Eyebright Extract

Species Name: Euphrasia officinalis

Also known as: Augentrostkraut, Meadow eyebright, Ocularia

What is eyebright extract? Eyebright is an herb that is common to Eastern Europe. It has also been cultivated to grow in Europe, Asia and the U.S.

The flowers are white and have a black center. Many people say this plant resembles an eye. In fact, some say that the purple stripes on the plant resemble an eye that is bloodshot.

Eyebright is harvested in the summer months; typically, it is the most potent between June and August.

Home Remedies Using Eyebright Extract:

Benefits of Eyebright Extract:

Eyebright extract tea can be used as a home remedy. To make the tea, pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon of chopped leaves. Steep the mixture for about 8 minutes and then strain.

A compress of eyebright tea can be used to treat sore and inflamed eyes. In fact, when babies have clogged tear ducts, gently massage the eye with a mixture of cooled eyebright tea and goldenseal.

A few cups of eyebright tea can also be drank to help recover from colds and flu’s, relief for coughing and sore throats. In the process, it should help with sinus issues and treating sinusitis.

Eyebright has astringent properties and it causes the body’s tissues to constrict. When it is applied, blood flow is constricted. Eyebright extract also has anti-inflammatory properties. It particularly helps with inflammation of the nose and throat, as well as nasal and sinus areas.

Most often though, eyebright extract is used to treat eye disorders. It assists with everything from eye fatigue to sties.

Use of eyebright extract can be traced back to the 1300’s. At that time, people began using this plant to treat eyes.

The entire plant can be used for herbal remedies. Its effective compounds include tannins, phenolic acids, amino acids, sterols and choline. Additional uses for eyebright extract are:

  • Treats conjunctivitis
  • Assists with digestive ailments
  • Treats skin inflammations

Eyebright extract can be taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. Also it can be used in a hot compress.

Side Effects of Eyebright Extract:

There have been allergic reactions to eyebright. These include trouble breathing, and swelling of the lips, nose and throat.

Other side effects include sensitivity to light, toothache, constipation, insomnia and sweating. Confusion and weakness have also been reported.