Herbs are natural healers of all kinds of human diseases and ailments. Some of them have a narrow focus. But there are herbs that can cure a wide range of diseases. Eyebright medicinal or medicinal belongs to such generalists.

Eyebright belongs to the Broomrape family, although more recently botanists have classified it as a member of the Nornikov family. The plant is distributed throughout the world. In temperate countries, an annual plant is found with a height of not more than one foot. In tropical countries, eyebright grows as small perennial shrubs. In Russia, there are currently about 73 species of eyebright.

The plant has a brown stem with a red tint, covered with a sparse fluff. The leaves are elongated, pointed at the ends, also covered with hairs. Eyebright blooms from July to September with small two-lipped flowers that are painted white or purple. A distinctive feature of the flowers is a yellow spot in the center. Fruits in hairy boxes with small brown seeds. Eyebright refers to plants that are characterized by the phenomenon of "apomixis", that is, the ability to bear fruit without pollination (fertilization).

What is it also called?

Eyebright has the Latin name Euphrasia. Among the people, she has a huge number of other names. It can be called, for example:

• eye grass;
• twelve-legged;
• full-time grass;
• forty tears;
• toad grass;
• gourd;
• meadow heather;
• collar;
• face-to-face assistance, etc.

Varieties

Eyebright is found in two types:

Beneficial features

The chemical composition of eyebright is still poorly understood. It is known that both types of this plant contain tannins that normalize the flora of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as glycosides:

• Aucubin, which normalizes the menstrual cycle in women and relieves PMS syndrome.
• Catalpol, which can increase the secretion of gastric juice.
• Euphroside - increases libido in women and sperm production by testicles in men.
• Ixorozide - reduces muscle spasms.

Eyebright also contains the following flavonoid glycosides:

• quercetin, which acts as an antioxidant;
• apigenin - normalizing the state of the nervous system

In small quantities, the herb contains acids:

• coffee, which lowers the level of sugar in the blood plasma;
• ferulic, which has anti-cancer effects, can stop the growth of pathological cells.

Due to its composition, eyebright has the following medicinal properties:

• antimicrobial, antiviral and antimycotic;
• painkillers;
• antispasmodic;
• lowering pressure, including intraocular;
• soothing.

Preparations from this herb activate the blood supply to the brain, relieve swelling, and increase immunity.

Eyebright treatment can help women:

• get rid of the consequences of congestion in the pelvis;
• regulate the menstrual cycle;
• reduce anxiety during PMS.

For a strong half of humanity, eyebright is necessary for:

• neglected stress and prolonged tension of the nervous system;
• treatment of prostatitis and impotence;
• as an additional remedy for violations of the cardiovascular system.

As an external remedy for children, grass can be used for:

• diathesis;
• atopic dermatitis;

As an internal, starting from three years, with:

• persistent enuresis;
• emotional instability;
• febrile events.

ATTENTION! Eyebright has a very strong biological effect. For this reason, before using it, especially oral, the recommendation of the attending physician is necessary!

Indications for use

Eyebright has an extremely wide range of uses. First of all, it is used to treat various eye diseases, including:

Also, this plant is used to treat the gastrointestinal tract with:

• catarrh of the stomach;
• poor appetite;
• colitis;
• increased acidity.

The preparation from eyebright powder is able to stimulate the regeneration of liver cells in hepatitis and other diseases. For this reason, the herb is recommended for the treatment of alcoholism.

Due to its anticonvulsant properties, eyebright is also used for:

• bronchitis as an expectorant;
• sclerosis;
• urinary incontinence.

And because of the property to stimulate the blood circulation of the brain for treatment:

• distracted attention;
• memory impairment;
• consequences of encephalopathy in children.

The anti-inflammatory effect of eyebright explains its use in:

• angina;
• treatment of purulent wounds and other skin diseases.

REFERENCE! A decoction of eyebright is very useful to rinse your hair after washing. This stimulates hair growth and prevents premature hair loss.

Harm and contraindications

The healing properties of eyebright are still poorly understood in traditional medicine. Therefore, it should be used very carefully, only after consulting a doctor. Treatment with this herb is strictly prohibited:

• women during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• children under three years of age.

And also when:

• the presence of gastritis with low acidity;
• tendency to hypotension;
• individual intolerance.

Dosage forms

The pharmaceutical industry currently produces eyebright in the following form:

You can also make your own essential oil from fresh eyebright leaves. To do this, 50 g of raw materials collected before flowering, you need to pour 200 ml of any refined vegetable oil and put it in the refrigerator for 10 days, shaking the container every day. Then the oil is drained from the leaves and used as an external remedy for the treatment of various skin diseases and for cosmetic purposes to cleanse the skin of acne and boils.

Popular Recipes

For internal use, eyebright is prepared from:

• decoction;
• infusion;
• tincture;
• powder.

