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Although not so popular now as in days past, modern herbalists still retain faith in this herb and recommend its use in eye infections, weakness of the eyes, and ophthalmia.
History; Source
The history of eyebright's use comes from the way the plant looks. In the 1500s, the Doctrine of Signatures was a theory that caused people to use eyebright for eye problems. Eyebright was used as an eyewash for infections and irritations, not because it worked particularly well, but because its petals looked bloodshot, in line with the classic medieval philosophic attitude which believed that herbs show their proper use by their appearance.
Eyebright is a creeping plant that grows about 20 inches high. It has white flowers with black centers that look somewhat like an eye. The flowers are collected during the summer months.
Function; Reasons For Use
Eyebright contains astringal substances that are probably slightly antibacterial, but Germany's Commission E does not necessarily recommend using it. Warm water compresses have been shown to be equally effective under the same conditions.
Active compounds include iridiod, tannins, phenolic acides, glycosides, volatile oil.
Eyebright is primarily used to treat conditions of the eye. Eyebright is used to treat eye infections. It causes the mucous membrane tissue that makes up the eye to tighten. This helps to relieve conjunctivities and other inflammatory conditions of the eye.
Eyebright tea is sometimes used to treat jaundice, respiratory infections, and memory loss, although there is no evidence that it works for those conditions.
Eyebright can also be used to treat other conditions where large amounts of mucus are produced by the body. For example, it can be used to help reduce mucus production that results from hay fever.
Directions
A recommended dose is an infusion of one ounce of the herb to a pint of boiling water, bathing the eyes three or four times a day. For intense pain, a warm infusion is more desirable to use until the pain is gone. For other uses, the cold application is found sufficient.
Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Eyebright can cause tearing of the eyes, itching, redness, and many other symptoms. It appears to be safe when taken internally, but few studies have been performed.
Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known.
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Eyebright can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |
GLOSSARY
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes that is caused by specific allergen(s). It is an allergy characterized by sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, coughing and a burning/scratchy sensation of the palate and throat.
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Jaundice
Yellow discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes and excreta as a result of an excess of the pigment bilirubin in the bloodstream.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Mucous Membranes (Mucosa, Mucous Membrane, Mucus Membranes)
The membranes, such as the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina, that line the cavities and canals of the body which communicate with the air.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Ophthalmia (Opthalmia)
Severe eye inflammation, including conjunctivitis, iritis, severe hay fever, etc.
Ounce (Ounces, oz)
Approximately 28 grams.
Last updated: Jun 22, 2008
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