Eyebright

Eyebright's medical name (Euphrasia officinalis) refers to a vast genus containing over 450 species.
The name Euphrasia is of Greek origin, derived from Euphrosyne (gladness), the name of one of the three graces who was distinguished for her joy and mirth. It is thought to have been given to the plant from the valuable properties attributed to it as an eye medicine.
Eyebright contains a number of important constituents which include tannins.
The tannins in eyebright are astringents which help to dry up secretions and have the ability to relieve inflammatory conditions of the mucous membranes.
In the 14th century, eyebright was supposed to cure 'all evils of the eye' and is described as the source of 'a precious water to clear a man's sight.'
Eyebright has a long history of herbal use in the treatment of eye problems and is still in current herbal use. Eyebright tightens the mucous membranes of the eye and appears to relieve the inflammation of conjuctivitis and blepharitis. Eyebright 's ability to counter catarrh means that it is often used for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses and nasal passages.
The whole Eyebright plant is anti-inflammatory, astringent, digestive, ophthalmic and slightly tonic. Eyebright is taken internally in the treatment of catarrh, sinusitis, hayfever, upper respiratory tract infections etc. As an ophthalmic, an infusion of the plant Eyebright can be taken internally or used as an eye wash. Alternatively, the diluted juice of Eyebright can be dropped into the eyes.
Eyebright plants are harvested when in flower and are dried for later use. The dried herb is a ingredient of herbal smoking mixtures, used in the treatment of chronic bronchial colds. A homeopathic remedy is made from the expressed juice of Eyebright. It is used particularly in the treatment of eye inflammations and colds, Eyebright is also recommended for inflamed prostate.