Eyebright officinalis: description of the plant, medicinal properties and contraindications. Eyebright - medicinal properties and contraindications, composition, benefits and harms

The tradition of treating eye diseases with eyebright dates back to the Middle Ages. flowers and leaves medicinal plant, with unique properties, are collected for the manufacture medicines, decoctions and tinctures.

In addition to eye problems, eyebright helps with infectious and colds, inflammatory processes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and is used in dermatology and cosmetology.

Blooming eyebright can be seen in the meadow and near the road, in the deciduous forest, on the edge of the forest and on the sunny mountain slope. The plant is distributed throughout Europe, at an altitude of up to 2400 m above sea level. The Latin name of the eyebright - euphrasia officinalis comes from the ancient Greek ευφρασία - joy. Eyebright has a straight branched stem.

The small and dense toothed leaves are elliptical in shape. Petals are white and light purple. Closer to the core of the flower, near the pistil and stamens, in the lower part of the flower corolla, there is a bright yellow spot. Plant height can reach 30 cm. Eyebright blooms throughout the summer.

Chemical composition

Leaves, flowers and stems of eyebright contain tannins and bitter substances, organic acids, minerals, vitamins:

Beneficial features

Eyebright: medicinal properties plants and its effect on the human body:

• has antibacterial, antioxidant, astringent, analgesic and tonic effects, thanks to great content tannins, vitamins and microelements;
• It has anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antispasmodic and antioxidant properties due to glycosides and organic compounds.
• is able to prevent damage to the cell membrane, helps to reduce capillary fragility, start regeneration processes in damaged tissues, increase blood circulation, normalize metabolism, due to the presence of anthocyanins, micro- and macroelements.

Indications for use

Eyebright is effective for the prevention and treatment of:

The use of eyebright in ophthalmic diseases

Eyebright, whose medicinal properties are recognized by modern ophthalmologists, has been known as an effective drug for the eyes since the 13th century. This amazing plant is said to be able to heal the blind. The Russian name of the flower "Ochanka" speaks for itself. English Eyebright is translated as a bright eye. The Italians call this beautiful flower Luminella, which means enlightenment.

Eye drops and compresses, which have bactericidal and antitumor effects, help with inflammation of the eyelids, lacrimation, discomfort, irritation and inflammation of the eyes, conjunctivitis and barley. For a compress, a decoction of flowers, leaves and stems is used. A sterile swab is moistened in a warm solution and placed on the eyes.

Hold the compress for 20 minutes. The treatment procedure is repeated 3-5 times a day.

Due to the presence of anthocyanins, flavonoids and vitamin C, eyebright-based remedies help strengthen connective tissue fibers and blood vessels, reduce capillary fragility, and increase the elasticity of red blood cells. Normal outflow of intraocular fluid is restored, pressure is normalized.

Herbal eye drops with tincture of medicinal eyebright are used to treat amblyopia (a reversible decrease in vision due to a malfunction of the visual analyzer). Along with other medications and methods of eye therapy, they are prescribed for cataracts and glaucoma, help improve vision in diabetic retinopathy.

Eyebright compress is an excellent way to relieve stress from tired eyes after an intense day at the PC. To maintain healthy vision, prevent age-related changes, after injuries, conservative therapy or surgical treatment, it is recommended eye drops and herbal tea. You can make a popular red wine eye tincture that uses honey, agave, and cornflower along with dried eyebright.

For the stomach

Preparations containing eyebright are effective in hyperacidity and gastric catarrh. In medieval Europe, wine tincture was considered a popular stomach remedy to stimulate digestion.

Dried flowers and leaves of eyebright were poured with red grape wine and infused in a closed bottle for 14 days. An effective remedy for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases is herbal tea with eyebright. Brewing it is very simple: from 2 to 6 g of dry eyebright pour a glass of boiling water and let the drink brew well. Drink three times a day for half a glass.

For colds and coughs

Eyebright is used for flu and colds. Due to the high content of aucubin, eyebright medicines will help cure coughs, bronchitis and get rid of hoarseness. A medicinal decoction with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and sedative properties is used to gargle the throat and mouth.

For the treatment of dermatological diseases

Eyebright helps with neurodermatitis, eczema, pustular skin lesions, and children's diathesis. Tinctures and decoctions of eyebright help in healing wounds. For skin problems in traditional medicine eyebright oil is used.

Fresh grass is poured olive oil. The mixture is placed in a closed glass container and cleaned in a dark place for 5-7 days. Then the grass is pressed and the oil is filtered. Used externally, applied to the affected skin with sterile wipes.

