This is Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis). It might be a bit late in the season to find this one, but it is definitely still around if you look carefully. It’s a diminutive herb that rarely grows above ankle height, so it’s easily missed. It’s semi-parasitic and grows among other grasses in small, upright spikes topped by a single, tiny, but very pretty, little flower or a cluster of flowers. Hildegard of Bingen, the legendary German Abbess and herbalist, who lived 1098 - 1179 AD, is thought to be the first person who documented its many medicinal properties. Although native to Europe it can be found in parts of USA and Asia. In Iceland the fresh juice of the plant is used to treat eye problems, whilst in the Highlands of Scotland, fresh Eyebright is soaked in milk and applied to the eyes with a feather. It is usually taken as an infusion in water or made into a tincture.

- Packed with essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals Eyebright contains many chemicals which have well-known anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial to the liver (hepaprotective) and can be used to treat hepatitis B and clear liver stagnation.

- As the name would suggest, it relieves all kinds of eye conditions. People who suffer from Conjunctivitis showed a complete recovery after using the herb in eye drops. When used as a cold compress it’s an effective treatment for blepharitis, Opthalmia and Styes.

- Purifys and cleans the blood, which is also beneficial for the liver.

- One of the best herbs you can use to treat Sinusitis or any inflammation of the sinuses in the head, or swelling of the nasal cavity.

- Also a very effective treatment for any upper respiratory tract issues or infections, such as coughs, dry, stuffy congestion and other bronchial and pulmonary irritations.

- You can crush and bruise Eyebright leaves and flower petals and apply them directly to the skin to treat acne. They can also be used as a wash to tighten the skin and close open pores.

- Effective wound healer.

- Can be used to treat hay-fever.

*Please Note:

Eyebright is generally a very safe herb for most people, with no glaring or serious contraindications, but due to its small size and where it grows, it is not always recommended to use it on your eyes. If you can find it where you are sure there are no dog-walkers, then it should be much safer to use for this purpose.

Eyebright will reduce blood sugar levels in some people so, if you are diabetic, please consult with your healthcare provider before adding Eyebright to your daily health regimen.

There are some purported side-effects if one takes too much Eyebright, none of which are much cause for concern in and of themselves, but they include things like, headache, itching, sweating, mild confusion, constipation and insomnia, which will subside if you stop using the plant.

Once again, we make no attempt to diagnose or treat anyone’s condition. We merely describe how native plants have been used traditionally for medicine, and still are successfully being used today. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you are thinking of adding any herbs to your healthcare routine.