Bulk Herbs: Eyebright Herb
Euphrasia Spp
Size: 1 oz package
Format: C/S
Plant Part: Aerial Parts
Also Known as: Aufraise, Augentrostkraut, Casse-Lunettes, Eufrasia, Euphraise, Euphrasia, Herbe d'Euphraise, Luminet
Origin: Bulgaria
Eyebright is an herb commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows 2–8 inches (5–20 cm) tall and blooms for a few months toward the end of its growing season. Eyebright grows well in poor soil, and being a semi-parasitic plant, it gets some of its water and nutrients from the roots of nearby plants. Its stems, leaves, and flowers are used in traditional herbal medicine, including as tea and dietary supplements.
Many species are found in alpine or sub-alpine meadows where snow is common. Flowers are usually borne terminally, are zygomorphic, and have a lower petal shaped like a lip. The most common flower colors are purple, blue-white, and violet. Some species have yellow markings on the lower petals to guide pollinating insects. Eyebright is an herb with small white flowers that feature purple streaks and a splash of yellow near the center.
Eyebright is an herb with a long history of medicinal use for eye ailments. It has been used in traditional European herbal medicine for centuries, particularly minor eye ailments like redness and irritation. Eyebright is also used in homeopathy, a form of natural medicine that uses highly diluted substances for treatments.
Active Compounds: Iridoid glycosides, including aucubin, Tannins, condensed and hydrolyzable gallic acid types, Phenolic acids, including caffeic and ferulic, and Volatile oils.
Actions: Anti-catarrhal, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial
Indications: Eyebright is an excellent remedy for the problems of mucous membranes. The combination of anti-inflammatory and astringent properties makes it relevant in many conditions. Used internally, it is a powerful anti-catarrhal and thus may be used in nasal catarrh, sinusitis, and other congestive states. It is best known for its use in conditions of the eye, where it is helpful in acute or chronic inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes, pink eye, and over-sensitivity to light. It is valuable in conjunctivitis and blepharitis as a compress externally in conjunction with internal use.
Precautions: Eyebright can be taken internally, but caution must be used when applying it directly to the eye. It might also cause tearing, itching, redness, vision problems, and other side effects. Eyebright may lower blood sugar, and those with diabetes may want to be cautious when using it. It can also interfere with blood sugar control before or after surgery.
Magick Uses: Eyebright is ruled by the Sun and elemental Air. It has been used extensively for improving intuition, dream work, divination, psychic abilities, and astral travel.