Brief
Background: The herb eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used for centuries as
a rinse, compress, or bath against eye infections and other eye-related irritations (a use reflected in many of its vernacular
names). When taken orally, eyebright has been used to treat inflammation of nasal mucous membranes and sinusitis.
Eyebright's
medicinal properties date back to the 14th Century. Eyebright continues to be used as a topical treatment for eye
inflammatory disorders, such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and styes (hordeolum), although safety and efficacy information
is lacking.
Expert Opinion and Historic/Folkloric
Precedent: Herbalists sometimes recommend its use for respiratory tract disorders including
sinus infections, cough, and sore throat. Anthroposophical practitioners use eyebright for "restructuring of the fluid
organism of the eye," such as in conjunctivitis.
