Eyebright or Euphrasia officinalis: medicinal properties and benefits

What is eyebright and how it helps your eyes

eyebrights (Euphrasia officinalis or E. rostkowiana and Euphrasia stricta) are small annual plants, with reddish and branched stems, toothed leaves and trilobed, pale purple flowers, and a yellow spot in the center. It parasitizes other plants through its roots.

Found on heaths and rocky slopes of mountainous environments, and it blooms from the beginning of the summer, moment of the collection of its flowering tops.

Its name seems to come from Euphrosynia, one of the three Greek graces, which was distinguished for its ability to bring happiness to the souls of sufferers. However, the oldest references that have been found of the benefits of eyebright water for eye care They date from the 14th century.

Eyebright is the plant for good eyesight, both in phytotherapy and homeopathy. He was credited with the power to restore sight to the blind. and to remove the demon from the eyes. The great European herbalists of the 16th century considered it one of the best remedies to treat eye ailments.

Eyebright medicinal properties

eyebright contains flavonoids (quercetosides), glycosides such as euphroside, phenolic acids, an essential oil, lignans and tannins, active ingredients that make it a astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing plant.This therapeutic capacity makes it an excellent ally for treat heavy digestions, stimulate appetite, fight ear and mouth infections and relieve pharyngitis. externally applied, stops skin bleeding.But above all, eyebright It is the quintessential eye repair plant, including his name in English eyebright means bright eyes. Reduces ocular inflammation and attacks infectious foci caused by viruses or bacteria.Herbalists recommend it to treat blepharitisthe conjunctivitisthe inflammation of the eyelidsthe styes and as a backup remedy in case of pollen allergies, Mites, dust or smokewhich present with ocular inflammation. It is also ideal for the discomfort derived from the rejection of the use of contact lenses.

How to use eyebright

The eyebright is presented in bags of dry plant for infusionin tincture and in fluid extract.

Eyebright water for eye problems

The simplest remedy for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids, styes, watery eyes due to allergies, among other problems, is the decoction of the dried eyebright plant, at a rate of one tablespoon per 200 ml of water.

How to prepare it: Boil the mixture for a couple of minutes and leave it to rest. It is then filtered and allowed to warm. Warm compresses are then soaked in the decoction and applied to closed eyes until the compresses are completely cool. This operation, which will be repeated three times a dayreduces inflammation and provides a sensation of relief.

Infusion with eyebright for spring allergies

eyebright It is also useful in outbreaks of allergic attacks, with rhinitis and coughing fits. persistent.

For this you can prepare an infusion based on eyebright, plantain, goldenrod, and euphrasiain equal parts.

How to prepare it: One tablespoon of the mixture is taken for each cup of water and boiled for about 3 minutes. Then it is filtered and three hot cups are drunk throughout the day, being able to increase the administration to four cups if the mucus is very dense.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”