Eyebright Benefits

Eyebright is a herb that is so called because one of its major benefits for the eyes. Herbalists recommend this herb to anyone who is suffering from various eye problems. There are of course, several other benefits, which will be discussed later in the article. First, you ought to know where eyebright comes from. Belonging to the Figwort family (a type of flowering plant), eyebright is one of those herbs that is completely edible. From its flowers, to its stems, and its leaves, all the parts of this herb can be used in some manner or the other to treat several conditions. This plant is scientifically known as euphrasia officinalis and euphrasia, and may commonly be referred to as meadow eyebright, and red eyebright.

Eyebright can be identified by its small, oval shaped leaves, and small white or red flowers. The flowers have a black center, and purple streaks on the petals with a central yellow spot. It grows primarily in grassy areas such as meadows and pastures. This herb has been used for several years to treat a host of health problems, one of the major ones being those of the eye.

How Eyebright can Benefit You

One of the most common forms in which eyebright is consumed is eyebright tea. While eyebright tea bags are available in the market, you may also freshly prepare eyebright tea with its leaves. Take a cup of boiling hot water, and add to it 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped eyebright leaves. Allow the leaves to steep in the water for about 10 minutes, to create an infusion. This concoction may be consumed or used as a compress for various conditions after straining it thoroughly. Apart from this drink, one may also consume eyebright extract capsules or its liquid form. Enlisted below are the various benefits of eyebright.

Benefits for the Eyes
Conditions such as inflammation of the eye, cataract, conjunctivitis, and sties can be treated by using an eyebright tea compress. Prepare the tea as mentioned above, and strain it thoroughly so that no remnants of the leaves are left. Allow the tea to cool, and dip a cotton pad in the tea and place on the eye for several minutes. Doing this for about 3-4 times a day is suitable for curing inflammation of the eye caused by conditions such as ophthalmia and blepharitis. For conditions such as cataract, strained eyes, conjunctivitis, and sties, add a cup of rose water to eyebright tea, and use it as an eyewash for about three to four times a day. However, this process should not be continued for too long because it is likely that the concoction may be contaminated because it has been prepared at home. Also, herbalists recommend that in order to attain the complete eyebright tea benefits, it should be consumed along with being used as a compress. You may also consume eyebright supplements if you wish to.

Benefits for Memory Improvement
Eyebright is rich in beta-carotene and flavonoids, compounds that help improve cognitive function. This means if you suffer from any kind of memory problems, have general trouble remembering where you left your keys or forgot why you opened the refrigerator, you may consume eyebright tea every morning to help improve your memory over time.

Benefits for the Liver
A study conducted on mice has shown that regular consumption of the eyebright herb in any form helps eliminate harmful toxins from the liver, and thereby protect it from any sort of damage it may be prone to. This of course is possible only if you are consuming a healthy diet without alcohol. It is common knowledge that the liver can easily be damaged if you consume excess alcohol. In such a case this herb will not prove useful. You must consume a diet that is healthy in order for this herb to work its magic on you.

Benefits for Skin
Eyebright can be used topically as an anti-acne agent too. Simply apply eyebright tea with a cotton pad on the acne affected area and leave it overnight for maximum benefits. You may also make a face pack by crushing fresh eyebright leaves and adding a few drops of rose water to it. Apply it on your face for 20 minutes before bed time, and wash it off before sleeping. You will notice that the irritation caused by acne has largely reduced. Also, you may consume eyebright tea on a regular basis to keep your skin clear. Not only acne, eyebright is useful for irritation caused by other dry skin conditions.

Benefits for Colds and Allergies
Consuming eyebright tea or supplements regularly improves your immune system so that you are more resistant to conditions such as the common cold. Further, if you have developed the cold already, having fresh eyebright tea will help reduce discomfort caused due to mucus discharge or cough. Adding honey to the tea is a good idea as it not only enhances the flavor but joins eyebright in treating your cold effectively. Further, if you are prone to seasonal allergies, eyebright tea will help reduce the symptoms of these allergies too.

To avail of all the aforementioned benefits it is recommended that you speak to a qualified herbalist. The idea is to consume eyebright in moderation. Though it is a natural medicinal herb, it is important that you do not consume it in excess amounts. Too much of it may prove counteractive and affect you negatively. Be particularly careful when using eyebright tea as an eyewash because any impurities in the tea may worsen your eye conditions. Herbalists recommend using ready-made eyebright eye washes that are available in the market for such conditions for the purpose of safety. If you have had any kind of eye surgery do not use eyebright in any manner without consulting your doctor. Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctors before consuming eyebright. As such, consuming eyebright under the guidance of a qualified herbalist is the best way to attain all its benefits. As mentioned earlier, a lot of people assume that herbal remedies can be utilized in any amount. However, as the adage goes, too much of anything is not good. Keep this in mind, and you will be able to live a healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.