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.
Therapeutics and Pharmacology of Eyebright.
Euphrasia is primarily used to treat eye irritation and inflammation, and is particularly beneficial for sore, itchy eyes which may have a discharge. It can be applied as a compress or eyewash or taken internally as an infusion. Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it relevant in many conditions, particularly those involving the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Taken internally, it has a powerful anticatarrhal action and may be used in nasal catarrh, sinusitis and other congestive states. It is particularly valuable where there is profuse watery nasal discharge and is therefore indicated in hayfever and colds as well as measles when accompanied by these symptoms. It may be taken as a mouthwash or gargle, for inflammation of the mouth or throat.
Medicinal of Eyebright:
Eyebright stimulates the liver to remove toxins from the body. It has been used internally and externally to treat eye infections and afflictions, such as pink-eye. The herb strengthens the eye, and helps to repair damage.
Symptom of Eyebright:
Eye Problems, Allergies, Colds/Flu, Eye Strain, Eye Inflammation, Inflammation, Circulation, Liver Problems, Respiratory Problems, Sinus Problems
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.
Modern uses. 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. 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 Preparations and Combinations:
The stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant are collected and dried for medicinal use. Eyebright is often combined with goldenseal to treat eye afflictions. Eyebright may also be combined with goldenrod, elder flower, and/or goldenseal to provide relief from congestion.
In homeopathy, Euphrasia officinalis is a remedy used to treat colds accompanied by a nonirritating, watery nasal discharge and frequent burning tears. Conjunctivitis with symptoms of red eyes and lips, and acrid, watery tears may also be treated with this remedy. Euphrasia officinalis is also used as a remedy for measles and allergies.
Eyebright is available in bulk form for teas or compresses, and in capsule and tincture forms. Capsules and tinctures should be used as directed on the commercial package.
To make a tea, 1 cup of boiling water is poured over 2~3 teaspoons of dried eyebright and steeped for 5~10 minutes. One cup should be drunk three times daily to maintain eyesight, relieve nasal congestion, and soothe coughs. This infusion can also be used as an eye bath to treat inflamed or painful eyes. The mixture is cooled, and then the eyes are bathed with the warm liquid three to four times daily.
To make a fresh eyebright tea: Pour boiling water over 2~3 grams (1 teaspoon = 1.7 grams) of the finely chopped leaves, steep 5~10 minutes, then strain. As an eye bath use a 2% decoction 3 or 4 times per day. Eyebright is also found in prepared lotions and eyewashes. May be applied to compresses as well.
To make a compress, 1~2 tablespoons of dried eyebright are simmered in 1 pint (0.4 l) of water for 10 minutes. The mixture is cooled and then strained. A clean cloth is dipped in the mixture, wrung out, and then placed over the eyes for 15 minutes several times daily. Caution should be used when applying compresses. An unsterilized, homemade compress of eyebright may contain bacteria that could lead to an eye infection.
Combinations:Euphrasia may be combined with Hydrastis and Hamamelis water as an eye lotion. In catarrhal conditions it combines well with Sambucus, Solidago or Hydrastis. Where there is infection, it should be supported internally with an antibacterial such as Echinacea.
Traditional Usage:Antibacterial;Anti-inflammatory;Antifungal;Astringent;Candida;Catarrh;Colds and Flu, Bronchitis, Sore Throat;Conjunctivitis;Coughs;Digestive Disorders;Earaches;Eye Infections;Fungal Infection;Hoarseness;Nasal Catarrh;Poultice;Sinusitis;Skin Inflammation,Yeast Infections
Reference:
1.Eyebright:just the Greek Euphrasia.Euphrosyne.Gladness.
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