What are the benefits of eyebright?

Looking for a natural remedy that can work wonders for your eyesight? Finding the right solution could be an eye-opening experience… and no, we are not talking about going under the knife. Taking a cue from nature, we have discovered eyebright, a flowering plant also known as Euphrasia offcinalis or euphrasy.

While others may dub it simply as “the eyeball plant,” eyebright has been called upon since ancient times to treat various ailments. From common colds to hay fever and even mood disorders, this herb continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in modern medicine. But what’s specifically interesting is its impact on ocular health.

On top of all these impressive credentials sure to draw some raised eyebrows (see what I did there?), eyebright can also help with sore throat, ear infections, and respiratory issues (yes indeed!) – benefits that should certainly catch one’s attention!

The Roots of Eyebright

When you hear the name Eyebright – you might not necessarily think of a tiny white flower with yellow stripes nestled amongst green foliage but believe us when we tell you – it’s much more than just another pretty face added to Google images.

Eyebrights origins date back centuries ago; ointments/mixed herbs containing this mysterious little herb were officially documented as early during the Roman Empire by Pliny-the-Elder. We aren’t saying christening your first-born “Pliny” will guarantee them perfect 20/20 vision – but hey… at least they’ll appreciate history?

In fact so revered was this ‘ever-so-pretty’ flora temple peddlers would often blend it together with essential oils and animal fat making an ‘eye-salve’ (effectively translating into medieval Vicks Vaporub) used for everything from treating cataract patients presenting at pop-up clinics to more commonly – magically being able to ‘beautify’ one’s facial features.

The Nutritional Value and Components of Eyebright

While the science behind eyebright may vary from Roman times (thankfully!), there are undoubtedly many benefits that people continue to see today. While it would be unreasonable to make any definitive claims, let’s take a closer look at its nutritional value:

component amount (per 100 g)
Calories 30
Fat 1g
Protein 366 mg
Carbohydrates 24%
Fiber Vitamin C Potassium
18% RD 5%DV RD

That being said, we all know knowledge is power – so here’s the breakdown!

The main active component in eyebright extract appears to cater predominantly with phenolic compounds such as euphroside, an iridoid glycoside which potentially serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent for various ailments including allergies and inflammatory skin disorders. In addition, caffeic acid derivatives present in the herb shows promise in anti-cancer activity by exhibiting cellular death mechanisms termed apoptosis as well as numerous other beneficial effects on cardiovascular health (Much I like my coffee… however without the jitters!)

But if you’re still considering merely just consuming this ‘eye-catching’ little plant outta sheer curiosity or without symptoms began presenting themselves.. be warned excessive amounts can cause some adverse reactions such headaches, confusion or dizziness-presenting almost comparable levels of side-effects seen after watching last weeks episode of “Keeping up with Kardashians.”

How Does Eyebright Benefit Your Eyes?

Now for what you have been waiting for — how does eyebright promote better ocular health?

Reducing Eye Strain

Firstly , eyestrain stimulates quite often too much time spent staring at screens scrolling through social media- apparently we spend the same time window-gazing/flying before our screens then cooling and waiting for coffee at work (This may, or may not be a personal gripe.) Luckily, some studies suggest that one of the benefits of eyebright is that it can reduce eye strain after working with them for long periods. This anti-fatigue benefit is thought to come from naturally occurring compounds within the herb.

Soothing Irritation

In addition to its ability to alleviate eye strain, eyebright tea has been utilised as an excellent natural solution for irritated eyes brought on by allergies (itchy/red-eye) effectively reducing inflammation via its high level antioxidant complex (Move over Visine).

Preventing Eye Infections

Way back in Pliny’s day’s poultices/tablets made oitnment mixed w/eyebight were used extensively around the corneal surface – this made sense since eyebrights natural antiseptic qualities presented biological grounds from which specific glycoproteins inhibited bacterial growth on contact points potentially helping prevent keratitis/corneal ulcers.

Other Benefits

Coming up just behind your irises are located two tiny glands near each of your lids called “meibomian glands” they produce oils in low quantities to keep eyes moisturized throughout each blink. If there isn’t enough oil produced – you might begin developing dry/sore eyes hence leading itself down further complications such as conjunctivitis/vision distortion amongst others.

What does all this have to do with Eyebright? Well according to medical journal Complementary Medicine Research, based out of Germany; participants using drops made from euphrasia reported both their frequency and symptoms experienced commensurately decreased alongside redness & sweating—could sensation disorders sent packing through multiple channels adding extra layers even during colder months when central heating ramps up???

Furthermore in test patients suffering under prolonged photophobia use of the compound presented notable improvement with some participants becoming asymptomatic from intense light side-effects caused by long sun-hours in sandy regions or over-exposure to LED illuminated displays.

Another hidden advantage you might want to know about is that eyebright can be as useful when blended with other ingredients/products too. In-home care enthusiasts have reported alternate uses such as mixing it together with cucumber juice/honey for facial mask which supposedly revitalizes skin complexion and precludes puffiness around piercing eyes.

How to Use Eyebright

Eyebright can be found usually consists of a liquid, capsule, or tea form. A few drops of an eyebright tincture – preferably one containing no alcohol- can also effectively combat dry eye syndrome after prolonged periods sitting at screens/open areas capable increasing atmospheric evaporation (I hear ya sufferers )

For those looking to get their hands on this mystical flora but without all the DIY involvement; there’s always commercially available teas/extracts & supplements – these products are typically sold online stores/amazon providing a quick-n-easy route home (sans-pricey attorney fees) — although brands, prices (#_#) supposed ‘health guarantees’ vary – always seek medical advice before adding modalities into daily regimens.(or suffer biting sarcasm fom snooty internet lady)

Final Thoughts?

When searching for metrics showcasing alternative medicinal approaches furthermore those “without negative side-affects” seem somewhat elusive nowadays- just remember this article….and let your crown-roll-proud alongside newfound knowledge boasting why indulging in all-things-eye-dentifiable through head-scratcher etymology definitively serves more than being supplemental greens on luxury dinner plates.

After reading up about eyewear welfares (10 points for effort) we hope many will make informed decisions regarding their wellbeing using natural immunological supportive remedies rather than relying solely upon sterile medicines when treating symptoms like pink/red/(insert-color selection) eye.

Here’s wishing you clear sight and happy eyes with thank-you notes to this forgotten flower for making it all achievable.

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