With jaundice

Typical symptoms of jaundice are a yellowish tint to the skin and scleral tissue of the eye. This is a sign that bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is formed in the human body during the natural breakdown of red blood cells, accumulates in the blood.

The accumulation of bilirubin leads to impaired blood circulation and oxygen supply to tissues. In a healthy person, bilirubin is completely excreted from the body. With jaundice, this process is disrupted due to pathological changes in the liver or due to blockage of the bile ducts.

Treatment methods for jaundice are determined by a gastroenterologist, depending on the cause, form and stage of development of the pathology. Along with drug therapy, it is recommended to take herbal remedies that help reduce the concentration of harmful substances in the body.

Eyebright, whose healing properties help fight anemia by improving metabolism in damaged tissues and stimulating regeneration processes, has been used for jaundice since medieval times.

Herbal medicines based on eyebright help restore red blood cell metabolism, stimulate the regeneration of liver cells, have an antibacterial effect, have a beneficial effect on blood vessels and tone the body, which helps speed up recovery.

Healing tea, which is recommended to drink with jaundice, can be prepared as follows: art. pour a spoonful of eyebright herb with a glass of boiling water. After 15 minutes, when the herb is infused, the drink must be filtered. Drink half a glass three times a day. With jaundice, a mix of medicinal herbs also helps. Eyebright is mixed with blackthorn flowers in a ratio of 1:1.

For rheumatism

Rheumatism develops in a person with a weakened immune system as a result of an infection. An inflammatory process begins in the connective tissue of the body. The patient may experience general weakness and pain. First of all, the joints, heart and blood vessels suffer.

Complex therapy is used to treat the disease. Among the supportive means is herbal tea from eyebright. A medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, improves blood circulation and metabolism, promotes tissue regeneration and helps speed up the healing process.

With no appetite

The bitter and tannins that make up the medicinal eyebright stimulate digestion and help normalize the digestive tract. Herbal tea from eyebright is indicated to improve appetite and increase vitality.

To eliminate nicotine addiction

The use of herbal tea from eyebright helps to cope with tobacco addiction. Herbal tea helps to cleanse the body of harmful substances, saturate with vitamins and improve the physiological state. The special taste inherent in the eyebright drink makes a person who decides to quit smoking feel more comfortable.

To eliminate dandruff, seborrhea and baldness

Eyebright, whose medicinal properties are highly valued by cosmetologists, is used in the beauty industry. Active substances and trace elements that are part of the medicinal herb stimulate the nutrition of the follicle and activate hair growth.

Manufacturers of cosmetic products include eyebright in the composition of nourishing masks. It is recommended to rinse the hair with a decoction of eyebright to get rid of dandruff and seborrhea, to improve growth and strengthen the structure.

Decoction

To prepare a decoction of eyebright, you need to take dried grass, pour boiled cool water and put on a small fire for 20-30 minutes to boil. After 15 minutes, the broth must be filtered. Decoctions are prepared for compresses and lotions.

Alcohol tincture

You can prepare an alcohol tincture from eyebright as follows: dry medicinal herb pour good vodka, medical alcohol or dry red wine in a ratio of 20 to 100. Place the medicinal mixture in a bottle with a screw cap.

Insist from 5 to 14 days. Then the tincture is filtered and poured into dark glassware. The tincture can be stored up to 5 years. Designed for external use.

Infusion

To prepare an eyebright infusion, put the dried herb in a thermos, pour boiling water over it, close it, leave it to infuse for 10-15 minutes, filter it. For a glass of boiling water - 1-2 teaspoons of eyebright. Infusion is used only freshly brewed. It can be used as herbal tea, as eye drops, in the form of anti-inflammatory lotions.

Pharmaceutical preparations based on eyebright

Contraindications

Preparations containing eyebright are contraindicated:

• during pregnancy and lactation;
• children under three years of age;
• people suffering from hypotension;
• with low acidity of gastric juice;
• people with individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Possible harm and side effects

In the absence of individual intolerance to the ingredients that are included in eyebright remedies, and provided that the drug is correctly applied and dosed, side effects are rarely observed. If redness, burning, itching, discomfort appear, treatment should be stopped immediately.

If within 2 days the unpleasant symptoms have not disappeared, you should consult a dermatologist.

Since there are no recognized scientific studies on the safety of eyebright for expectant mothers and babies, children under 3 years of age, as well as women during pregnancy and lactation, should not take drugs based on it.

