Herb used to promote proper eye function and to ease oversensitivity to light. •
Eyebright is one of the primary herbal sources of eye care. Eyebright has been depended upon for at least 2000 years in the treatment of various eye problems. Since the Middle Ages, Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used as a tonic and an astringent. Eyebright is especially useful for eyestrain, eye inflammations, and other eye ailments. In addition, Eyebright can greatly relieve other symptoms that often accompany runny, sore, itchy eyes due to colds or allergies.
History: Eyebright is also known by the name Euphrasia was used by ancient Greeks to treat eye infections. The name Euphrasia is derived from the Greek "euphrosyne" which means gladness. But the name Eyebright indicates its use since the 14th century as an eye medicine.
Technicals: Eyebright contains approximately 12% tannins, both condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins; gallic acid is among the hydrolysis products; ca. 0.2% volatile oil with seven major and numerous minor constituents; iridoid glycosides such as 0.05% aucubin, catalpol, euphroside, ixoroside. Lignans such as dehydrodiconiferylalcohol 4-b-D-glucoside, other phenylpropane glycosides, e.g. eukovoside, flavonoids, including quercetin and apigenin glycosides, traces of tertiary alkaloids, steam-volatile substances, a range of free and combined phenol-carboxylic acids principally caffeic acid, p-hydroxy-phenylpyruvic, and vanillic acids. Other constituents include: Bitter principles; beta-carotene; phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol); resin; carbohydrates; and vitamin C. [Duke JA. 1985. Eyebright. In Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, Pp. 193].
Eyebright is used for respiratory conditions including allergies, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis. The tannins in it may shrink and tighten the top layers of mucous membranes, thereby reducing mucus secretion, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. As a result, eyebright is thought to help control symptoms such as watery eyes or runny nose associated with mild respiratory conditions. The caffeic acid may act as a weak anti-infective agent. testing
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