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Eyebright
CautionAugentrost · (Euphrasia officinalis)
Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae)
Description
Eyebright is a delicate annual meadow plant with small white labiate flowers whose yellow and violet markings resemble a human eye — hence the name. It is a hemiparasite on grass roots. According to the medieval doctrine of signatures, it was used for eye complaints, a tradition that has persisted in folk medicine to this day.
- TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Infusion of the flowering herb (1–2 g per cup, steep 10 min) for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, hay fever, and sinusitis. Astringent tannins and iridoid glycosides support mucous membrane integrity and mild anti-inflammatory activity.
Preparation & dosage
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
[#src_wp_de_euphrasia] [#src_wp_en_euphrasia] [#src_pfaf_euphrasia]
- CompressAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Cooled, double-filtered infusion as a moist compress for mild, non-infectious eyelid irritation. Use only with freshly prepared sterile water – do not use as an eyebath (infection risk). Does not replace ophthalmological examination.
Preparation & dosage
- TinctureAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Anthroposophic and homeopathic preparations (mother tincture in eye ointments, D3 dilution in eye drops) are used for non-purulent conjunctivitis and increased lacrimation. Such finished medicinal products are subject to pharmaceutical quality control.
- GargleAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Diluted infusion as a gargle for mild inflammation of the oral mucosa and throat. Astringent phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid) and tannins exert a mild tightening effect.
Preparation & dosage
- InhalationAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Dried, ground herb was historically used in herbal smoking mixtures for chronic bronchial complaints (PFAF). This application is now obsolete and not recommended.
- TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Occasionally used in folk medicine as a mildly tonic tea for digestive complaints. Bitter compounds and iridoid glycosides (aucubin, catalpol) stimulate digestive glands.
Classical quotes
"Eyebright is the comfort-plant for weak and tired eyes."