In the wild, European eyebright grows in meadows, pastures, and grassy places in Bulgaria,
Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia. Eyebright is also grown commercially in Europe. The plant
flowers in late summer and autumn. The whole herb is used in herbal medicine.
Eyebright has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Eyebright was and continues to be used by herbalists primarily as a poultice for the
topical treatment of eye inflammations, including
conjunctivitis/blepharitis and sties. Traditionally, a compress made from a decoction of
eyebright is used to give relief from redness, swelling, and visual disturbances due to eye infections.1 A tea is sometimes given
internally along with the topical treatment. It has also been used for the treatment of eye
fatigue and other disturbances of vision. In addition, herbalists have recommended eyebright
for problems of the respiratory tract, including
sinus infections, coughs, and sore throat.2 None of the traditional uses
of eyebright have been studied in clinical research.
Active constituents
While there are many chemicals that may be active in eyebright, none of them has been
proven to have any effect on eye inflammation or irritation. Some herbal texts suggest that
the astringent actions of eyebright may reduce eye irritation while others suggest that
eyebright may also have antibacterial actions topically. To date, there are no clinical
studies to support or refute these proposed actions.
How much is usually taken?
Traditional herbal texts recommend a compress made with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of the
dried herb combined with 2 cups (500 ml) of water and boiled for ten minutes.3 The
undiluted liquid is used as a compress after cooling. The German Commission E monograph does
not support this application, due to possible impurities in non-pharmaceutical
preparations.4 Consult with a physician knowledgeable in the use of herbs before
applying eyebright to the eyes.
Internally, two to three cups per day of eyebright tea is sometimes recommended. Dried
herb, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 grams) three times per day, may also be taken. The
tincture is typically taken in 1/2–1 1/4 teaspoons (2–6 ml) three times per
day.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Due to limited information on the active constituents in eyebright and the need for
sterility in substances used topically in the eyes, the traditional use of eyebright as a
topical compress currently cannot be recommended without professional support. Used internally
at the amounts listed above, eyebright is generally safe. However, its safety during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been proven.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with eyebright.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
4. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 329–30.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience,
or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur
in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over
the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist
for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in
prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
