Multiple uses of the herb interestingly named Eyebright

All parts of eyebright plant except roots are useful. The list of medicinal uses of eyebright is unending. Eyebright has been used by the British as ‘Herbal tobacco’.  Though the name suggests something else, this herbal tobacco has been used as a smoke by people suffering from lung infections and cold. In many parts of the world, it is popular ingredient to flavour the food. 

Origin of herb:

The eyebrights comes from the figwort family of plants. The name ‘Eyebright’ was given to the herb due to its effective properties against eye infections and ailments. But the use of eyebright is not only limited to that, its unique organic, chemical and nutritional composition can be exploited to cure other health conditions. Rarely antioxidants like flavonoids, glycosides, caffeic acids and ferulic acids are found in the eyebright along with powerful combination of vitamin B, C and E.

Eyebright for respiratory conditions:

The plant is known for its effective application in problems such as sinus infections. Eyebright is master key to conditions like swollen nasal passages, hay fever, common cold, allergies, cough and serious bronchial infections.  The people have been using it to get relief in problems of conjunctivitis, jaundice, sore throat, earaches, epilepsy and headaches.

Rapid relief from conjunctivitis:

Many health experts point out that direct application of eyebright to the eye creates chances of infection but people once traditionally apply eyebright to the eye in form of lotion. Many mild solutions with eyebright extracts are available from professional herbalists for treatment too. Other eye conditions such as fatigue, feeling uneasy at eyelids and inflamed eyes can be cured using this herb.

Younger kids, toddlers often suffer from glued eyes in the morning. Eyebright drops is good solution for that as it prevents mucous and membrane formation around the eyes. The herb contains strong bacteria killing chemicals called astringents. Students can relieve their strained eyes during exams through the eyebright. Please see a naturopath or herbalist for any solution being applied to eyes.

Another lesser known application of eyebright is skin care. Stress marks, dark circles, acne and other skin problems can be eliminated within weeks of eyebright use.

Using eyebright:

One can apply eyebright in form of tea. Take 1 ½ cup of water and mix 1 teaspoon of eyebright herb in that. Boil the solution for 10 minutes and eyebright tea is ready. In case of eye inflammation, this tea can be applied on eye through cotton balls up to four times in a day. Please consult your naturopath before beginning any treatment.

Eyebright eyewash will definitely work in the case of weeping and strained eyes. Take eyebright tincture drops (5-8 drops) in pure cold water. One can also mix it in rose water to get more cooling effect. Washing eyes with this solution for every four hours will reduce all symptoms of above said conditions.