Eyebright: The Most Important Overview

Eyebright (Euphrasia) is a summer root plant that has many subspecies: 170 to over 350, depending on the classification. Identifying the species is difficult, as Eyebright tends to form numerous hybrids.

The plant can be found worldwide, but it prefers the northern hemisphere. From Canada, Russia, and the Chinese highlands, through Italy, Pakistan, India, and Japan, to Australia and New Zealand – it is present everywhere.

Specifically, the Common Eyebright, which is used in naturopathy, grows in nearly all countries of Europe, mainly Central, Western, and Southern Europe. It likes meadows and pastures and can be found at altitudes of up to 2,300 meters above sea level.

Eyebright has been used since the 13th century, but it has been known for longer, as mentions reveal. Its name is programmatic: For eye ailments, its dried above-ground parts are used, which are harvested during the flowering period; less often the fresh plant.

Eyebright can soothe irritated eye areas. In the form of sprays, it acts cooling and refreshing. Together with other components, when applied externally, it cares for the skin around the eyes. When using the plant, ensure a sterile preparation to prevent germs from entering your sensitive organ of vision. You can also consume Eyebright as tea.

Flavonoids, lignans, and phenolic acids are present in Eyebright. Especially the former are significant in medicine and are well-researched.

The herbaceous plant grows between 5 and 25 centimeters tall. It has opposite, toothed leaves arranged in a crosswise manner. Its white flowers are asymmetrical. On the inside, it features a bright yellow spot. They often have purple veins as well. Eyebright blooms here from July to September.

Eyebright is a so-called hemiparasite. Its seeds only germinate if they can siphon off minerals from meadow plants. Because this affects the growth and density of meadows and pastures, Eyebright is also known among farmers as meadow wolf.