Herbs - Eyebright
Eyebright is a refined annual found in the meadows and dry pastures in England, and Western Asia. It has a long history as a treatment for eye ailments such as cataracts, night blindness, eye strain, and blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids and lashes causing flaking skin and redness, and has also been used as memory tonic, just to name a few. Eyebright contains vitamins A, C, D, and B complex.
Eyebright has flavonoids that act as anti-inflammatory agents that help relieve irritated or inflamed mucous membranes of the eyes and sinuses. Because of these flavonoids it is a popular treatment for colds and allergies.
Eyebright loves full sun and does very well in poor soil, but because it is a semiparasite (a plant that is capable of photosynthesis), taking its nourishment from the roots of other plants, it needs to be planted among grasses or other companion plants. It will grow to a height of two to eight inches and its bright green leaves are one-half inch long and one-fourth inch wide.
The flowers that bloom from July through September are white or purple and variegated with yellow spots. Some say the flowers resemble bloodshot eyes and this is where eyebright got its name and why it is long referred to as a treatment for the eyes.
Eyebright prefers its natural habitat of dry soil and it not an easy plant to grow or transplant. Eyebright is one of the few plants that can change with its environment. In soil that is high in alkaline and nitrogen, it may grow to be eight or nine inches tall, but if located in cool areas with less dry or less alkaline soil, it may only grow to be one or two inches high.
Harvest eyebright when its flowers are full, cutting the plant just above the root. The stems, leaves and flowers should all be collected and dried to be used in medicinal preparations. It is usually combined with goldenseal or elder flower in teas to drink or for compresses.
I use dry, ground eyebright in a cream to help reduce wrinkles around my eyes.
With any herb being used for medicinal purpose, check with a well-know herbalist first before using. Research the herb thoroughly and pay close attention to any side effects or contraindications.