Eyebright Herb, Powder

Also Known As – Euphrasia officinalis

Organically Grown USA - Hand Harvested without machinery. No "USDA Approved Pesticides or Chemical soil additives". We do not sterilized our herbs with a surfer wash, heat steam or heat dry air of our organically grown herbs.

Overview - Eyebright is a low-growing attractive plant that is common in meadows and grassy fields in Europe and the United Kingdom. It blossoms in the summer. It does not like to be transplanted because it relies in part on the roots of grass to help it attain nutrients. It is not mentioned in any herbal texts until the 14th century, but it grew in popularity after that for treating eye and memory ailments. It was such a popular remedy that it is mentioned in the poetry of Milton and Spenser. Used for centuries for eye problems, it is thought that the tannins in the plant are responsible for the relief it gives.

Medicinal Uses - Internally eyebright infusion is taken for hay fever and sinusitis. Externally, eyebright is frequently used as a wash for the eyes. An infusion is the most common preparation used to make this eye wash. Conditions treated with eyebright include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, sties, eye irritation and tired or inflamed eyes. It may also be useful for problems with mucous membranes or earaches.

Herbs to Combine/Supplement - Eyebright is often combined with goldenseal and distilled witch hazel to make a lotion for eye complaints. It can also be combined safely with goldenrod and elder flower. Allergic conditions that affect the eyes can be treated by a combination of eyebright and ephedra.

Parts Used - Aerial parts – Dried aerial parts are used. They are gathered when the plant is in full flower, usually in July or August.

Precautions - People who have had eye surgery, laser procedures, who wear contacts or have had corneal transplants should not use eyebright. Some people may experience itchiness, swollen eyelids, watery eyes, changes in eye pressure or vision and increased sensitivity to light. Sweating, nausea and confusion can be experienced by people sensitive to this herb who ingest it.

Preparation and Dosage - A convenient way to take eyebright today is in capsule or tablet form.  The formulas listed above range from taking two to eight capsules daily.  You can also take eyebright internally as a tea and several cups of tea a day can be taken.  When taking eyebright internally you can also use a tincture of eyebright in an alcohol or glycerin base and put 15-30 drops directly in the mouth or put them in a cup of water and drink it.  By taking eyebright internally you are usually trying to get the benefit of the nutrients available in eyebright or use it for getting rid of congestion or allergies.

For external use of eyebright to help reduce inflammation, as an antiseptic, or as an astringent to tonify mucus membranes, you can make an infusion with the eyebright steeping it in hot water for at least 10 minutes.  After straining the infusion you can use it to make an eye compress by soaking cloth in the infusion and placing it over the eyes for 20 minutes.  You can also use the infusion to bathe the eyes with by pouring the cooled infusion into sterile eyecups and tipping the head back blink the eyes for several minutes and then repeat with another sterile cup for the other eye.  Another way to bathe the eyes is to put 3-5 drops of an alcohol based eyebright tincture in boiling distilled water poured into the sterile eyecups and letting this cool before using it as an eyewash.

Disclaimer -These products are not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease. Reviews are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care or the advice of a physician or another medical professional. Actual results may vary among users. Mountain Maus Remedies LLC makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information contributed by outside product review submissions, and assumes no responsibility or liability regarding the use of such information. The information and statements regarding the dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your health care provider. If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you should work with your health care provider before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen, including augmenting your regimen with any herb or dietary supplements. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any disease or ailment based on the reviews and do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or suspect you have an undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician or health care practitioner.