Eyebright Herb - how to use it?

Thanks to its healing properties, Eyebright is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis, barley on the eyelid and allergies. It reduces eye fatigue and redness, and also protects them from UV rays. It is also a component of eye creams because it brightens shadows and reduces the visibility of capillaries.

The Eyebright (Euphrasia rostkoviana) is a semi-parasitic plant belonging to the leper family. It draws water from the soil, using the roots of other plants, mainly grasses, clover, and plantain plants. It occurs all over Europe, mainly in wetlands, meadows, swamps, forest edges. In Poland, it is also known as bird's eyes, candlestick or milk thief.

The Eyebright reaches a height of 50 cm and produces characteristic flowers. They are double-lipped, mostly white with purple veins. There is a yellow spot on the lower lip.

The pharmaceutical raw material is herb harvested at the beginning of flowering. The Eyebright is rich in chemicals such as:

• glycoside iridoids - aukubin, katalpol, catalposide,
• flavonoids,
• phenolic acids - coffee, ferulic, gallic, chlorogenic, gentinic,
• lignans,
• tannins,
• phytosterols,
• essential oil,
• amino acids.

Eyebright herb - properties and application

Research shows that the firefly exhibits the following properties:

• astringent,
• anti-inflammatory
• antiallergic,
• antibacterial,
• sealing blood vessels.

The healing properties of the Eyebright were already known in folk medicine. Internally, it was used as a specific treatment for headaches and insomnia. It has also been used to treat coughs, colds, problems with the upper respiratory tract and allergies.

Externally, the Eyebright is still used in conjunctivitis of various origins. It also helps in the treatment of barley on the eyelids. It is part of some eye drops because it reduces fatigue, redness, regenerates the eyeball, protects the eye against UV radiation and light from monitors. In the form of a washing liquid, it is recommended for lacrimation caused by allergic reactions.

Eyebright herb in cosmetics

The Eyebright is also used as an additive to cosmetics. It has vessel sealing and brightening properties, which is why it is added to eye creams. It helps soothe discoloration on the skin and reduce the visibility of blood vessels.
Eyebright - side effects and contraindications

Using a firefly in the form of eye drops or cleansing solution may cause:

• itch,
• sensitivity to light,
• worsen visual acuity.

When taking Eyebright preparations internally, be careful with diabetes as this herb lowers blood sugar levels.