What is Eyebright used for?
Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses Eyebright was used as early as Theophrastus and Dioscorides, who prescribed infusions for topical application in the treatment of eye infections. This in large part was due to the similarity of the “bloodshot” petals to irritated eyes. The plant has been used in homeopathy to treat conjunctivitis and other ocular inflammations. The plant continues to find use in African-American herbal medicine. Further historic data on the use of euphrasia includes a 14th century cure for “all evils of the eye.” An eyebright ale was described in Queen Elizabeth’s era. It was a component of British Herbal Tobacco, which was smoked for chronic bronchial conditions and colds. Other early uses include treatments for allergies, cancers, coughs, conjunctivitis, earaches, epilepsy, headaches, hoarseness, inflammation, jaundice, ophthalmia, rhinitis, skin ailments, and sore throats. Eyebright commonly is used in European folk medicine for blepharitis and conjunctivitis, as well
