Eyebright herb has been used since medieval times as an eye lotion, a specific remedy for tired, inflamed, watering eyes. The name Euphrasia is of Greek origin, derived from Euphrosyne, Gladness, one of the three graces who was distinguished for her joy and mirth and gaiety. The gladness evidently results from the relief from the sufferer who has his sight restored and his sore eyes healed.

Most herbalists today, while recognizing its use in eye pain and troubles, indicate that Eyebright is best used in cases of catarrh, especially if the discharges are acrid and irritating. It is most dramatically effective when the cold is acute, with abundant, watery secretion of mucus, attended with heat, pain, burning and sneezing (Fel E:369). It is often recommended for infant snuffles, where the baby seems to have a continual running nose, which often irritates the outer nose and runs down into the throat, causing soreness. If the cold goes into the ears, causing earaches, fullness of the ears, and temporary deafness, this remedy can relieve these distressing symptoms.

Eyebright is useful both to prevent and to relieve, in the early stages, frontal sinusitis (Fel E:369).

It controls the catarrh and eye pain during measles. The herb can be used in epidemic influenza, especially where there is a great deal of mucus discharge (Ell:252).

A writer reports a chronic case of catarrh, in which the patient for many months has seemed to be persistently renewing a cold in the head. There was persistent sneezing, a constant inclination to blow the nose, and a profuse, watery secretion which, when lying down, continually ran from the posterior nares. Five drops of the tincture every two hours cured this patient within a couple of weeks. In children the smaller dose is preferable, and a dose often drops will cure most acute cases. However, if the catarrh is accompanied by chronic catarrh of the intestinal tract, this must be otherwise treated, as the remedy may help with it, but is not specific (Ibid.).

Because of its ability to check such secretions and relieve inflammations, eyebright is used with some success in hay fever. It especially reduces the swelling and inflammation of the eyes sometimes severe in this aggravating condition.

This small, 2-8 inch annual, can vary in size. The purple or green stem is erect and wiry. Tiny leaves are oval with scalloped edges. The flowers are white or purplish with yellow spots and red veins. Found throughout Europe and North America. Will not grow readily in a garden if transplanted, unless it is protected by grass. Because it is semi-parasitic, it relies on part of its nourishment from the roots of certain grasses found in poor meadowland.

The bitter leaves are used in salads. It is an astringent. An infusion of the whole plant or strained juice from the fresh, crushed stems is a general eye tonic. Historically used as an eye wash for strain, infections and gives a sparkle" to the eye. Bath eyes in a warm infusion, 3-4 times a day (2 tablespoons of the fresh herb to 2 cups boiling water). Recommended in diseases of the sight, weakness of the eyes, eye irritation and runny nose due to hay fever and sinusitis.