Eyebright or Vidac (Euphrasia officinalis)

The finest natural remedy for a wide range of eye conditions that benefits both people and animals. Eyebright tea can also help with colds, although other herbs are better suited to that purpose.

Eyebright or Vidac (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used since antiquity to treat eye disorders. A compress made from eyebright soothes styes, corneal inflammation and conjunctivitis. It also cools tired, watery eyes, which is why it is often included in prescribed eye lotions for such complaints. It is useful for pets as well and is known to relieve eye inflammation in rabbits. In traditional Icelandic medicine, juice pressed from eyebright was applied for a variety of eye ailments.

Scottish Highlanders would steep eyebright in milk and apply it with a bird's feather to inflamed or irritated eyes. In 1994 Spanish researchers confirmed the anti inflammatory action of iridoids present in eyebright. The tannins in this plant enhance resistance to infection by drying and toning tissue, while phenols slow bacterial growth. Drinking eyebright tea complements external eye care. At the same time it eases mucosal catarrh and can be used for nasal congestion, as well as middle ear and sinus infections. Eyebright grows in dry meadows and pastures and on the slopes and hillsides of upland areas. It is harvested during flowering in June and July by cutting the aerial parts with scissors. Do not pull the plant out, since that also removes the tiny root which is not used for eye remedies. Eyebright is hardy and can be grown in a garden, although it is a hemiparasite with a weak root system, so it thrives only when sown among grasses whose roots supply it with water and nutrients. Sow the seed in an untended corner of the garden.

Eyebright tea

Ingredients: one teaspoon of eyebright, 250 ml water

Soak one teaspoon of eyebright in cold water, bring to a boil and let it stand for two minutes.

One or two cups a day. It is most effective taken as a course for four to six weeks, two or three times a year.

Herbal blend for compresses

Ingredients: 70 g eyebright and 30 g chamomile flowers

Combine the ingredients and store in a jar. To prepare the tea, pour hot water over two teaspoons of the blend and leave covered for 15 minutes, then strain and allow to cool to body temperature.

Apply warm compresses to the eyelids twice a day. The tea is also helpful for nasal rinses in cases of heavy rhinitis with inflamed mucous membranes.

WARNING. Excessive amounts may cause itching or eye irritation, difficulty breathing, nausea, insomnia and confusion. Follow the stated quantities or use ready made products. Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.