Eyebright / For Eye Health

Herb Of The Week / Eyebright / For Eye Health

Herb Of The Week

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is for the eyes, as the name might
suggest. Since the Middle Ages it has been used for eye ailments
including runny, sore, itchy eyes due to colds or allergies. It has
been used as an eyewash to treat eye infections and eye inflammations.
It has even been used for conjunctivitis and cataract.


But also like most herbs, it serves a dual role as a mild expectorant
and astringent for cleaning lungs filled with phlegm and other
secretions and discharges such as sinusitis.


Its astringent properties may partially explain its ability to reduce
mucous drainage. A compress made from a decoction of eyebright can
give rapid relief from redness, swelling, and visual disturbances in
common eye infections such as sties and conjunctivitis. 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.
Herbalists also recommend eyebright for problems of the respiratory
tract, including sinus infections, coughs, and sore throat.


The great herbalist, Culpepper, once said, "If the herb was as much
used as it is neglected, it would half spoil the spectacle makers'
trade.". Eyebright is useful in all allergic reactions and red eye
conditions as it calms and soothes the conjunctival membranes. It can
be taken internally or made into an eyewash.


Eyebright grows wild throughout Bulgaria, Hungary, the Balkans, and is
grown commercially in Europe. Eyebright is rich in iridoid glycosides,
flavonoids, and tannins. It is grown for it's use as nutritional
support for the eyes in external poultices, teas, tinctures, fluid
extracts, and whole herb for dietary use.


But..... of course... IT'S YOUR HEALTH. Why take my word for it?

You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.

Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor