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Where is eyebright native to?
Native Distribution: Ontario east to Newfoundland and south to Connecticut; also in Michigan and Minnesota. Native Habitat: Fields and roadsides.
Where does the herb eyebright grow?
Also called Euphrasia, eyebright is native to Europe, northern and western Asia and North America, growing in United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 1 through 9. The plant grows naturally in grasslands, fallow fields and roadsides, preferring poor soil to rich soil, and is found in many habitats.
Is eyebright endangered?
Not extinctEyebright / Extinction status
Which plant is commonly known as eyebright?
EuphrasiaEuphrasia, or eyebright, is a genus of about 450 species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Orobanchaceae (formerly included in the Scrophulariaceae), with a cosmopolitan distribution. They are semi-parasitic on grasses and other plants. The common name refers to the plant's use in treating eye infections. L.
What does eyebright do for eyes?
Traditionally, a compress made from a decoction of eyebright is used to give relief from redness, swelling, and visual disturbances due to eye infections . 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.
Does eyebright make eyes whiter?
After using Wisdom of the Ages Eyebright eye drops, within three days the dark brown stains on my eyes began to fade. I've been using Wisdom of the Ages Eye Bright drops for one week, and my blotchy brown stained eyes are 60 - 70 percent whiter. I expect all of the dark brown staining to be gone in seven more days.
Is eyebright parasitic?
Eyebright is generally semi-parasitic, feeding off the nutrients from the roots of nearby grasses. For this reason, it is a useful plant for keeping vigorous grasses at bay and allowing more delicate wildflowers to thrive. It flowers between May and September.
What is the Latin name for eyebright?
EuphrasiaEyebright / Scientific name
What is the common name for Euphrasia officinalis?
eyebrightEuphrasia rostkoviana (synonym Euphrasia officinalis), also known as eyebright or eyewort, is a plant from the genus Euphrasia, in the family Orobanchaceae.
Does eyebright grow in the UK?
There are 19 species of eyebright in the UK and they are really hard to tell apart. The type of hairs found on the stems and leaves are a useful identification character – the hairs can be short or long, with or without blobs of oil at their tips, or not present at all.
Is eyebright safe for dogs?
Eyebright should be used cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets, or in pets that have had eye surgery or have diabetes. Some formulations of eyebright can be toxic if applied directly in the eye, so always check with your veterinarian before using this supplement in the eye.
What is homeopathic euphrasia for?
Euphrasia officinalis is used to treat allergies with bland nasal discharge and profuse watery eye discharge that is irritating (the opposite of Allium cepa). The eyes feel quite irritated, and the patient experiences photophobia and blinking. Coughing is accompanied by watering of the eyes.
Is eyebright good for macular degeneration?
Total Eyebright-M is general eye support for macular degeneration. When is eye support helpful? Eye infections, any eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts) dry eyes and floaters.
What does eyebright plant look like?
Eyebright has small, white flowers with purple veins and yellow centres. It likes short grasslands, from clifftops to heaths, and is one of a number of species and hybrids that are hard to tell apart.
Is eyebright good for dry eyes?
Eyebright can help with eye complaints such as styes, redness, blepharitis, dry eyes, allergies and conjunctivitis. It can be helpful as a first aid treatment for minor eye injuries too.
What does eyebright taste like?
Eyebright has very little odor, but does have a very characteristic bitter and astringent taste.
When does Eyebright flower?
For this reason, it is a useful plant for keeping vigorous grasses at bay and allowing more delicate wildflowers to thrive. It flowers between May and September.
How many species of eyebright are there?
There are about 20 species of Eyebright and around 60 hybrids, which are all very similar and difficult to tell apart from each other. Some of these species, such as Chalk Eyebright and Glandular Eyebright, are rare and classified as Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Eyebright is generally semi-parasitic, feeding ...
What is an eyebright plant?
Eyebright is a native British and European plant that has naturalised in many other areas of the world including Canada and the U.S. Eyebright is a semiparasitic plant meaning that it is nourished by the roots of other plants. This annual plant has been used as a folk medicine to treat eye inflammations and infections, coughs, ...
How to identify eyebright?
Eyebright can be identified by its small, oval-shaped leaves, and small white or lilac flowers. The flowers have a black center, and purple streaks on the petals with a central yellow spot. It can be hard to spot as sometimes this plant does not grow very high and unless it is in bloom it blends in with other plants.
How long are eyebright leaves?
Eyebright leaves are usually between 1/2 to 1 cm (1/6” to ½”) long and roughly .6cm ( ¼”) wide. Some of the leaves are narrow and pointed at the end, while others are more rounded at the tip. The leaves grow along with the stem in opposite pairs.
What is the color of Eyebright flowers?
Eyebright flowers are primarily white, or lilac with purple-veins. The corolla is two-lipped, its lower, tube-like portion being enclosed in a green calyx, tipped with four teeth. The upper lip is two-lobed and arches over the stamens forming a shelter-like structure.
What is an eyebright plant?
By Leslie Darling. Eyebright is an annual semi-parasitic plant that draws nutrients from surrounding plants. This small, herbaceous plant grows to about 4 to 15 inches in height and sports tiny lavender or white flowers. Also called Euphrasia, eyebright is native to Europe, northern and western Asia and North America, ...
How to grow Eyebright grass seed?
Loosen the soil to a depth of approximately 1 inch using a rake or combining with your fingers. Broadcast the seeds over the prepared area. Eyebright seeds are fine, so heavy application is not necessary. Scatter around the host grasses, press seeds firmly into the soil and cover with loosened soil. Do not pack densely.
How long does it take for Eyebright to germinate?
Eyebright requires a period of chilling to break dormancy and trigger germination in spring. Alternatively, provide 90 days of artificial chilling by placing seeds in a moist growing medium in the refrigerator.
How to keep Eyebright grass healthy?
3. Thin the grass by raking or by grass-controlling chemicals if it is over-vigorous. Eyebright needs the grass for nutrients, but also needs enough space to grow. Leave about 40 to 50 percent of the grass in place.
Where is Eyebright native to?
Eyebright is native to the countries of Central Europe, Western Europe and some parts of southern Europe. The medicinal herb popular in folk medicine often prefers farmland in hilly and high mountain areas with dry and rather nutrient-poor soils between 2.000 and 2.400 meters (6.500 and 7.800 ft). The common eyebright is today cultivated in some ...
How tall does Eyebright grow?
The herbaceous plant reaches heights of growth between 10 and 30 cm (4 and 12 in) depending on the location and soil conditions. Eyebright is a classic semi-parasitic plant, supplying itself by nutrients and water from the neighboring plants, mostly grasses. For this purpose the herb has so-called absorbing root.
How to use Eyebright for conjunctivitis?
Eyebright compresses for conjunctivitis and eye irritation. Conjunctivitis and eye irritation can be treated with eyebright compresses several times a day. To do so, dip a cheesecloth or a washcloth into the freshly prepared infusion, wring it lightly and place it on the eye.
How to use Eyebright infusion?
As a basis for healing applications with eyebright is usually an infusion, which is prepared as medicinal herbal tea: put a tablespoon of fresh or a heaped teaspoon of dried eyebright in a tea strainer in a cup. dash with boiling water.
What is the name of the plant that makes the eye clear?
However, the plant was mentioned in a medicinal plant book of the late 15th century. In this work, eyebright was described as an eye remedy, which makes the clear and beautiful. However, the herb was used in subsequent mentions for a whole range of eye complaints.
What is the best eye care herb?
Eyebright is the classic eye-care herb used by our ancestors for this purpose. The herb is very helpful not only for the eyes, but also for colds, even with hay fever and diseases of the digestive system. There are many types of eyebright and all have a similar healing effect.
How to use eyebright?
As a basis for healing applications with eyebright is usually an infusion, which is prepared as medicinal herbal tea: 1 put a tablespoon of fresh or a heaped teaspoon of dried eyebright in a tea strainer in a cup 2 dash with boiling water 3 leave for about 10 minutes 4 drain through a fine paper filter or a tightly woven cloth to filter even the tiniest of plant particles that may irritate the eye. 5 cool slightly for one of the following applications on the eye or allow to cool completely.
Where does Eyebright grow?
Geographic Region: Eyebright grows in portions of nearly every region in the Northern Hemisphere, though it only grows in a few states in the U.S., namely Alaska, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
What is Eyebright tea?
Eyebright has been used as a tea in folk medicine, in an attempt to treat vision and eye issues (particularly ones that result in discharge from the eyes), coughs, and minor issues or pains in the ears, nose, and head.
Why does Euphrasia have difficulties in reproduction?
Euphrasia can have difficulties in reproduction due to a low rate of seed germination.
Where is E. oakesii found?
E. oakesii is “Endangered” in Maine and New Hampshire, the only U.S. states it can be found in. E. hudsonia is the only eyebright species native to North America that has been evaluated by the IUCN Red List; it is considered to be of “least concern”.
Where do Euphrasia live?
Euphrasia lives primarily in deciduous forest margins, or dry fields, though they are also found along roadsides and waste areas, and specific species have their own requirements for the land they can inhabit. Where eyebright plants live depends largely upon the plants around it, as Euphrasia is a hemiparasitic plant that thrives when using nutrients gained by connecting its root systems to nearby plants through their haustorium—specialized root-like filaments that latch onto the preexisting roots of other plants to leech water and nutrients from them.
Is E. disjuncta endangered?
Status of Endangered/Threatened (by state): E. disjuncta is listed as “Possibly Extirpated” in Maine, the only U.S. state it could previously be found in. E. hudsonia is listed as “Threatened” in Michigan. E. nemorosa is listed as “Threatened” in Michigan.
Is Euphrasia sensitive to abiotic stress?
In experiments on Euphrasia cultivation, Euphrasia was found to be very sensitive to proper soil composition and moisture levels, as well as temperature and light changes. Abiotic stress is a major concern regarding the wellbeing of this genus. Additionally, though the plant is capable of surviving without parasitizing off other species, eyebright plants are more likely to survive if they have access to a variety of hosts, and thus changes to the biodiversity of a region could impact the long term health of a Euphrasia population.
How to get eyebright?
Liquid supplements are another way to get a quick daily dose and can be taken with food. Add a few drops of eyebright to your meals and you’ll feel revitalized!
What is Eyebright herb?
Eyebright is an herb that has a long history of healing that continues to this day.
How to use eyebright for redness?
Once the water had cooled to a warm temperature, the patient would put the cup around their eye and let it bathe in the eyebright solution. That process doesn’t sound very comfortable, though…luckily, there are other ways to take advantage of eyebright’s comforting qualities these days.
Why is eyebright called eyebright?
It gets its name from the fact that herbalists most often use it to treat eye infections . Back before the development of modern medicine, all people had was what the Earth had given them. Our ancestors made good use of every plant and paved the way for ...
Why is eyebright used for sore throats?
Instead of being used to straighten up a person’s brain (often to no avail), it was used to more effectively treat ailments such as eye infections, coughs, sinus infections, hay fever (and other allergies), and sore throats 1. Drinking eyebright every morning was recommended.
When was eyebright first used?
Though eyebright has been used for centuries by herbalists, it was mentioned for the first time in 1305 by Nicholas Culpeper, who claimed the herb “straightened the brain.” In the 1300s, eyebright was commonly used to treat poor memory and vertigo.
Is eyebright safe for pregnant women?
You can talk to your doctor about the right dosage of eyebright for you. Though eyebright is safe, there is, unfortunately, a gap when it comes to the effects it has on pregnant women. Because of the lack of studies on pregnant women, it’s better to avoid this herb while pregnant.
How tall is Euphrasia officinalis?
Euphrasia officinalis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is hardy to zone (UK) 6. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Can Eyebright be used externally?
The plant can be used externally as a poultice to aid the healing of wounds [268]. Eyebright should be harvested when in flower and can be dried for later use [238]. The dried herb is a ingredient of herbal smoking mixtures, used in the treatment of chronic bronchial colds [4].
Is Eyebright a variable species?
Eyebright is a variable aggregate species, some botanists divide it into a number of different species [1, 50]. Only those forms of eyebright which have glandular hairs on the calyx possess medicinal qualities [268]. It hybridizes freely with other members of this genus [200]. References.
Is Eyebright a herbal medicine?
Eyebright has a long history of herbal use in the treatment of eye problems and is still in current herbal use [4]. It is important that only the correct forms of eyebright, with glandular hairs on the calyx, are used, since other forms do not possess medicinal virtues [268].
Is Eyebright a parasite?
Eyebright is a semi-parasitic plant, growing on the roots of various species of grass [4] and also on Trifolium pratense and Plantago species [238]. The grass does not seem to suffer unduly from this parasitism since eyebright is an annual and its cells do not penetrate very deeply into the grass [4].
Does Eyebright help with blepharitis?
Eyebright tightens the mucous membranes of the eye and appears to relieve the inflammation of conjunctivitis and blepharitis [254]. Its ability to counter catarrh means that it is often used for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses and nasal passages [254].
What herbs are good for eye infections?
Many other herbs can work for eye infections. Many from your backyard or nearby. For irritated or infected eyes, Narrow leaf Plantain, Heal all, Alder, Balsam Poplar and Witch hazel, all work equally as well as light decoctions for making an effective eye wash. Other more common and abundant herbs like Blueberry or Bilberry can be taken internally to strengthen your eyes. And let’s not forget our newly legalized but ancient friend Marijuana, who among many other healing gifts is a cure for glaucoma and other forms of eye inflammation.
Can you use eyebright tincture?
So, I would ask that you please use this precious bright one (Eyebright) only when you need to. And if it’s at all possible, work with a patch and help her grow. Harvest her yourself to make tincture. This is the most efficient use of the herb. A 25% alcohol based tincture can be diluted ten to one with warm water as an eye wash, used for drops or can be taken straight up internally.
Is Eyebright a good plant?
Eyebright is an interesting one and shares the same advantage or disadvantage (depending on your perspective) in regard to the industry as Golden thread, she’s very small. Golden thread, while loaded with berberine and other antiviral chemicals, is so small and light, nobody grows her, researches her or talks about her. Like eyebright she’s too light-weight, so there’s no money in it. And no one’s doing research on these most powerful of plants because they’re not abundant enough to make into a nutraceuticals or herbal products. It doesn’t matter that a cursory chemical study of Eyebright showed this plant is not just astringent and anti-inflammatory, as it has been historically categorized, but also has many iridoid glycosides such as Aucubin, which are said to be antiviral (hep B), anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Unless someone can make money from the results of the research, then no funding. The funniest part to me is if they put a fraction of the money into creating polyculture to grow these wild ones that they do to research and market, there wouldn’t be a problem. Instead we keep leaning on the wild until she’s gone, and then move on to our next victim in the pop-herb line up.