Medicinal preparations containing eyebright can lower the acidity of gastric juice, the plant has a hypotensive effect. In the presence of chronic diseases, before using eyebright, you should consult your doctor.

Collection and storage

Harvesting of medicinal raw materials begins at the height of eyebright bloom, from the end of July, and lasts until August. The grass is dried in the air, in ventilated rooms, in dryers. Dried eyebright is crushed and packed in paper containers. So that the herb does not lose its healing power, it is necessary to store the finished product in a dry place, up to 2 years.

The universal therapeutic effect of eyebright is due to the richness of the nutrients that make up its composition. The unique properties are actively used by the pharmaceutical industry to create eye drops and various pharmaceutical dietary supplements containing eyebright extract. Infusions, decoctions and tinctures are actively used in folk medicine.

Video about eyebright, its beneficial properties and methods of application

The benefits of eyebright for vision:

More about eyebright officinalis:

Vigilantly noticing the features of the herbs growing nearby, the people gave this plant the name eyebright. It is also called the eye socket, eye or eye grass, and even zezyulka. This is because it used to effectively treat eye ailments.

Today, when the load on the human visual system has increased several times, information on how eyebright officinalis(lat. Euphrasia officinalis), has again become relevant.

Eyebright can be found almost everywhere: in Russia, in Belarus, in Ukraine, in Moldova - in meadows, wastelands, along roadsides. But especially she prefers pastures and fields with cereal crops.

Being an annual, it is forced to actively multiply by sowing a large number of seeds from the fruit-box, and the fight against it sometimes remains unsuccessful. At the same time eyebright looks very attractive on individual plantations.

Eyebright itself grows small - up to 15 cm in height. The leaves of the grass are also small, ovate, without edging, with clearly defined teeth. The stem is erect, slightly branched and bare at the lower nodes.

Small flowers, collected in dense inflorescences, have a beautiful color - a yellow spot stands out brightly on a white background, and purple stripes are scattered around it. The shape of the flowers is also remarkable - it is zygomorphic, that is, symmetrical with respect to only one axis. The upper "lip" of the flower is curved upwards, and the lower one is divided into 3 lobes and lowered to the ground.

The healing properties of eyebright

For medicinal needs, the upper part of the herb is used - flowers and leaves. The phytochemistry of their official science is poorly understood, but some studies have shown that they contain:

1. tannins (compounds with astringent and bactericidal properties);
2. iridoids - aukubin, catalpol (metabolite compounds with a wide range of biological activity);
3. flavonoids - quercetin, apigenin (have a variety of pharmacological effects on the human body);
4. organic acids - caffeic, ferulic (show carcinogenic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity);
5. macro- and microelements - silicon, magnesium, zinc, chromium and others (they are a participant, and often a catalyst for reduction and synthesizing processes).

Thus, the value of eyebright, depending on the nature of the substances contained in it, is determined quite highly. To preserve it, the plant is harvested in June-September, when it blooms. It is worth tearing it out entirely, since all parts of the eyebright are suitable for medicinal purposes.

Like any other plant material, immediately after collection, it must be sorted and spread out in a thin layer somewhere in the open air, but always in the shade. The finished raw material is afraid of excessive air humidity, so it must be packed in thick paper and stored in a dry, ventilated place.

The use of eyebright in therapy

Based on the information accumulated by the people, eyebright has several types of actions:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antispasmodic;
• enveloping;
• hypotensive;
• sedative.

It has also been observed that eyebright products optimize blood circulation, reduce eye pressure, remove puffiness and stimulate the immune system.

Oral (internal) use of various decoctions and infusions of eyebright helps to reduce symptoms in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, memory disorders, and allergic reactions.

It makes sense to use it for rheumatism, gout, hypertension. Eye grass is also used as part of heart preparations, since it contains glycosides of the corresponding group.

There are also results in the treatment of eczema, diathesis, seborrhea. Hair, regularly washed with eyebright infusion, grows faster and acquires a beautiful appearance.

And of course, eyebright for the eyes shows its abilities best of all - it removes both banal fatigue and relieves various diseases.

The use of eyebright in ophthalmology

Man has not yet invented perfect artificial lighting, and therefore, despite the technological breakthrough, he still spends most of his life in conditions that are far from ideal for the organs of vision. Constant eye strain, exacerbated by the wrong lifestyle, leads to the fact that more and more people put on glasses and no longer part with them.

In order not to aggravate the situation, you should worry about vision in advance:

1. timely adjust the intensity of lighting;
2. control the time spent behind the screens of various devices;
3. give the eyes to relax due to rest and applying healing lotions to them.

