadays by the faculty, modern herbalists still retain faith in this herb and recommend its use in diseases of the sight, weakness of the eyes, ophthalmia, etc., combining it often with Golden Seal in a lotion stated to be excellent for general disorders of the eyes. The juice obtained by expression from the plant in the fresh state is sometimes employed, or an infusion in milk, but the simple infusion in water is the more usual form in which it is applied. An infusion of 1 OZ. of the herb to a pint of boiling water should be used and the eyes bathed three or four times a day. When there is much pain, it is considered desirable to use a warm infusion rather more frequently for inflamed eyes till the pain is removed. In ordinary cases, the cold application is found sufficient.
Scrofula-curing:
Homoeopathists hold that Eyebright belongs to the order of scrofula-curing plants, and Dr. Fernie tells us that it has recently been found by experiment:
'to possess a distinct sphere of curative operation, within which it manifests virtues which are as unvarying as they are potential. It acts specifically on the mucous lining of the eyes and nose and the upper part of the throat to the top of the windpipe, causing when given so largely as to be injurious, a profuse secretion from these parts; if given of reduced strength, it cures the troublesome symptoms due to catarrh. Hay Fever, and acute attacks of cold in the head may be checked by an immediate dose of the infusion repeated every two hours. A medicinal tincture is prepared from the whole plant with spirits of wine, of which a lotion is made with rose-water, for simple inflammation of the eyes. Thirty drops of the tincture should be mixed with a wineglassful of rose-water for making this lotion, which may be used several times a day.'
Other Uses:Medicinal virtues
The infusion of Eyebright is also useful for hay fever, catarrh and nasal congestion. The homoeopathic tincture made from the fresh flowering plant is used for conjunctivitis and other eye infections. A few drops of the tincture are mixed with 2 fl OZ (56 ml) Rose-water and used as a lotion.
Eyebright is beneficial in the treatment of coughs, colds, allergies, sinusitis, hay fever, earaches, headaches, jaundice, throat and bronchial congestion, hoarseness, flu, and sinus inflammation. The flavonoids in eyebright act as anti-inflammatory agents that can help relieve inflamed mucous membranes of the eyes, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract. Eyebright's astringent properties also help reduce inflammation and mucous drainage, making the plant a popular remedy for many allergy, cold, and sinus symptoms.
Medicinal virtues: The juice or distilled water of Eyebright, taken inwardly in white wine or broth, or dropped into the eyes, helps all infirmities of the eyes that cause dimness of the sight. A conserve of the flowers has the same effect. It also helps a weak brain or memory.
Reference:
1.Eyebright:just the Greek Euphrasia.Euphrosyne.Gladness.
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