Eyebright

(Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne, Scrophulariaceae)

Also Called: Euphrasia.

Description: Pretty, small annual plant, semi-parasitic, with erect stems 5-40cm (2-16in) high, often much branched and downy.
Leaves opposite, 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4in) long, ovate with acute apex, downy and with 3-6 small, acute, marginal teeth on each side.
Flowers about 1 cm (0.4in) long, borne singly in the axils of the upper leaves, white, upper lip short, lower lip of three segments with a yellow spot at the base of each.
Flowering: June-October.

Part Used: Dried plant.

Habitat and Collection: In moist places, generally on poor soils, in marshes, woods and clearings.
Native but local in Wales, northern England and Border counties.
The plant is collected in flower and dried either in the shade or in sunlight.

Constituents and Action: Tannin, traces of volatile oil and a resin have been found.
It probably also contains a saponin.
Eyebright is mildly anti-inflammatory for the mucosa.

Usage: An infusion (a cup of cold water on a teaspoonful of drug, raise to the boil and allow to stand) is used almost exclusively in compresses and as a lotion for inflammation of the eyes.
Rarely also as an application for the healing of wounds
. As a nasal douche for colds.
Internally for certain inflammations.
Its action is mild and is insufficient for serious inflammations of the eyes for which a physician must always be consulted.