So, if redness of the eyes is noticed, dryness is felt or, conversely, tearfulness appears, it is recommended to use the so-called steam or eyebright infusion: steam 50 g of dry grass in a liter of boiling water until it cools to an acceptable temperature, when you can apply lotions with it on eyes.

In addition to preventive measures, eyebright exhibits healing properties in the case of such serious ailments as glaucoma and cataracts. Treatment in this case should be complex.

Often, specialists prescribe several eye herb preparations at the same time for oral administration in the form of powder, tea, infusion and external use - compresses. The effect of eyebright is enhanced by calendula, chamomile, fennel, and they are often present on the list of medical prescriptions for farsightedness, myopia, barley.

Preparation of tincture from the herb eyebright

One of the most popular eyebright remedies is tincture - this is a good prevention to maintain normal vision. It is taken for eye fatigue, a feeling of sand in the eyes, redness of the eyelids, etc. In addition, the drug also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is prepared like this:

1. Measure out 50 g of dry herb.
2. Pour them into 220 ml of strong alcohol (70%).
3. Shake well and seal container.
4. Put it in a room where a stable temperature is maintained (up to 20C) and the sun's rays do not penetrate (ideally - in the cellar).
5. Shake the liquid every two days.
6. After 10 days, you can start a course of treatment, depending on the type of pathology, lasting 2-6 months.

1. inside - 1 tsp. three times a day 40-50 minutes before meals;
2. outside - dilute the filtered liquid boiled water in a ratio of 1:5 and use for lotions.

The diluted preparation is also suitable for the treatment of rhinitis, skin wounds, eczema, diathesis.

What is eyebright extract

Water and alcohol extraction of grass under special conditions allows you to extract the maximum of bioactive nutrients from raw materials, therefore, the value of the extract increases several times. As a result of processing, a complete vitamin and mineral complex is obtained, the action of which is aimed at improving the state of the visual system.

A positive result is obtained due to the activation of blood supply and metabolism in the retina and optic nerve.

Cells and the lens are protected from the action of free radicals and, thus, the risk of age-related tissue degeneration, the development of myopia, cataracts, glaucoma and other dysfunctions caused by natural aging is reduced.

You need to purchase such a drug in pharmacies, first making sure that it is produced by a reliable company and has the necessary certificates.

Infusions and teas from eyebright

With ARVI, as well as to restore the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, increase appetite and general tone, it is easiest to use an infusion:

1. add 10 g of dry crushed eyebright to 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 3 hours, then drain and drink 0.5 cup 3 times a day;
2. in the cold drinking water pour chopped grass (200 ml - 2 tsp) and bring to a white key and leave for 3 minutes; drink 0.5 cup four times a day.

Therapy with the drug should be long-term, in the process it is necessary to monitor the results and monitor the patient's well-being.

How other types of eyebright are used

Not only medicinal eyebright is known among the people - its other varieties have also been used: upright eyebright and common eyebright. In appearance, they are similar and differ from the medicinal one only in height (grow up to 50 cm) and the presence of prickly leaves. Often, eyebright relatives settle in the same clearing, and only an experienced botanist will sort out where which grass is.

However, these herbs are also used to treat the eyes by:

1. ingestion (half a cup 4 times a day) and washing the eyelids with infusion of eyebright eyebright (200 ml - 1 tablespoon of raw materials);
2. instillation into the corners of the eyes and applying lotions (for 2 tsp. common eyebright - a quarter cup of water, after boiling, leave for 2 minutes);
3. taking warm baths (for 250 g of water - 3 tsp. common eyebright, boil for 10 minutes).

eyebright contraindications

It must be remembered that eyebright has contraindications: it is not recommended to use it for hypertensive patients, pregnant and lactating women, allergy sufferers and people with hypoacid gastritis.

Botanical characteristics of eyebright

Eyebright is a small annual plant from the norichnikov family with a straight, branched from the middle, soft-pubescent, reddish-brown stem 5 to 50 cm high. The leaves of the plant are small, opposite, ovoid in shape, with spinous teeth along the edge. In the lower part of the stem, the leaves fall off early. In the axils of the leaves, flower-bearing shoots develop with pale purple or white bilabiate flowers. Flowers in length do not exceed 6-10 mm, their hallmark- a yellow rounded spot on the lower three-lobed lip.

For medicinal purposes, the aerial part of the plant is collected - flowers and leaves. They contain essential and fatty oils, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, glycosides, anthocyanins, as well. Eyebright medicinal is a real storehouse of such trace elements as silicon and magnesium, zinc and boron, iron, chromium, manganese, magnesium and others.

