What is eyebright and how does it help your eyes?
The euphrasias (Euphrasia officinalis or E. rostkowiana and Euphrasia stricta) are small annual plants, with reddish and branched stems, toothed leaves and trilobed, pale violet flowersand a yellow spot in the center. It parasitizes other plants through its roots.
Found on heaths and rocky slopes from mountainous environments, and blooms from the beginning of summer, the time of harvesting its flowering tops.
Its name seems to come from Euphrosynia, one of the three Greek graces, which was distinguished by its ability to bring happiness to the souls of the suffering. However, the oldest references that have been found of the benefits of eyebright water for eye care They date back to the 14th century.
Eyebright is the plant for good eyesight, both in phytotherapy and homeopathy. He was credited with the power to restore sight to the blind. and to remove the devil from the eyes. The great European herbalists of the 16th century considered it one of the best remedies to treat eye ailments.
Medicinal properties of eyebright
- The eyebright contains flavonoids (quercetosides), glycosides such as euphroside, phenolic acids, an essential oil, lignans and tannins, active ingredients that make it a astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing plant.
- This therapeutic capacity makes it an excellent ally for treat heavy digestion, stimulate appetite, combat ear and mouth infections and relieve pharyngitis.
- Applied externally, stops skin bleeding.
- But above all, eyebright It is the eye repair plant par excellence, even his name in english eyebright means bright eyes. Reduces eye inflammation and attacks infectious sources caused by viruses or bacteria.
- Herbalists recommend it to treat blepharitisthe conjunctivitisthe eyelid inflammationthe sties and as a backup remedy in case of pollen allergies, mites, dust or smokewhich cause ocular inflammation.
- It is also ideal for the discomfort derived from the refusal to use the contact lenses.
How to use eyebright
Eyebright comes in bags of dried plant for infusionin tincture and in fluid extract.
Eyebright water for eye problems
The simplest remedy for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids, styes, watery eyes due to allergies, among other problems, is the decoction of dried eyebright plant, at a rate of one tablespoon per 200 ml of water.
How to prepare it: Boil the mixture for a couple of minutes and let it rest. It is then filtered and allowed to cool. Warm compresses are then soaked in the decoction and applied to the closed eyes until the compresses cool completely. This operation, which will be repeated three times a dayreduces inflammation and provides a feeling of relief.
Infusion with eyebright for spring allergies
The eyebright It is also useful in outbreaks of allergic attacks, with rhinitis and coughing spells. persistent.
For this you can prepare an infusion based on eyebright, plantain, goldenrod and euptoriumin equal parts.
How to prepare it: Take a tablespoon of the mixture for each cup of water and boil it for about 3 minutes. It is then filtered and three hot cups are drunk throughout the day, and the administration can be increased to four cups if the mucus is very thick.
Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”