Eyebright as an Herb

(Euphrasia officinalis)

The name Euphrasia is of Greek origin, derived from Euphrosyne (gladness), the name of one of the three graces who was distinguished for her joy and mirth, and it is thought to have been given the plant from the valuable properties attributed to it as an eye medicine preserving eyesight and bringing gladness into the life of the sufferer. The same Greek word is also given to the linnet, from which another old tradition says that it was the linnet who first made use of the leaf for clearing the sight of its young and who then passed on the knowledge to mankind, who named the plant in its honor.

In the fourteenth century, Eyebright was supposed to cure 'all evils of the eye' and is described as the source of 'a precious water to clear a man's sight.' In the eighteenth century Eyebright tea was used, and in Queen Elizabeth's time there was a kind of ale called 'Eyebright Ale.'

Medicinal Uses for Eyebright

Euphrasia was regarded as a specific in diseases of the eyes by the great herbalists of the sixteenth century, and has been a popular remedy in most countries.

Although neglected nowadays, modern herbalists still have much faith in this herb and recommend its use in diseases of the sight, weakness of the eyes, ophthalmia, etc., combining it often with Golden Seal in a lotion stated to be excellent for general disorders of the eyes.

The juice from the plant in the fresh state is sometimes used, or an infusion in milk, but the simple infusion in water is the more common form in which it is applied. An infusion of 1 ounce of the herb to a pint of boiling water should be used and the eyes bathed three or four times a day. When there is much pain, it is considered desirable to use a warm infusion rather more frequently for inflamed eyes until the pain is relieved. In ordinary cases, the cold application is found sufficient.

Eyebright stimulates the liver to remove toxins from the body.

In Iceland, the expressed juice is used for most ailments of the eye, and in Scotland the Highlanders make an infusion of the herb in milk and anoint weak or inflamed eyes with a feather dipped in it.

The dried eyebright herb is an ingredient in British Herbal Tobacco, which is smoked most usefully for chronic bronchial colds.

Culinary

Eyebright is only to be used EXTERNALLY.

Cautions

Please consult your physician for proper use of Eyebright.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.