To preserve the healing properties of the plant, it is collected during flowering, dried under sheds in the open air or in rooms with good ventilation. For drying grass, special dryers can be used at an operating temperature of 40 ° C. After drying, the grass is crushed and stored in crates wrapped in thick paper. Ready raw materials are afraid of moisture, so they should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place.

The use of eyebright

Eyebright has found wide application in folk medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, enveloping, antispasmodic, hypotensive and sedative effects. In addition, eyebright preparations improve the blood supply to the brain, reduce eye pressure, increase immunity and relieve swelling.

The use of infusions and decoctions of herbs is justified for acute respiratory infections, sore throats. They help with memory disorders, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, with catarrh of the stomach, gastritis with high acidity,. Eyebright is also used for hypertension, rheumatism, and gout. The plant is included in most cardiac herbal preparations due to the presence in its composition of glycosides of the cardiac group.

The healing properties of eyebright have been proven in the treatment of diathesis. It has a positive effect on the scalp, promoting hair growth and improving their structure.

Eyebright

Eyebright preparations are used to treat various eye diseases, ranging from simple eye fatigue during prolonged work at a computer or while reading in dim light, and ending with such serious illnesses like cataracts and glaucoma.

For internal use, decoctions, infusions, tea or juice are used, for external use - various compresses, baths and lotions. With farsightedness or myopia, calendula flowers can be added to eyebright, which will enhance the effect of drugs. When treating barley, it is recommended to add chamomile. Increase the antiseptic properties of eyebright fruits.

eyebright tincture

Eyebright tincture is a good prophylactic for maintaining vision, it can also be taken by children. The tincture relieves fatigue and the feeling of "sand in the eyes", it is effective for cataracts. Treatment with the drug takes place at the tissue level, this is the advantage of eyebright tincture. It is a good antiseptic and pain reliever.

Recipe 1. For 50 g of dry eyebright herb, it is necessary to use 220 ml of 70% alcohol, infuse for ten days in a glass dish in a dark room at a temperature of 20–25 ° C, shake once every two days. The maximum shelf life of the tincture is five years.

eyebright extract

Eyebright extract has medicinal properties many times greater than those of the herb itself. In laboratory studies, it became known that the plant extract has a positive effect on visual acuity, reduces inflammation, even has a therapeutic and prophylactic effect on degenerative-dystrophic processes in the shell of the eye, and also reduces swelling of the eyes and slows down age-related metabolic disorders.

Eyebright extract treats respiratory diseases such as tonsillitis, asthma, bronchitis. It is used for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the genitourinary system, and cardiovascular diseases. The drug can be used in the form of baths, poultices and lotions, dry extract - in the form of powder. Similarly, skin diseases are treated -, eczema,. In the treatment of these diseases, the drug is used both inside and in the form of lotions, instillations, washings.

An extract is an extract from a plant that is prepared with alcohol or water; it can be purchased at homeopathic pharmacies.

Eyebright infusion

Infusion of eyebright folk medicine uses for eye diseases, indigestion or lack of appetite.

Recipe 1: 200 ml of boiling water will need 10 g of dry chopped grass. It is poured with boiling water and allowed to brew for three hours, then filtered. The infusion is taken three times a day for half a cup.

Recipe 2: in 200 ml cold water you need to pour 2 teaspoons of chopped eyebright, bring to a boil and leave for 2-3 minutes. It is recommended to drink the remedy half a cup four times a day.

Eyebright erect

At the top, the flowers are collected in a bunch. The fruits are oblong oval capsules. This species blooms from June to October. It grows in Ukraine, Belarus, the Caucasus, in the European part of Russia. Eyebright can be found almost everywhere: in a meadow, in a forest and between stones, it also grows on sandy slopes.

This species is widely used in folk medicine. The whole plant is used. Infusion is recommended for gastritis, hemorrhoids. The decoction is used as an anti-inflammatory and expectorant. Warm decoction is used for influenza, asthma. The decoction can be used in the form of lotions for ulcers, wounds and burns. The powder is prescribed for and suffocation. It is also used in alcoholism. But mostly eyebright is used for eye diseases.

Recipe 1: In 200 ml of boiling water, you need to pour 1 tablespoon of chopped herbs, leave for 2 hours and then strain. Take half a glass of medicine four times a day, wash their eyelids.

