Eyebright Herb

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Not just for the eyes.

http://www.nutrasanus.com/eyebright.html

Eyebright Herb and Tea Health Benefits

Eyebright is an attractive weed that grows in fields

and meadow areas of most temperate climate regions of

the world. Eyebright is a parasitic plant that must

attach its roots to the roots of other plants in order

to survive. Nearly all of the eyebright sold on the

market is produced in Europe. Eyebright produces

violet-like, white, light red, or purple flowers,

often with purple lines or yellow dots on them. High

demand and harvesting of this herb has made eyebright

an endangered species in some regions of the world.

Eyebright has been used to treat respiratory

conditions including bronchitis, allergies, colds, and

sinusitis. Eyebright contains astringent compounds

known as tannins that may help to tighten the top

layers of mucous membranes, thereby reducing mucus

secretion, which in turn relieves irritation and

improves tissue firmness.

In its oral form eyebright has been used to treat

respiratory conditions including bronchitis,

allergies, colds, and sinusitis. Eyebright contains

astringent compounds known as tannins that may help to

tighten the top layers of mucous membranes reducing

mucus secretion, which in turn relieves irritation and

improves tissue firmness. Consequently, many believe

that eyebright can help relieve the numerous symptoms

associated with allergies. Eyebright also contains

many chemicals, including caffeic acid, which may have

antibacterial effects.

Eyebright has also been used as an eye wash for

treating a number of different eye conditions. The

chemical substance, tannins, that is produced by

eyebright has been used to reduce eye inflammation as

well as to create a protective covering over the

surface of the eye.

Note: Eye drops and eye washes should be packaged

commercially under sterile conditions.

Dosage and Administration

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.

Eyebright is also available as capsules and extracts

that come in different strengths based on the desired

effect. Always make sure to follow the instructions on

the package you purchase.

http://groups.msn.com/healingherbs/herbsde.msnw

Eyebright: (Euphrasia officinalis) Euphrasia

officinalis refers to a vast genus containing over 450

species. European wild plants grow in meadows,

pastures, and grassy places in Bulgaria, Hungary, and

the former Yugoslavia. Eyebright is also grown

commercially in Europe. The plant flowers in late

summer and autumn. The whole herb is used in

commercial preparations.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be

supported by scientific studies): Eyebright was and

continues to be used primarily as a poultice for the

topical treatment of eye inflammations, including

blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and sties. A compress

made from a decoction of eyebright can give rapid

relief from redness, swelling, and visual disturbances

in acute and subacute eye infections. A tea is

usually given internally along with the topical

treatment. It has also been used for the treatment of

eye fatigue and disturbances of vision. In addition,

herbalists have recommended eyebright for problems of

the respiratory tract, including sinus infections,

coughs, and sore throat.

Eyebright is high in iridoid glycosides, flavonoids,

and tannins. The plant has astringent properties that

probably account for its usefulness as a topical

treatment for inflammatory states and its ability to

reduce mucous drainage.

Traditional herbal texts recommend a compress made

with 15 grams of the dried herb combined with 500 ml

(2 cups) 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 German Commission E monograph

on eyebright 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.

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 three times per day.

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 lactation has not been proven

http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=2087000

Historical or traditional use of eyebright (may or may

not be supported by scientific studies)

Eyebright was and continues to be used by herbalists

primarily as a poultice for the topical treatment of

eye inflammations, including

conjunctivitis/blepharitis and sties. Traditionally, a

compress made from a decoction of eyebright is used to

give relief from redness, swelling, and visual

disturbances due to eye infections.1 A tea is

sometimes given internally along with the topical

treatment. It has also been used for the treatment of

eye fatigue and other disturbances of vision. In

addition, herbalists have recommended eyebright for

problems of the respiratory tract, including sinus

infections, coughs, and sore throat.2 None of the

traditional uses of eyebright have been studied in

clinical research.

Active constituents of eyebright

While there are many chemicals that may be active in

eyebright, none of them has been proven to have any

effect on eye inflammation or irritation. Some herbal

texts suggest that the astringent actions of eyebright

may reduce eye irritation while others suggest that

eyebright may also have antibacterial actions

topically. To date, there are no clinical studies to

support or refute these proposed actions.

How much eyebright is usually taken?

Traditional herbal texts recommend a compress made

with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of the dried herb

combined with 2 cups (500 ml) of water and boiled for

ten minutes.3 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.4 Consult with a physician knowledgeable

in the use of herbs before applying eyebright to the

eyes.

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.