Eyebright

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Eyebright is a small, annual plant with deeply cut leaves, native to the heaths and pastures of Britain, the European continent, and subarctic regions of North America. Similar to several genera of the Scrophulariaceae, Euphrasia is hemiparasitic; the roots have foodgathering nodules that attach to the roots of surrounding plants in order to obtain food. Therefore, eyebright is difficult to cultivate, and virtually the entire supply is harvested from the wild, with little attention to species differences. From July to September, eyebright displays many small, white or purplish flowers variegated with yellow. The various spots and stripes on the flowers cause them to resemble bloodshot, or similarly afflicted, eyes. This, in turn, has caused the plant to be used since the Middle Ages to treat such conditions. The usage was obviously based on the so-called "Doctrine of Signatures." Most modem herbalists recommend a lotion or infusion prepared from the entire

overground portion of the plant for conjunctivitis and other eye irritations. The ancient writers, such as Culpeper and Parkinson, also advised internal consumption of the herb for treatment of similar conditions. Use of the herb continues as a folk medicine, particularly in Eastern Europe, where eyebright is used both topically and internally to treat blepharitis and conjunctivitis, in addition to use as a poultice for styes and eye fatigue. Chemical studies of eyebright have identified a number of constituents, including aucubin, caffeic and ferulic acids, sterols, choline, various basic compounds, and a volatile oil. However, none of these constituents is known to possess any useful therapeutic properties for the treatment of eye disease, nor are there any modern scientific studies that attempt to measure the effectiveness of the herb.

Phenol-carboxylic acids, though, may play a role in perceived antibacterial activity. However, the instillation or application of any nonsterile solution to the eye involves considerable risk of potential infection and should never be advocated or condoned. The practice is particularly hazardous if the nonsterile, homemade lotion contains a large number of principles of unknown safety or efficacy. For this reason, ophthalmic application of eyebright, as advocated by modem herbalists, is definitely not recommended. Little more is known about the medication today than was known in Culpeper's time. USES 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. HOMEOPATHYIn the 14th and 15th centuries, ish 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 MUCH TO TAKE Traditional herbal texts recommend a compress made with 1 tablespoon of the dried herb combined with 0.5 liter of water and boiled for ten minutes. The undiluted liquid is used as a compress after cooling. 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. SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS 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. Used internally at the amounts listed above, eyebright is generally safe. However, its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been proven. 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. Suzi What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. health/ http://suziesgoats.wholefoodfarmacy.com/ http://360./suziesgoats

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