Decoction and infusion are also suitable for external use and treatment of the eyes.

Decoction preparation

• 10 g of dry raw materials pour 200 ml of cold water;
• boil;
• heat over low heat for 15 minutes;
• cool, strain, divide into 4 servings and drink throughout the day.

Children under 10 years old drink 10 ml three times a day, and older than this age - 20 ml.

Reception of a decoction is effective in the treatment of:

• bronchitis;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes, including with mononucleosis;
• angina;
• prostatitis and other inflammatory diseases.

REFERENCE! Every day, be sure to prepare a fresh broth. The duration of treatment is three weeks. With good tolerance, the course is repeated after ten days.

Preparation of the infusion

• Place 5 g of dry grass in a thermos and pour 200 ml of boiling water;
• insist 3 hours;
• strain and drink in two doses.

For children, it is better to replace the infusion with a decoction. This remedy can also be successfully used externally in the treatment of various skin diseases, as well as eye drops.

alcohol tincture recipe

• 30 g of dry grass pour 250 ml of vodka;
• leave to infuse in the refrigerator for two weeks;
• filter.

Take twice a day, thirty drops dissolved in 20 ml of water.

Eyebright in this form is effective for treating cataracts and spots on the cornea. It can also be used for cosmetic purposes as a lotion, diluted 1:3 with water before use. For children, alcohol tincture is not recommended for internal use.

Eyebright in the form of a powder is recommended for use in epilepsy, migraines, persistent neurosis, alcoholism, hepatitis and sclerosis, 1 g twice a day. To prepare the powder, the grass can be ground in a mortar or ground in a coffee grinder.

IMPORTANT! It is worth recalling that eyebright is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Eye application

In the treatment of eye diseases, it is necessary to combine the internal and external use of eyebright. In inflammatory processes, it is recommended to drink a decoction, to reduce intraocular pressure - infusion, and for the treatment of cataracts, visual impairment and other physiological pathologies - alcohol tincture.

Also, twice a day, you need to instill eyebright infusion into the corners of the eyes - three drops each. With conjunctivitis, when preparing the infusion, you can add 5 g of chamomile.

To reduce fatigue in the eye area, warm compresses from the decoction should be done for ten minutes.

Eyebright is a medicinal herb that has been used since ancient times to treat the eyes. Infusions, decoctions and other medicines based on eyebright are used for a wide range of diseases, from inflammation to the prevention of cataracts and glaucoma.

In this article

The loads that the eyes of modern man have to withstand are very large. Spending day by day at the computer monitor, you can not immediately notice how vision gradually begins to fall. However, unpleasant symptoms with increased visual load immediately make themselves felt. Redness of the eyes, a feeling of dryness or increased tearing - these manifestations are familiar to people who work a lot at the monitor. And if the vision has already deteriorated so much that one cannot do without glasses and lenses, the negative sensations from wearing these optical products are added to the fatigue syndromes. How can you keep your eyesight? Modern medicine offers a large number of vitamins for the eyes, new drugs and dietary supplements are constantly appearing in pharmacies. Which of the proposed pharmaceutical industry to choose? If you prefer time-honored remedies, take a look at the herb for eye treatment, the name of which speaks for itself.

Useful properties of eyebright herb for the treatment of eyes

For medicinal purposes, flowers and leaves of eyebright are used, which contain:

• tannins that eliminate inflammation;
• vitamins, they support vision and nourish the eyes;
• trace elements (silicon, magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, etc.) that slow down the destructive processes in the retina.

Eyebright is a herb that improves blood circulation and has a beneficial effect on the vessels of the eyes and brain. Infusions, decoctions and medicines from eyebright are effectively treated:

• inflammation of the eyelids and lacrimal glands;
• damage to the cornea of ​​the eye;
• age-related degeneration of vision.

Eyebright infusion

Eyebright infusion - used as a prophylactic for vision, there are no contraindications for taking it in childhood. Eyebright infusion neutralizes eye fatigue, effectively acts with a feeling of “sand in the eyes”. This remedy has a beneficial effect on inflammation and has an antiseptic effect. Eyebright infusion can be taken one-third of a glass after a meal, and also instilled in the eyes before going to bed. The same infusion can be used to make lotions. To do this, moisten a couple of cotton pads in the solution and put them on your eyes for 15 minutes before going to bed.

Method for preparing eyebright infusion

1. Take a teaspoon of herbs and pour 300 ml of boiling water over it.
2. After half an hour, strain the infusion.

The method of preparing a decoction

1. Take two teaspoons of herbs and pour 500 ml of boiling water over them.
2. Insist 120 minutes.
3. Strain the decoction.

