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.
Dosage and Administration of Eyebright.
Traditional herbal texts recommend a compress made with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of the dried herb combined with 2 cups (500 ml, 0.5 liter) of water and boiled for ten minutes. The undiluted liquid is used as a compress after cooling. The German Commission E monograph does not support this application, due to possible impurities in non-pharmaceutical preparations. Consult with a physician knowledgeable in the use of herbs before applying eyebright to the eyes.This was commonly combined with antimicrobial 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.
Internally, two to three cups per day of eyebright tea is sometimes recommended. Dried herb, 1/2~3/4 teaspoon (2~4 grams) three times per day, may also be taken. The tincture is typically taken in 1/2~1 1/4 teaspoons (2~6 ml) three times per day.
For use orally, eyebright is commonly prepared as a tea. Usually, 2,000 mg to 4,000 mg of dried eyebright herb is added to about 5 ounces of boiling water and allowed to soak for approximately 10 minutes. The solid particles remaining are then strained out of the tea in preparation for drinking.Before drinking the tea, the solid particles should be removed by straining. Up to three cups of eyebright tea may be consumed per day.
Eyebright is also available as capsules and extracts that come in different strengths. Individuals who decide to use eyebright, should follow the directions on the package that is purchased.
1~4 gm herb tds (Mills)
1~4 ml tincture tds (Hoffmann)
1:1 25% 2~4mls tds (BHP)
1:5 45% 2~6mls tds (BHP)
Regulatory status GSL:
Dried herb: 2-4g or by infusion
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-4ml
Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol, 2-6ml
Compress: a teaspoonful of dried herb in half a litre of water, boil for ten minutes and allow to cool. Leave compress in place for 15 minutes and repeat several times a day with fresh compress each time.
Are there any side effects or interactions of Eyebright:
Side effects: confusion,headache, itching, eye pressure, sneezing, stuffy nose,vision disturbances and weakness.
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 without professional support. Used internally at the amounts listed above, eyebright is generally safe. However, its safety during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been proven.
If a tincture solution of eyebright is placed on the eyes, tearing, itching, reddening, and swelling of the eyelids may develop because of the alcohol in the tincture. Eyebright may also cause a skin rash or nausea.
Reports of confusion, nausea, and sweating have been attributed to taking or using eyebright. Any unsterile eye product may cause irritation, eye infections, or vision impairment.
When used in the eye, eyebright may also cause: Eye pressure changes,Itchy eyes,Light sensitivity,Swollen eyelids,Vision changes,Watery eyes
Sufficient testing has not been done to ensure the safety of eyebright. For this reason, the German Commission E does not recommend its use. Other authoritative sources, however, do sanction its use, including Newall and others (1996) in Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, although they recommend using the plant with caution and avoiding excessive doses due to the fact that very little is known about the toxicity of eyebright. These researchers also recommend using commercial preparations for ophthalmic purposes in order to avoid potential problems. It has been stated that 10 to 60 drops of eyebright tincture could induce toxic symptoms including mental confusion, dim vision, fatigue, nausea, constipation, perspiration, difficulty breathing, sneezing, cough, toothache, photophobia, weakness, restlessness, increased eye pressure, watering, redness, itching and swelling.
Precautions:A qualified herbalist should be consulted before administering eyebright to children. Although herbalists maintain the benefits of eyebright, there are no known scientific studies or research to validate these claims.Note: Eye drops and eye washes should be packaged commercially under sterile conditions.
Homemade eye products should never be used due to the possibility they may be contaminated with substances that may lead to eye infection, eye injury, or vision impairment. Because it cannot be cultivated, eyebright is collected only from wild plants, which have pesticide residues. Material from similar-looking plants that grow in the area may be included. In addition, the exact composition of eyebright can never be assured because amounts of active chemicals in it depend on how the plants are grown, harvested, processed, and stored.
Interactions:
No interactions have been reported between eyebright and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal supplements, or foods. However, because few reliable studies of eyebright have been conducted, its possible interactions with drugs, foods, and other dietary supplements are not understood completely. Other oral products that contain tannins have interfered with the way the body uses certain drugs. Be sure that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use eyebright or any other herbal supplement.
Combinations:
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.
Reference:
1.Eyebright:just the Greek Euphrasia.Euphrosyne.Gladness.
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