Eyebright

This is a small annual plant with a straight stem, often branched. This species has many small green leaves, sharp in the middle of the stem. The flowers are white, slightly yellow inside, collected in a bunch at the top of the plant. It blooms from June to October, grows throughout the European part of Russia.

Recipe 1. Pour 1-2 teaspoons of herbs into a quarter cup of cold water, bring to a boil and let it brew for 2 minutes. When the product has cooled, it is instilled into the corners of the eyes or used as lotions for an hour and a half a day.

Recipe 2. Pour 3 teaspoons of eyebright herb into 250 g of cold water, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. The composition is used for warm baths.

Contraindications to the use of eyebright

When using eyebright for medicinal purposes, you need to know that the aqueous extract of the herb constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. And alcohol tincture, on the contrary, lowers the pressure.

Eyebright should not be used by pregnant women and people suffering from anacid gastritis.

Expert editor: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna| Phytotherapeutist

Education: A diploma in the specialty "Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the University named after N. I. Pirogov (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Moscow University of Peoples' Friendship (2008).

Today, it is not a problem to purchase any ophthalmic preparations in a pharmacy that will help you quickly and effectively deal with almost all eye diseases. But sometimes a pharmacy is not available, or a person does not have sufficient funds to purchase medicines. Many do not use synthetic drugs on principle. Phytotherapy comes to the rescue. The benefits of eyebright herb for the eyes have been known to folk healers since ancient times.

Interestingly, researchers have found that healing properties eyebright grass was already known in the 9th century. In ancient herbalists, one could find many recipes with this plant in the composition. Ancient healers, of course, did not know exactly what substances and components are contained in eyebright, but they knew how to use it to treat a variety of eye ailments.

The composition and properties of the plant

Eyebright is harvested in late summer - early autumn during the flowering period, dried and harvested for future use for further preparation of medicinal tinctures and decoctions

Leaves, stems and flowers of eyebright are used for the preparation of medicines. The plant is harvested away from highways, railways, chemical plants in the flowering season, it lasts from mid-August to the end of October. First, the stems are washed and dried, then crushed and finally dried naturally in a dry place with good ventilation. It is better to store the prepared medicinal herb in linen bags with strings or a ceramic jar with a tight lid.

Thanks to these components, the eyebright has an anti-inflammatory, sedative, astringent effect. It has been proven that a medicinal infusion from this plant is able to lower pressure, including intraocular pressure. There is also evidence, but so far not fully confirmed, that eyebright helps fight viral infections. But still, its main property is a positive effect on blood vessels, which is important for proper nutrition and functioning of eye structures.

Attention! Eyebright affects not only the eyes, but also other internal organs too. In general, its properties are beneficial for the body, but in some cases, the use of this plant should be abandoned. Eyebright and medicines from it are contraindicated in case of low gastric acidity, a tendency to low blood pressure during childbearing and breastfeeding. And also this plant is not used to treat children under the age of three.

In pharmacies, it is easy to find packaged eyebright grass, completely ready for home preparation of infusions and decoctions.

What is useful eyebright for vision

Official medicine does not recognize eyebright as a full-fledged drug for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases, although the extract of this plant is part of many dietary supplements and vitamin complexes to improve vision. But traditional medicine claims that lotions, compresses, ointments, infusions and decoctions of eyebright can solve a number of problems with the organs of vision. Eyebright will be useful in such cases:

• darkening and spots of the cornea;
• inflammation of the eyelids, including blepharitis, barley;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye - conjunctivitis of a different nature of origin;
• inflammation of the lacrimal gland or lacrimal ducts;
• mechanical damage to the eyeball;
• increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma, cataract);
• decreased visual acuity for various reasons.

Recipes in each case will be different. Therefore, even if it is decided to treat eye pathologies with the help of alternative medicine, it is still recommended to first visit an ophthalmologist and undergo an examination. This is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Do not forget that eyebright can cause allergic reactions and worsen the patient's condition with individual intolerance. In this case, too, it will not be superfluous to consult with a qualified specialist.

What pharmaceutical preparations contain eyebright

If it is not possible to independently collect and dry eyebright, in phytopharmacies you can purchase ready-made raw materials for preparing decoctions and infusions at home. Dry and crushed eyebright is packaged in plastic bags or in cardboard boxes.

For ease of use, herbal teas are produced in bags with eyebright and other organic components in the composition.

Phytopharmacies offer various packaged teas containing, in addition to the main component, dried blueberries, blackcurrant extract, cedar oil, resin and other organic supplements that are beneficial for the eyes. It is worth paying attention to the products of pharmaceutical companies Horst, Evalar, Altai-Pharm.

