Health Benefits Of "Eyebright" Herbal Nutrition Supplements
Health Benefits Of "Eyebright" Herbal Nutrition Supplements
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| Genus: Euphrasia Species: About 450 Also known as: Euphrasia, Augentrostkraut Parts used: Leaves, stem, and small pieces of the flowers |
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| Eyebright (Euphrasis) |
Eyebright is very much commended for the eyes. If your eyes are inflamed due to an allergic reaction; such as, hay fever or blood shot due to too little sleep or too much alcohol or infected with conjunctivitis, then this herb is for you.
A weak tea made from dried or fresh eyebright is the best thing to bathe the eyes with several times a day. Used as an eye wash it can prevent secretion of fluids and relieves discomfort from eyestrain or minor irritation, and allergy relief. Good for all eye problems. In reference to "natural remedies for pets", a strong tea can be used as a wash for pets irritated eyes.
However, capsules can be taken internally for the same conditions. Eyebright contains an iridoid glycoside called aucuboside which exerts a definite strengthening effect on the capillaries of the eye. In other words, if your eyeballs are not getting enough circulation, eyebright will correct that.
Eyebright has been known to relieve intra-ocular pressure and diminish shrinking of the optic nerve in the early stages of glaucoma.
English, herbalist, Nicholas Culpepper claimed that eyebright strengthened the brain. It was also known to be used to treat bad memory and vertigo.
As with any herbal supplement, eyebright herbal supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.
Many species of eyebright are found in Alpine meadows where snow is common. Flowers are usually borne terminally, and have a lower petal shaped like a lip. The most common flower colors are blue-white and violet. Some species have yellow markings on the lower petal to act as a guide to pollinating insects.
The chemical and nutrient content of eyebright include bitters, inositol, volatile oils, PABA, sulfer, tannins, and vitamins A, B3, B5, B12, C, D, and E.
SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs containing anti-inflammatory action include angelica, astragalus, black cohosh, blue cohosh, chamomile, chaparral, comfrey, dandelion, dong quai, fennel, ginseng, gotu kola, horsetail, licorice, meadowsweet, mullein, purslane, saw palmetto, shepherd's purse, stinging nettle and white willow.
