Eyebright
Natural Healing Herbs
Eyebright may have gotten its name because its flowers look like bloodshot eyes or maybe because it's mainly used in folk remedies to treat eye conditions.
Other Names
This herb is also called Euphrasia.
Appearance
This small annual is usually found in sandy soil. It grows to be from 2 to 8 inches tall and has oval shaped leaves. The flowers are whitish or purplish and have yellow spots on the lower petals.
Origins
This herb is native to Europe.
Part Used
The leaves, stem and parts of the flowers are used.
Medicinal Uses
This herb is anti-inflammatory and antiviral. It is usually used to treat the eyes, but can also be used to treat other conditions, including:
- hay fever
- conjunctivitis
- styes
- colds and flu
- eye irritation
- bronchitis
- sinus infections
You can by this herb and many others at Mountain Rose Herbs.
Side Effects and Warnings
Don't use eye drops made from this herb if you have had any eye surgery.
You may experience swelling around the eyes, changes in eye pressure and vision, itchiness, and sensitivity to light when you use this herb in a drop or compress form.
If you take it internally, you may confusion, nausea, and sweating.
Its safety for pregnant and nursing women is unknown.
If you found this information useful, check out my complete listing of herbs at my Herb Index. You can find a listing of ailments and their natural treatments on my Free Home Remedies page.
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