And also, without a doctor's prescription, you can buy inexpensive eye drops, which contain eyebright. For example, Nature's Answer's highly concentrated eyebright tincture. The multicomponent preparation "Flavigran eyebright" has proven itself well. It includes, in addition to eyebright grass:

• extract of buckwheat;
• blueberry extract;
• sea ​​buckthorn oils.

According to the instructions for use from the manufacturer, this drug is effective as a means of enhancing the effect of other medications for cataracts and glaucoma, it is also recommended to include it in complex treatment for corneal ulcers, retinal detachment, and complex keratoconjunctivitis.

For children, a special alcohol-free tincture Herbs for Kids is produced, containing extracts of eyebright and echinacea

In online stores you can find biologically active additive eye brand Now Foods. This preparation contains pure eyebright extract in capsules.

How to use grass at home

So, in folk medicine, eyebright is used both internally and externally, in its pure form, in combination with an alcohol component or as part of multicomponent herbal preparations. Below are some of the most popular recipes that are suitable for home cooking and use.

Alcohol tincture

For preparation, you will need 100 g of dried and crushed leaves, stems and flowers of eyebright and 500 ml of purified medical alcohol (70%). The cooking method is as follows:

• put the chopped herb into a bottle with a sealed cork;
• pour alcohol, close the bottle and shake well;
• put the container in a dark, warm place for two weeks;
• shake the tincture every day;
• after 14 days, strain the medicine, pour into a clean bottle with a cork and start using.

Traditional medicine claims that such a remedy can reduce intraocular pressure, stop the development of glaucoma, and also eliminate chronic dry eyes. To get the result, you need to take an alcohol tincture two teaspoons in the morning on an empty stomach. The duration of treatment lasts at least three weeks.

For obvious reasons, this remedy is not suitable for young children, pregnant and lactating women. It can be given to adolescents over 12 years old, but must first be diluted in clean water. Dosage - 20 drops at a time.

For compresses, lotions and washing inflamed eyes, a decoction of eyebright, often supplemented with other medicinal plants, is useful.

Prefabricated infusion with eyebright for lotions and compresses

With irritation in the eyes, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, the mucous membrane and eyelids turn red, swell, and itch a lot. You can relieve discomfort and inflammation with the help of warm compresses and lotions. First you need to prepare the infusion. For this you will need:

• dried eyebright - a tablespoon;
• dry medicinal chamomile - a tablespoon;
• purified water - 300 ml.

The cooking method is as follows:

1. Mix the herbs and place in a fireproof container.
2. To boil water.
3. Pour over the herbs, cover and insist for two hours.
4. Strain the resulting infusion.
5. Transfer the remaining mass to pre-prepared gauze cuts and place on the eyes for a quarter of an hour.

The remaining infusion can be taken orally throughout the day as a tea or used for compresses. Use the medicine should be within a day after preparation, otherwise it loses its effectiveness.

To enhance the effect of local procedures, alternative medicine recommends drinking eyebright decoction inside in the form of tea.

A decoction of eyebright

Folk healers claim that this remedy will be useful for any ophthalmic diseases, and it can also be used with a tendency to eye pathologies or severe eye fatigue for preventive purposes.

Brew grass to get the most effective and useful decoction, follows like this:

1. Put two tablespoons of dry, crushed eyebright into a dry refractory container.
2. Boil 500 ml of purified water separately.
3. Pour boiling water over the grass and put on a slow fire.
4. Cook for ten minutes.
5. Remove from heat, cover and let cool to room temperature.
6. Drain, use as directed.

The use of the resulting medicine is possible in several ways: for instillation (1 drop three times a day), for the preparation of compresses (do in the morning and evening, the duration of the procedure is 10 minutes), for oral administration (take 100 ml of warm broth three times a day for half an hour before taking food).

Wine tincture with honey

This is a complex recipe that uses several different organic ingredients. Such a drug is recommended for use in weak eyes and a tendency to myopia. So, to prepare a healing tincture, you will need to prepare the following components:

• 200 g of pulp from aloe leaves - you need the most fleshy leaves, which are first kept for several days in the refrigerator, and then cut with a knife;
• 500 ml of natural, fresh honey, it is better to take herbs or flower varieties;
• 500 ml of high-quality red wine, table or dry;
• 50 g of dried flowers of cornflower and eyebright.

