Eyebright
Euphrasia Officinalis
 In Paradise Lost, the poet Milton relates that the Archangel Michael
used eyebright to cure Adam of the eye infliction suffered by his
eating of the forbidden fruit.
The name Euphrasia is Greek from Euphrosyne one of the three graces
who was so named because of her mirth and happiness. It is believed
that the ancient herbalists named the plant this because it brought
happiness to those suffering from eye problems.
In the fourteenth 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.' Matthaeus Sylvaticus, a physician of Mantua,
who lived about the year 1329, recommended this plant in disorders
of the eyes. Arnoldus Villanovanus, who died in 1313, was the
author of a treatise on its virtues, Vini Euphrasiati tantopere
celebrati. How long before Euphrasia was in repute for eye
diseases it is impossible to say, but in Gordon's Liticium
Medicina, 1305, among the medicines for the eyes, Euphragia
is named 'and is recommended both outwardly in a compound distilled
water and inwardly as a syrup.' Euphragia is not, however,
mentioned in the Schola Salernitana, compiled about 1100.
Eyebright contains Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E, the minerals
Sulfur, Potassium, Iron, Silicon, a trace of Iodine, Copper and
Zinc.
Eyebright is known to strengthen all of the eye's tissues.
Eyebright provides an elasticity and resiliency to the nerves and
optic mechanics, which permit us to see.
When the volatile oil is applied in the eye, it becomes activated by
sunlight to work on the cornea, ciliary muscle, iris, ligaments,
lens, retina and optic nerves. The areas are strengthened and
soothed improving the function and also retarding and reversing
cataracts.
Eyebright has antiseptic properties that fight infection such as
conjunctivitis, ophthalmia and all other eye problems.
As an anti-inflammatory eyebright relieves discomfort from eyestrain,
stinging, over-sensitivity to light, weeping conditions, and chronic
inflammation.
Medicinal Uses:
Allergies, Blood Cleanser, Cataracts, Catarrh, Colds, Congestion,
Conjunctivitis, Coughs, Diabetes, Digestive disorders, Earache, Eye
Disorders, Eye Infections, Eye Strain, Eye (strengthens), Glaucoma,
Hay Fever, Liver Stimulant, Memory, Middle Ear Problems, Pink Eye,
Runny Nose, Sinus Congestion, Sneezing, Sore Throat, Sties (dissolves),
Ulcers, Vision Aid.
Formula for the Eyes from Dr. John Ray Christopher:
Eyebright, Golden Seal, Bayberry, Red Raspberry, Cayenne (for
internal and external use)
Sources:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Nutritional Herbology, by Mark Pedersen, Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1987
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
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