|
EYEBRIGHT
|
(Euphrasia
officinalis)
|
|
|
Other
Names
|
Euphraasy, Euphrosyne., Red
Eyebright.
|
|
|
Description
|
Eyebright is a small hardy,
annual herb, that grows rampant in fields,
pastures, and other grassy
areas.
The square stem grows to 12 inches,
producing toothed leaves and red, purple, or
white two-lipped flowers that bloom from June
through September.
|
|
|
Classification
|
|
|
|
Taste
|
|
|
|
Balance
Yin/Yang
|
Cool
|
|
|
Humor
|
Fire
ê
Water
ê
Air
é
|
|
|
Uses/Applications
|
Eyebright is an excellent
remedy for problems of mucous
membrane.
It is a powerful anti-Catarrhal so it is
excellent in the treatment of sinusitis,
congestive states, and
hayfever.
Externally use to treat conditions of the
eye such as acute and chronic inflammation,
stinging or weepy eyes, and sensitive
eyes.
|
|
|
Combinations
|
Golden
Rod, Elder Flower, Golden
Seal.
|
|
|
Constituents
|
Glycosides, Resins, Volatile
Oil.
|
|
|
Action
|
Anti-Catarrhal, Astringent,
Anti-Inflammatory,
Tonic.
|
|
|
Food
Values
|
Amino
Acides, Choline.
|
|
|
Part
Used
|
Dried
Aerial Parts.
|
|
|
Collection
|
Gather
the whole plant when in it is in bloom, then
dry thoroughly.
|
|
|
Preparation
|
Compress
|
Place 1
Tsp. in 500 ml. of
water.
Boil 10 minutes.
Cool slightly, moisten compress with
mixture in lukewarm
water.
Place on the eye for 15
minutes.
|
|
|
|
Decoction
|
Boil 1
Tsp. dried herb in a cup of water for 5
minutes.
|
|
|
|
Infusion
|
Pour a
cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp. dried
herb.
Infuse 10
minutes.
Take three times per
day.
|
|
|
|
Tincture
|
Take 1
- 4 ml. three times per
day.
|
|
|
Growing
Directions
|
Eyebright is very difficult
to cultivate because it is semi-parasitic on
grasses.
|
|
|
History
|
In
Queen Elizabeth’s time it was drunk as a tea
and used as a memory
tonic.
The dried herb was once smoked to relieve
chronic bronchial
colds.
|
|
|
Additional
Information
|
1.
The dried herb is an ingredient in
British Herbal Tobacco, which is smoked for
chronic bronchitis.
|
|
|
Cautions
|
Unknown.
|
|
|
Magick
Information
|
|
|
|
Gender:
|
Masculine
|
|
|
Planet:
|
Sun
|
|
|
Element:
|
Air
|
|
|
Deity:
|
None
|
|
|
Powers:
|
Mental Powers, Psychic
Powers.
|
|
|
Magickal
Uses:
|
Drink Eyebright to
clear your mind and to increase your psychic
powers.
|
