EYEBRIGHT
Eyebright is a small, annual plant with deeply cut leaves, native to the heaths and pastures of Britain, the European continent, and subarctic regions of North America. Similar to several genera of the Scrophulariaceae, Euphrasia is hemiparasitic; the roots have foodgathering nodules that attach to the roots of surrounding plants in order to obtain food. Therefore, eyebright is difficult to cultivate, and virtually the entire supply is harvested from the wild, with little attention to species differences. From July to September, eyebright displays many small, white or purplish flowers variegated with yellow. The various spots and stripes on the flowers cause them to resemble bloodshot, or similarly afflicted, eyes. This, in turn, has caused the plant to be used since the Middle Ages to treat such conditions. Most modem herbalists recommend a lotion or infusion prepared from the entire overground portion of the plant for conjunctivitis and other eye irritations. The ancient writers, such as Culpeper and Parkinson, also advised internal consumption of the herb for treatment of similar conditions. Use of the herb continues as a folk medicine, particularly in Eastern Europe, where eyebright is used both topically and internally to treat blepharitis and conjunctivitis, in addition to use as a poultice for styes and eye fatigue. Chemical studies of eyebright have identified a number of constituents, including aucubin, caffeic and ferulic acids, sterols, choline, various basic compounds, and a volatile oil. Eyebright tightens the mucous membranes of the eye and appears to relieve the inflammation of conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Its ability to counter mucus means that eyebright is often used for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and nasal passages. Although eyebright counters liquid mucus, it should be used guardedly for dry and stuffy congestion, which tends to be made worse by the plant's astringency. HOMEOPATHY In the 14th and 15th centuries, Scottish highlanders used an infusion of Euphrasia officinalis for affected eyes. In the 19th century it was also given for coughs, hoarseness, earache, and headaches. Today, it is used by herbalists as an antiseptic and to reduce inflammation. Euphrasia is mainly used for eye complaints such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), iritis (inflammation of the iris), dimmed vision, intolerance of bright light, sticky mucus, or small blisters on the cornea (surface of the eye), and dry eyes that accompany menopause. It is also effective for eye injuries or whenever the eyes are watery or stinging, with a copious, burning, sticky discharge.Colds and hay fever accompanied by hot, red cheeks and watery mucus benefit from this remedy. Hay fever sufferers, for whom the eyes are mainly affected, are helped by Euphrasia. The eyes become swollen and irritated, but there is a bland nasal discharge. It is also used to treat splitting headaches, constipation, and the early stages of measles. In women, it is given for short, painful menstruation in which the flow lasts only one hour a day, and in men for inflammation of the prostate gland.
|
