Jam-packed with flavoniods, tannins and iridoid glycosides, eyebright herb benefits have been used for centuries in homeopathic and folk medicines as an herbal treatment for eye conditions such as conjunctivitis. Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis) is an herb which belongs to the Figwort family. The whole foliage (stem, leaves, and flowers) of Eyebright is edible and can be used in herbal medicine.
Herbal use of Eyebright, or Euphrasia rostkoviana (syn Euphrasia officinalis, dates to the 14th century when it was described as a cure for all eye maladies. In folk medicine, eyebright is often used as an ingredient in eyewashes, eye drops, or compresses applied to the eyes. Today, eyebright is made into an aqueous extract that is used to treat many conditions.
Compounds in the plant are believed to have properties that help fight inflammation, pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancer. It is also thought to be an antioxidant, hypotensive, anti-epileptic, and anti-catarrhal supplement.
Using Eyebright herb is also effective in treating respiratory issues such as colds, bronchitis, allergies, and sinusitis. Skin problems including stretch marks and acne can be solved well with Eyebright treatments. While the scientific research regarding Eyebright’s effectiveness is scarce we have found 7 eyebright herb benefits:
7 Eyebright Herb Benefits
1. Pink Eye Relief
Eyebright herb benefits is primarily used in the treatment of eye infections and eye-associated irritations. Perhaps most noteworthy is eyebright’s ability to treat conjunctivitis or pink eye.
2. Eye Inflammation
Eyebright herb benefits is famous for its use in treating eye related problems, as well as slowing down progressive vision weakness due to age. For ophthalmia, blepharitis, stye and any other eye inflammation, an Eyebright tea might be beneficial when used as a cold eye compress.
3. Respiratory Issues
It is used as an anti-inflammatory for hay fever, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and catarrh (inflammation of the mucous membranes). Eyebright herb benefits as an astringent, it is used for dry congestion. There is an herbal smoking mix of the dried herb that is used for bronchial colds. It also can be used for seasonal allergies and other nasal irritations.
4. Healing Wounds
Eyebright is considered as an effective home remedy for skin wounds. It can be used to make a poultice and applied topically to the wounds. A cold poultice of Eyebright herb benefits are effective in relieving skin inflammation and tightening your skin.
5. Acne and Skin Issues
Eyebright is known to be effective in tightening the porous oily skin and healing acne and irritated skin. Thus, a simple remedy for acne is to apply Eyebright poultice, cold Eyebright tea or its tincture onto the affected skin.
6. Relieve Sinuses
The benefits of eyebright include its use in curing sinus and respiratory inflammation. The best and most effective way on how to relieve sinus irritation is to drink Eyebright herb tea daily. It is recommended drinking three cups of Eyebright tea a day to get a satisfactory result.
7. Improved Memory
It is believed that consuming Eyebright can improve your memory, thanks to the flavonoids and beta-carotene found in the herb. Drinking one cup of Eyebright tea everyday can help ward off memory loss and protect your cognition.
Although Eyebright herb benefits are fairly safe when ingested and used in moderation, you should be very careful when using it topically, especially on or near the eyes. To avoid potential infection, seek professional advice and be sure to use only pure, sterile ingredients from the store. Extreme carefulness should be taken in patients that have diabetes or hypoglycemia, and those who are taking other herbs, drugs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. A qualified healthcare professional may need to monitor serum glucose levels and medication adjustments can be necessary.