The legend is it that eyebright was called Euphrasia according the Latin name of the Greek migrate Euphrosyini (whose name means joy) because it makes everyone happy as it heals the eyes.
The people also called it “the eyes of the Mother of God” because the centuries-old tradition confirmed that it is ideal natural cure for diseases of the eyes. People use it for thousands of years.
Alchemist Arnoldus Villanovanus dedicated it his eulogy “Vini Euphrasiati tantopere celebrati”, saying that it regained vision for those who have long been without it.
Researcher Hildamus believed that it is able to improve vision even in those older than 70 or 80 years.
Eyebright is still available and effective remedy to all those who are struggling with vision and eye diseases, regardless of whether it is because of ageing, infection or other cause.
Composition and healing properties of the eyebright
Eyebright contains Glycoside rinantin, vitamin C, essential oils, bitter substances and Eufrastan acid. Alternative medicine has recognized it as an eyesight remedy which can relieve eye infections, accelerate the healing, destroy viruses and bacteria in the eyes and relieve eye dryness and pain.
This herb is great for reducing eye pressure and fatigue caused by excessive computer use or smoke-filled rooms. It is a natural substitute for eye drops and other solutions for treating eye problems.
Here’s what eyebright can help with:
Eye infection
Allergic reactions
Iritis (inflammation of the iris)
Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid)
Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
Inflammation of the tear ducts
Short-sightedness
Dry eyes and eye fatigue
Irritation due to environmental factors or prolonged computer use
Glaucoma
Homeopathy uses eyebright in a water solution with eyebright c30 to cure a watery discharge from the eyes accompanied by burning and pain after exposure to light.
Improve your eyesight with tea and compresses
Have the plant’s fresh juice or a dry variant always at home in cases you experience any eye-related problems. Fresh eyebright juice can be a natural substitute for eye drops – you only need to dilute it with distilled water and use two drops per eye.
The dry variant of the plant can be used to prepare tea that can rinse the eye, or it can be used as a compress. Pour 2 dl of boiling water over half a teaspoon of dry eyebright material and let it stay for a couple of minutes, then strain the tea and rinse your eyes with it 2-3 times a day.
The tea can be used for a compress too – keep it on your eyes until you notice the compress is dry. You can leave the compress overnight too, but you must always use fresh tea.
For sensitive eyes, dilute the tea with lukewarm boiled water. To treat extreme infections, mix eyebright with some marigold, chamomile or fennel to reduce the symptoms and recover faster. To strengthen the optic nerve, take a pinch of powdered dry eyebright 1-2 times a day orally or added to soups and drinks.
Compress for treating sty
Pour 250 ml. of boiling water over three tablespoons of dry eyebright material and leave it to stay for ten minutes, then strain the mixture. Wrap the strained eyebright in gauze and place it on the stye, leaving it on for 5-7 minutes. The warmth of the compress will act therapeutically and boost the healing process.
Tea – helps to improve eyesight
Pour 2 dl of boiling water over two teaspoons of dry eyebright and let it stay for fifteen minutes, stirring it from time to time. Strain the mixture in the end.
Drink a cup of the tea three times a day – always make a fresh brew and drink it unsweetened.
Treating other ailments
Eyebright can help with other health problems besides eye-related ailments. It can relieve bronchitis, rhinitis and the flu, and help with other respiratory problems too.
Eyebright relieves stomach pain and digestive problems, while being a great treatment for hay fever allergy as it reduces the eye watering, burning and redness in the eyes.
Eyebright can help you in cases of headaches, insomnia and anxiety, and will also treat nicotine and alcohol poisoning, reducing the harmful effects of the toxins on the body.
Warning
Eyebright must be taken in dosages recommended by a professional, and should always be prepared properly. If you’re dealing with severe health problems, consult with your doctor before use.
Oral administration of eyebright should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with gallbladder and acute stomach problems, duodenal ulcers or liver disease.