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EYEBRIGHT EUPHRASIA
OFFICINALIS Helps restore the sight decayed through age. Arnoldus de Villa Nova says it has restored the sight to them that have been blind a long time before. If the herb was as much used as it is neglected, it would half spoil the spectacle maker's trade. The common Eyebright is a small low herb, usually with one blackish- green stalk, but with many branches spreading from the bottom. The flowers are small and white, steeped with purple and yellow spots or stripes. Where to find it: In meadows and grassy places and in mountainous regions. Flowering time: Summer. Astrology. Under the sign of the Lion, and Sol claims dominion over it. Medicinal virtues: The juice or distilled water of Eyebright, taken inwardly in white wine or broth, or dropped into the eyes, helps all infirmities of the eyes that cause dimness of the sight. A conserve of the flowers has the same effect. It also helps a weak brain or memory. Modern uses. Eyebright is probably more popular today than at any previous time. No herbal dispensary is likely to he without it. It is the remedy of choice for inflammatory eye disease. An infusion is made by adding one teaspoonful of the herb to a cup of boiling water for 30 minutes. This is strained and used as an eye lotion. Compresses soaked in the lotion when cold can he applied to the eyes. Some herbalists recommend combining Eyebright with Fennel in equal parts for eye conditions. Tinctures and fluid extracts are available. The infusion of Eyebright is also useful for hay fever, catarrh and nasal congestion. The homoeopathic tincture made from the fresh flowering plant is used for conjunctivitis and other eye infections. A few drops of the tincture are mixed with 2 fl OZ (56 ml) Rose-water and used as a lotion. |