Description. Eyebright is one of the primary herbs used to maintain eye and eyesight health. It has been depended upon for at least 2000 years in the treatment of various eye problems. The tannins act as astringents to help dry up secretion and relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes. The vitamins B, C, E, beta carotene, copper, and selenium found in eyebright have been shown to improve the clarity of eyesight. Vitamins B, E, and selenium were also shown to reduce cataracts over the period of 5 months. Zinc, copper, and selenium help protect against cataracts because they act as antioxidants. All of these minerals are found in eyebright. Eyebright is slightly tonic and its main effects are anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent. In traditional medicine, eyebright is mostly used in the form of infusions. Traditional medicine also uses eyebright in the cases of the catarrh of the stomach and large intestines. Eyebright is used either in the form of water vapor or in powder form.
Use. Infusion of eyebright is used to treat inflammation of the eyes, eyelids, clouding of the cornea, as well as for sore throat, and epilepsy. It is also used externally for washing in case of eye diseases and in the form lotions for tumors and jerks. Tibetan medicine uses effective remedies from eyebright against conjunctivitis. In Bulgarian traditional medicine, eyebright is also used to treat the inflammation of the bronchi, accompanied by coughing, hoarseness, indigestion, catarrh of the stomach, increased acidity of gastric juice and jaundice. Another amazing property of eyebright is its strengthening effect on debilitated children (as well as adults). Those who often experience a runny nose and cough, or the swelling of the cervical glands, as well as those who generally have low immune resistance with such symptoms as watery eyes and light sensitivity, will greatly benefit from the use of eyebright tea. Eyebright is a proven cough remedy, especially if the condition is accompanied by copious sputum, catarrhal phenomena and pain in the frontal sinuses.