With myopia, an infusion of wine and honey with aloe and cornflower is shown. The medicine is consumed one tablespoon before meals three times a day. To prepare this infusion, take 50 grams of eyebright and cornflower, 600 grams of honey, 600 milliliters of Cahors or other dry red wine, and also prepare 200 grams of aloe pulp. Mix honey and wine, then add herbal ingredients. Infuse the mixture for three days, shaking it regularly. Next, boil everything over low heat for an hour.

Eyebright actively grows in the vastness of our Motherland. Being a plant that feeds on the juices of other plants, it has a tremendous beneficial effect on the human visual system. Surely its small-sized shoots and star-shaped flowers are familiar to many. It grows in dry open places, so it is quite convenient to collect it yourself. The flowering period of eyebright is from late August to mid-September. The flowers, like the leaves, are used in the treatment of the eyes.

Eyebright for eye treatment is used not only in the form of dried plant materials. In ophthalmology, eyebright extract is also actively used for treatment. The healing properties of eyebright extract are many times greater than the positive effect of the use of this herb. It has a positive effect not only on visual acuity and reduces swelling of the eyelids, but can also slow down degenerative processes in the shell of the eye. A modern dietary supplement based on eyebright - "Star eyebright" - contains crushed grass and an extract enriched with vitamins. Its components strengthen blood vessels, reduce intraocular pressure. The tool is used to prevent diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Due to its healing properties, eyebright has been used in folk medicine since ancient times. Although modern medicine offers many means and methods for restoring and maintaining vision, eyebright is a herb, the treatment with which is beyond doubt.

In ophthalmology, there are cases when a radical intervention in the human visual system is required. If the goal of treatment is to maintain the existing level of vision, provide the eyes with all the necessary vitamins and minerals, normalize oxygen metabolism in the eyes, then eyebright is a herb that is ideal for these purposes. Eyebright is used to treat a wide range of visual disorders. Its use is justified in cases of inflammation of the eyes and when it is necessary to prevent cataracts and glaucoma. Folk remedies are not a panacea for all diseases, but the experience of generations is still the best confirmation of the effectiveness of a particular remedy.

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Description and appearance

The genus Ochanka belongs to the broomrape family and includes about 200 species of annual plants growing in meadows, along roadsides and fields, in wastelands, in steppes and light forests, on dry slopes of rivers and ravines. In Russia, it grows almost everywhere.

Most representatives of the genus are medicinal plants that have long been used by mankind to get rid of various ailments. Eyebright medicinal has a special glory. It has a wide range of therapeutic effects, including those used in the treatment of eye diseases. The people call it that - "eye grass".

Eyebright is a small (10-15 cm) herbaceous plant with a straight, branching from the middle and slightly pubescent shoot of dark brown hues.

Leaves: small, opposite, sessile, rounded ovate, toothed.

Flowers: small, two-lipped, white or purple with a rounded yellow spot on the lower lip and blue veins. Flowering lasts all summer and autumn.

Fruits: small dry hairy capsules filled with brown seeds.



Procurement of raw materials

For medicinal purposes, flowering shoots and leaves are used.

The collected parts of the plant are dried using devices or appliances capable of heating and maintaining a constant temperature of 40°C. In the absence of such, the shoots can be dried in the open air, under sheds or in a dry, warm and well-ventilated area.

The dried parts of the plant are crushed and stored in thick paper packaging or in well-closed jars in a dry place. Collected shoots of eyebright retain their healing properties for one year.



Chemical composition

The ground parts of the eyebright are rich in important organic compounds:

• glycosides (aucubin), coumarins and anthocyanins;
• flavonoids, tannins;
• bitterness, essential and fatty oils;
• resins and tannins;
• some aromatic acids;
• vitamins of groups B, A and C.

These substances provide high biological activity of the plant. The composition of the "eye grass" includes a large number of micro and macro elements: iron, chromium, magnesium, silicon, zinc, boron and manganese.



Lungwort officinalis - description, useful properties and contraindications

Beneficial features

The chemical composition of the plant determines its healing properties. Eyebright medicinal has the following actions:

• anti-inflammatory;
• painkillers;
• antispasmodic;
• soothing;
• enveloping;
• antibacterial.

Being a small plant with an inconspicuous appearance, this plant is a real storehouse of substances useful to humans.

Eyebright

The main healing specialization of eyebright is the treatment of eye diseases of various origins in adults and children.

The plant successfully copes with:

• with inflammatory processes of the conjunctiva and the optic nerve, reduces redness, tearing, relieves swelling and itching;
• with fatigue of the eyes after prolonged exertion;
• with high light sensitivity of the organ of vision;
• with age-related changes.

With prolonged use, the herb improves visual acuity.

Eyebright treats such serious diseases as myopia and hyperopia, cataracts and glaucoma.

Other healing properties

Eyebright is widely used for healing the organs of the digestive tract and allows you to:

• improve intestinal motility and normalize stools;
• cure catarrh of the stomach and colon;
• alleviate the condition with gastritis, accompanied by an increased level of acidity, enterocolitis;
• restore appetite, the lack of which is caused by diseases of the digestive system.

