Eyebright is a creeping semi-parasitic annual growing to 20 in (50 cm) having tiny oval leaves and small scallop-edged white flowers with yellow spots and a black center, somewhat resembling an eye, common in Europe, thriving in meadows and open grassland.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
aerial parts.
It is gathered in summer when in flower.
Directions of Preparation
Eyebright Tea:
1) Take 1 teaspoon of carefully washed Eyebright herb and Boil it in 1.5 cups of water for 10 minutes.
2) Drain the leaves with a very fine Strainer or Cotton cloth and let it cool.
3) Add Raw Honey for sweetness if desired.
4) Dip a small Cotton pad in it and use it as a compress 3-4 times daily.Eyebright Eyewash:
1) Mix 5-8 drops of tincture in 2 cups of cool filtered water or Boil 1 teaspoon of Eyebright in 1.5 cups of water.
2) Dilute the strained tea in a cup of cool Rose water.
3) washing the affected Eyes with it every 4 hours and herbal experts recommend it to be used externally, only for short term due to possible impurities.
Eyebright poultice:
1) To make the Eyebright poultice, crush fresh leaves and flower petals and apply it directly onto the Acne areas every night.
2) If fresh leaves are not available a poultice can be made by soaking crushed dry leaves and petals into slightly warm water for 10 minutes.
3) Remove the poultice after 20 minutes before going to bed and wash the face in the morning.
4) To apply Eyebright tea or tincture, simply dab a Cotton pad into cold steeped tea or in a mixture of 5 drops of tincture in 1/4 cup of cold water.
5) Gently apply the soaked Cotton pad onto affected areas. For a hassle free application, 5-6 drops of Eyebright Oil can be applied overnight.
Recommended Dosage
Dried herb – 2–4 g as an infusion three times daily.
Liquid extract – 2–4mL (1 : 1 in 25% Alcohol) three times daily.
Tincture – 2–6 mL (1 : 5 in 45% Alcohol) three times daily.
Its Active Constituents:
• Eyebright contain:
• Iridoid Glycosides (including aucubin),
• Flavonoids (Quercetin, quercitrin and Rutin),
• Tannin,
• Lignan,
• Alkaloids,
• Amino Acids (Glycine, Leucine and Valine),
• Phenethyl Glycosides,
• Phenolic Acids (Caffeic Acid, ferulic acid),
• Vitamins (such as Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, Vitamin E),
• Anti-oxidants (such as Caffeic Acids, ferulic acids and Flavonoids).
Precaution:
* Eyebright counters liquid mucus, but should be used guardedly as its Astringent action tends worsen situation for dry and stuffy Congestion.
* Its tincture cause mental confusion, raised intraocular pressure.
Health Benefits of Eyebright
Eye
• Eyebright herb contain chemical, organic and nutritional properties which aid in treating Eye problems such as ophthalmia (severe inflammation of the Eye), blepharitis (inflammation of the Eyelids), Conjunctivitis (pink Eye), Cataracts, stye, Weeping Eyes (Epiphora) and bloodshot Eyes.
• It relieves inflammation and tightens mucous membranes, thus useful in the treatment of Conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Foods & Eye
Infections
• It contain aucubin (an Iridoid Glycosides) which has anti-bacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Spasmodic activity on Eye Health (specifically for Conjunctivitis when applied locally as an Eye lotion).
• It possess Anti-Catarrhal (ability to counter mucus), Astringent and Anti-Inflammatory properties, thus often useful for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the Eyes, middle ear, Sinuses and nasal passages (such as nasal catarrh, Sinusitis).
Foods & Infections
Respiratory System
• Its beneficial in treating Respiratory conditions including Bronchitis, Colds, Sinusitis, and Allergies.
• It’s Flavonoids and defensive compounds are a great remedy for treating seasonal Allergies, Coughs, cold, chest Congestion, stuffy nose and Respiratory discomfort.
• The natural Astringent–Tannin in the herb may help reduce the mucus discharge during Colds and Colds (Flu) by tightening the mucous membranes.
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Its natural Astringent and anti-bacterial agents are effective in tightening the porous oily Skin, healing Acne and irritated Skin.
• Apply its poultice, cold tea or its tincture onto the affected Skin.
Foods & Skin Health
The Brain & Nervous System
• Its flavanoids and Beta-Carotene may help improve cognitive performance and strengthen bad memory.
Note:
* A great home remedy can be made by mixing 2 teaspoons of dried Eyebright herb powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, half (1/2) teaspoon of ground Mace, 2 teaspoons of Fennel Seeds together.
* Taking half (1/2) teaspoon of this mixture every morning with juice or simply drinking one (1) cup of Eyebright tea daily may improve the gradual memory loss.
Foods & Nervous System
