Eyebright's therapeutic uses
Eyebright, a herb historically used since the Middle Ages, is primarily known for its proposed therapeutic applications related to eye health, such as treating conjunctivitis and other ocular diseases. Its use is rooted in the medieval Doctrine of Signatures, where the herb's appearance was thought to indicate its medicinal properties. Traditionally, eyebright is prepared as a tea and used as an eyewash or taken internally. While it contains astringent substances and volatile oils that may have antibacterial effects, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for eye conditions is lacking, and regulatory bodies like Germany's Commission E recommend against its use for these purposes.
In addition to its eye-related applications, eyebright is sometimes ingested for a variety of other health concerns, including respiratory infections, colds, and even memory loss. However, there is no substantial evidence that it effectively treats these conditions either. Users should be aware of potential side effects, including eye irritation, tearing, and redness. Safety data for specific populations—such as children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with severe liver or kidney disease—remain limited. Overall, while eyebright has historical significance and diverse proposed uses, its therapeutic effectiveness is not well-supported by current scientific research.
Eyebright's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Conjunctivitis, other diseases of the eye and eye health, colds, sinus infections
Overview
The herb eyebright has been used since the Middle Ages as an eyewash for infection or inflammation of the eye. However, as much as one would like to believe that all traditions are wise, eyebright appears to have been selected for treating eye diseases not because it works particularly well but because its petals look bloodshot. This follows from the classic medieval philosophical view known as the Doctrine of Signatures, which stated that herbs showed their proper use by their appearance.
Therapeutic Dosages
Traditionally, eyebright tea is made by boiling 1 tablespoon of the herb in a cup of water. This is then used as an eyewash or taken internally up to three times daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Like many herbs, eyebright contains astringent substances and volatile oils that are probably at least slightly antibacterial. However, no evidence exists that eyebright is particularly effective for treating conjunctivitis (pink eye) or any other eye disease. The handful of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that have looked into the effectiveness of eyebright in treating eye conditions have not confirmed its benefits. Germany’s Commission E, which has evaluated the usefulness of three hundred herbs, recommends against its use. Warm compresses containing nothing but water (or ordinary black tea) are probably equally effective under the same conditions. In the early twenty-first century, however, researchers did determine a small but clear positive effect of some formulations of eyebright on corneal cells and urged further study.
Eyebright tea is sometimes taken internally to treat jaundice, respiratory infections, sinus infections, colds, and memory loss. Eyebright has also been indicated for use in skin health, lowering blood sugar, soothing coughs, protecting the liver, and providing antibacterial properties. It may help with headaches, earaches, and allergies. However, there is no evidence that it is effective for these conditions.
Safety Issues
Eyebright can cause tearing of the eyes, itching, redness, and many other symptoms, probably because of direct irritation. It appears to be safe when taken internally, but not many studies have been performed. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Duke, J A. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press, 1985.
"Eyebright – Health Information Library." PeaceHealth, 23 May 2015, www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2087000. Accessed 13 Sept. 2024.
"Eyebright Uses, Benefits & Dosage." Drugs.com, 22 Apr. 2024, www.drugs.com/npp/eyebright.html. Accessed 13 Sept. 2024.
McCulloch, Marsha. "Do Eyebright Drops and Supplements Benefit Health?" Healthline, 13 July 2023, www.healthline.com/nutrition/eyebright. Accessed 13 Sept. 2024.
Paduch, Roman, et al. "Assessment of Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis L.) Extract Activity in Relation to Human Corneal Cells Using In Vitro Tests." Balkan Medical Journal, vol. 31, no. 1, 2014, pp. 29-36, doi:10.5152/balkanmedj.2014.8377.