What effect does Euphrasia have?
Euphrasia (eyebright) is said to have a pain-relieving, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, particularly on the eye.
Euphrasia preparations of the homeopathic or anthroposophic therapeutic direction are approved. They are used for eye problems such as
- non-purulent conjunctivitis
- irritation of the conjunctiva
- Catarrhal inflammation of the eye with increased lacrimation
- Swelling of the eyelid (eyelid edema)
The ingredients of eyebright include iridoid glycosides, lignans, flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides. However, it has not yet been clarified which specific ingredients are responsible for these effects.
In folk medicine, Euphrasia is also used for other health complaints, such as coughs, colds, dry nasal mucous membranes, skin and stomach disorders, gout and rheumatism. The effectiveness of the medicinal plant in these areas has not been scientifically proven.
How is eyebright used?
Euphrasia preparations are available as homeopathic/anthroposophic preparations (eye ointments, globules, drops). Please ask your naturopath, doctor or pharmacist about the exact application and dosage.
Eyebright tea is said to help internally with gastrointestinal problems. To prepare the tea, pour boiling water over one to two teaspoons of the flowering herb and leave to infuse for around ten minutes.
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limits. If your symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
What side effects can Euphrasia cause?
If used correctly, there are no known side effects.
In the case of a dry or blocked nose, eyebright can slow down the flow of mucus due to its astringent (constricting) effect, possibly making the symptoms worse.
What you should bear in mind when using Euphrasia
For reasons of hygiene, experts advise against collecting eyebright yourself and applying it to the eye. Instead, only sterile ready-to-use medicines from the pharmacy should be applied to the eye.
How to obtain Euphrasia products
Eyebright is available as a homeopathic or anthroposophic remedy, for example in the form of Euphrasia drops and globules for internal use and as eyebright eye drops and eye ointment.
You can buy Euphrasia in dried form in well-stocked tea and spice stores.
What is eyebright?
Euphrasia officinalis, or eyebright, is used medicinally and is a species with a wide variety of forms that is very common in Europe. The annual, herbaceous plant forms branched stems up to 30 centimetres high with differently shaped leaflets.
The inflorescence consists of white pharyngeal flowers with purple veins, which are composed of a three-lobed upper lip and a two-lobed lower lip with a yellow spot.
Eyebright grows on pastures, poorly fertilized meadows and rough grassland. As a semi-parasite, it taps into the roots of grasses and extracts nutrients from them. This has earned Euphrasia officinalis the popular names of pasture thief, milk thief, gibinix, milk shelduck or meadow wolf.
