Overview

Eyebright is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Eyebright is taken by mouth for swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis), allergies, hay fever, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Despite serious risk of infection, some people apply eyebright directly to the eye for conjunctivitis, eyelid swelling (blepharitis), and eye fatigue.

In foods, eyebright is used as a flavoring ingredient.

Classification

Is a Form Of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

Swelling of nasal cavity, sinuses, allergies

Also Known As:

Aufraise, Augentrostkraut, Casse-Lunettes, Eufrasia, Euphraise

How Does It Work?

The chemicals in eyebright might act as astringents and kill bacteria.

Uses

• Pink eye (conjunctivitis). Early research shows that about 82% of people with pink eye who use eyebright eye drops have symptoms resolve within 2 weeks. But pink eye usually resolves on its own within 2 weeks. So, it's unclear if eyebright has added benefit.
• Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis).

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of eyebright depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for eyebright. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Eyebright Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is the herb eyebright used for?

Eyebright is also known as Euphrasia officinalis and euphrasia. Eyebright has been used for congestion of the nose, sinuses, and eyes; inflammation of the eyelids; eye styes; eye fatigue symptoms; other eye disorders; and coughs and hoarseness.

What are the health benefits of eyebright?

Summary Preliminary test-tube and animal research suggests that eyebright may prevent skin damage, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, protect the liver, and reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes and inflammation from colds and coughs.

Is Eyebright good for dry eyes?

Used in eye drops, Euphrasia treats and calms stressed and tired eyes. Eyebright, or Euphrasia, has been used for centuries for treating eyes. The ingredients of this widespread plant help with reddened and inflamed eyes and are also recommended as a component of eye drops for dry eyes.

How long does eyebright take to work?

Early research shows that about 82% of people with pink eye who use eyebright eye drops have symptoms resolve within 2 weeks.

Does Eyebright improve vision?

Eyebright is an herb with a long history of medicinal use, particularly for eye ailments. It's available as a tea, dietary supplement, and eye drops. Though preliminary evidence suggests that eyebright may benefit inflamed, irritated eyes, more high-quality human studies are needed.

Can eyebright improve eyesight?

Long used in herbal medicine, it's typically touted as a natural remedy for eye problems. Eyebright contains compounds called tannins, which appear to possess anti-inflammatory properties. In folk medicine, eyebright is often used as an ingredient in eyewashes, eye drops, or compresses applied to the eyes.

Are eyebright drops safe?

Eyebright is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. However, when used directly on the eye, eyebright is POSSIBLY UNSAFE and is not recommended. It can be contaminated and cause eye infections.

How do you use eyebright as an eyewash?

1) Add 10-15 drops to one cup of water. (or 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon of the bulk powder, steep for 15 minutes and strain off the mixture by using a coffee filter or muslin cloth). 2) When water is at a comfortable temperature, pour some into an eye cup. 3) Tilt head back and rinse one eye.

Can you smoke Eyebright?

Historically, eyebright has been used in British Herbal Tobacco, which was smoked for on-going lung conditions and colds. In foods, eyebright is used as a flavoring ingredient. When used directly on the eye, eyebright can be contaminated and cause eye infections.

Can you use eyebright on dogs?

What species of animals are being treated regularly with eyebright? Euphrasia is a benign herb, and is probably safe for administration in most species. Dogs, cats, and horses are the animals most commonly treated.

Is Eyebright safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking eyebright if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Diabetes: Eyebright might lower blood sugar in some people.

Is Eyebright good for sinuses?

Eyebright has been used in alternative medicine as an aid in treating nasal congestion, sinus pain, cough, breathing problems and other symptoms of allergies or the common cold. However, eyebright use in these conditions has not been proven with research to be effective. Eyebright is often sold as an herbal supplement.

Does Eyebright help glaucoma?

Notably, no studies have tested eyebright for its effect on major eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Preliminary studies suggest that the herb may help relieve irritated, inflamed eyes, but more studies are needed to confirm this.

Clinical Studies