Description:
As the name suggests, Eyebright is great for the eyes. It's an antioxidant herb that fights free-radical damage, especially in the eyes. Since the Middle Ages, Eyebright has been a popular herbal eyewash. In Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost," the archangel Michael uses Eyebright to restore the health of Adam's eyes. Eyebright contains bitters, essential oils, several B vitamins, and Vitamins A, C, D, and E.
Official Latin Name: Euphrasia officinalis
The flower of Eyebright, also known as Euphrasia and Ocularia, somewhat resembles a bloodshot eye, which may have been part of what led ancient peoples to value this plant for eye problems. An old French term for Eyebright was casse-lunettes, which means "break your glasses". The genus name, Euphrasia, is derived from the Greek Euphrosyne, who was one of the goddesses of the Three Fates, and whose name means "gladness". This refers to the gladness one felt when his/her vision was improved from using this herb.
Eyebright was used primarily in the Middle Ages as a tonic because of its astringent properties. However, today Eyebright is used more frequently for relieving eye problems such as eye strain, pink eye and inflamed, irritated and sore eyes. Eyebright is high in iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins. The plant has astringent properties that probably account for its usefulness as a topical treatment for inflammatory states and its ability to reduce mucous drainage.
