Eyebright Herb

Eyebright is a native European plant and is common throughout Britain. It is a semi-parasitic plant which feeds off grass and other plants by attaching suckers to the roots and drawing out the nutrients it requires. The herb’s French name loosely translates to ‘throw away your glasses’, giving testament to its reputation as a cure for eyes.

It is used in homeopathy for the treatment of Hay fever, watery irritated eyes and nasal discharge. Eyebright is an anti-inflammatory and astringent (causing contraction of the body tissues, reducing blood flow, or restricting secretions of fluids). It is soothing and antibacterial and has numerous other uses.

Tea can be made from the whole eyebright plant, fresh or dried, and taken as a tonic or remedy for hay-fever. An infusion of the leaves can be used to bathe tired, sore eyes as well as a number of different eye conditions. The chemical substance, tannins, that is produced by eyebright has been used to reduce eye inflammation as well as to create a protective covering over the surface of the eye.