The recipe for the tincture is as follows:

1. Heat the wine in a saucepan, but do not bring to a boil.
2. Add honey, stir until completely dissolved and the two components are combined.
3. Pour a mixture of herbs into a glass bottle.
4. Pour hot mixture of wine and honey.
5. Seal and shake vigorously to mix all ingredients well.
6. Leave the bottle for three days in a dark place.
7. After three days, pour the mixture into a saucepan, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 45 minutes.
8. Cool, strain, take one tablespoon on an empty stomach.

The course of treatment lasts until complete restoration of vision and elimination of unpleasant symptoms.

The most popular among patients are various dietary supplements, which are an extract of eyebright medicinal in capsules.

Eyebright is a medicinal herb. White flowers, similar in shape to cornflowers, have a yellow spot on one of the petals. Such distinguishing feature will allow you to quickly remember what this plant looks like. In different regions of our country, it also acquired local names. The most popular are eye socket and eye grass. There are others: ophthalmic grass, luminaries. Each of them speaks of the eyes or eyes, which is uniquely associated with its main purpose in homeopathy and traditional medicine - the treatment of eye diseases.

Botanical reference

According to the description, Eyebright is a short medicinal plant, which belongs to the Norichnikov family. A straight, branched, red-brown stem rarely grows up to 50 cm. More often, its height varies in the range of 2–20 cm. The lower ones fall off quickly, leaving the stem bare. Closer to the top of each secondary stem, single flowers appear. The sepals are like bells - white and pale lilac flowers open on them. The pointed, two-lipped petals have 4 teeth. Flowers have 4 stamens. The fruit is a bicuspid box.

Eyebright officinalis

The ophthalmic grass grows throughout European territory. It can be found in mountainous areas on the slopes. The plant is found both in glades and in peat bogs. It begins to bloom with the advent of summer, and the vegetative process continues until autumn.

For medicinal purposes, the upper part of the plant is harvested. Dry in natural conditions, at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C.

Pharmacological properties

The plant has an anti-inflammatory effect on the human body due to disinfectant resins and tannins. The bitter glycoside aucubin found in its composition acts as a barrier to the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Thanks to this component, a bactericidal effect is achieved, identical to the effect of the treatment with psyllium, which also contains this compound. The herb contains both an essential oil and a blue dye. But most of all, the plant owes its healing effect to iridoids (bitterness).

Eyebright preparations have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of eye diseases since ancient times. They effectively cope with inflammation:

• eye;
• lacrimal sacs.

The plant is also used to remove spots on the cornea.

Pharmacy preparations

Pharmacies sell the herb in the form of tinctures, capsules and drops.

The drug "Star Lupus" is also sold in tea bags. Its pharmacological action is identical to the capsules of the same name. The composition of tea, in addition to eyebright, includes plants: elderberry, chamomile and calendula.

In order for plant-based products to benefit, it is imperative to read and follow the instructions for use.

Folk recipes

For the treatment of vision pathologies, infusions are prepared from dry raw materials. It is taken internally and externally as lotions and rinses. Juice is squeezed out of a fresh plant. The plant is also insisted on dry wine. This tincture is used orally and lotions are made on the eyes.

With myopia, the following ingredients are taken: eyebright and cornflowers 50 g each, honey and cahors 600 g each, as well as 200 g ground aloe greens. The components are first thoroughly mixed, insisted for three days, then boiled over low heat for about an hour. When the product has cooled, you can begin treatment. The daily norm is three tablespoons: one before meals.

To brew a daily dose of infusion for a four-time intake, you will need:

• boiling water - 2 cups.
• dry collection - 1.5 tbsp. l.

The same remedy is also used for lotions - filtered into a cup, moistened with a clean bandage folded 3-4 times, and applied to closed eyes. It is also used for instillation. Only for this, the infusion must be turned into a decoction, that is, brought to a boil. Then you need to carefully filter it. It is recommended to instill during the day, 2-3 times 2-3 drops in each eye.

Alcohol tincture of eyebright is used to treat glaucoma, inhibit the development of cataracts. They take the medicine inside. For cooking, you need vodka and grass, taken in a ratio of 5: 1. Insist in the dark for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. The daily norm for an adult is two teaspoons. For the treatment of children from 12 years old, take from 10 to 20 drops and reduce the concentration of alcohol by 2 times, diluting with water. With proper storage (in a dark place), medicinal properties are preserved for five years.

For the treatment of eye diseases, along with compresses, it is useful to take dry eyebright powder orally. Take it at the tip of a teaspoon three times a day.

The use of herbs has become a real salvation in homeopathic veterinary medicine. Preparations for the treatment of eyes in animals are used externally: with the help of washes and lotions.