A plant with a gentle tradition

Highly valued in ancient pharmacopoeias for its delicacy, eyebright remains prized in herbalism for its moderate and complementary use. Its white flowers with purple veins, its modest size, and selective harvesting make it a valuable plant. In infusion, it develops a light, vegetal, and discreet flavor.

Description

Cut aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowering tops), gray-green in color, with some dried petals. Light, vegetal odor. Fibrous texture.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Eyebright, Eyebright, Eyeglasses-breaker
• Latin name: Euphrasia officinalis
• Family: Orobanchaceae
• Part used: Aerial parts
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Europe, temperate grasslands
• English name: Eyebright
• German name: Augentrost
• Name in Spanish: Eufrasia
• Name in Italian: Eufrasia
• Name in Arabic: الإفرازيا (Al-Ifrāziyā)

Main virtues

Used in wellness infusions, eyebright often accompanies gentle herbs like cornflower or chamomile. It is sometimes incorporated into homemade lotions or herbal compresses.

Main constituents

Iridoids (aucubin), flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, lignans, traces of volatile compounds.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 tablespoon for 250 ml of water, infuse for 8 to 10 minutes.
• External use: mild decoction for compresses or soothing lotion (traditional use).
• Association: chamomile, cornflower, plantain for gentle preparations.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Gentle plant generally well tolerated at usual doses.
• Traditional external use, handle with care in direct contact with the eyes.
• Not recommended in case of known allergy to plants of the same family.

History and origin

A plant mentioned in herbals as early as the 13th century, eyebright was renowned for its symbolic resemblance to an eye, which inspired its traditional use. It was cultivated in some medieval gardens before falling into partial disuse, then rediscovered by contemporary herbalists.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: kraft bag or opaque pot.
• Storage: dry, away from light.
• Shelf life: 12 to 18 months.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Encyclopedia of European Herbalism
• Works on gentle herbal medicine

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