Teas, decoctions and infusions from this plant are good for the prevention and treatment of influenza, colds, respiratory diseases:

• sore throats;
• cough with difficult sputum;
• inflammation of the vocal cords;
• bronchitis and asthma.

Compresses, baths and eyebright lotions allow you to get rid of diathesis, rashes, eczema and dermatitis.

Infusions are used in cosmetology. They promote hair growth and improve their structure. This is an excellent effective remedy for dandruff.

Traditional medicine recipes

Aqueous and alcoholic solutions are prepared from the obtained raw materials for internal and external use.

Water decoctions of universal application:

• 10 g of dry eyebright is poured into a glass of freshly boiled water and infused for 3 hours. Take 1/2 cup 3 times a day.
• 2 teaspoons of dry eyebright are placed in a container with 250 ml of cold water, put on fire and brought to a boil. After the solution has cooled, filter and use for external use.

Infusions for the treatment of eyes:

• 40 g of dry grass are placed in a liter of boiling water and left to infuse for 3 hours. The resulting solution is filtered and used for instillation, eyewash, for compresses and lotions.
• 50 g of dry grass is poured into 200 ml of 70% alcohol and infused for 10 days in a dark place at a temperature of 20 - 25 ° C. Shake the solution once every 2 days. Alcohol tincture can be stored for 5 years and used to relieve burning, dryness, eye fatigue, cataract and glaucoma treatment, to maintain visual acuity.

Alcohol tinctures from eyebright have a hypotensive effect. Water increases blood pressure.

Use in pharmacology

Modern pharmacology uses the healing properties of the eye herb. It is part of some drugs and dietary supplements:

• In pharmacies, you can buy eyebright extract, convenient for making infusions.
• Eyebright HerbNature's Way capsules containing eyebright extract are considered a popular remedy for improving vision.
• Bioadditive Eyebright HerbBilberry Ginkgo Complex Plus Lutein based on eyebright and blueberry.

Contraindications for use: diseases of the stomach, accompanied by low acidity, pregnancy and childhood.

Eyebright is an effective remedy for the treatment of many diseases. However, it is worth remembering that only with an integrated approach to treatment and on the recommendation of a doctor, this plant can bring maximum benefit.

Today, it is not a problem to purchase any ophthalmic preparations in a pharmacy that will help you quickly and effectively deal with almost all eye diseases. But sometimes a pharmacy is not available, or a person does not have sufficient funds to purchase medicines. Many do not use synthetic drugs on principle. Phytotherapy comes to the rescue. The benefits of eyebright herb for the eyes have been known to folk healers since ancient times.

This is interesting: the researchers found that the healing properties of eyebright grass were already known in the 9th century. In ancient herbalists, one could find many recipes with this plant in the composition. Ancient healers, of course, did not know exactly what substances and components are contained in eyebright, but they knew how to use it to treat a variety of eye ailments.

The composition and properties of the plant

Eyebright is harvested in late summer - early autumn during the flowering period, dried and harvested for future use for further preparation of medicinal tinctures and decoctions

Leaves, stems and flowers of eyebright are used for the preparation of medicines. The plant is harvested away from highways, railways, chemical plants during the flowering season, which lasts from mid-August to the end of October. First, the stems are washed and dried, then crushed and finally dried naturally in a dry place with good ventilation. It is better to store the prepared medicinal herb in linen bags with strings or a ceramic jar with a tight lid.

Thanks to these components, the eyebright has an anti-inflammatory, sedative, astringent effect. It has been proven that a medicinal infusion from this plant is able to lower pressure, including intraocular pressure. There is also evidence, but so far not fully confirmed, that eyebright helps fight viral infections. But still, its main property is a positive effect on blood vessels, which is important for proper nutrition and functioning of eye structures.

Attention! Eyebright affects not only the eyes, but also other internal organs too. In general, its properties are beneficial for the body, but in some cases, the use of this plant should be abandoned. Eyebright and medicines from it are contraindicated in case of low gastric acidity, a tendency to low blood pressure, while carrying and feeding a child. And also this plant is not used to treat children under the age of three.

In pharmacies, it is easy to find packaged eyebright grass, completely ready for home preparation of infusions and decoctions.

What is useful eyebright for vision

Official medicine does not recognize eyebright as a full-fledged drug for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases, although the extract of this plant is part of many dietary supplements and vitamin complexes to improve vision. But traditional medicine claims that lotions, compresses, ointments, infusions and decoctions of eyebright can solve a number of problems with the organs of vision. Eyebright will be useful in such cases:

• darkening and spots of the cornea;
• inflammation of the eyelids, including blepharitis, barley;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye - conjunctivitis of a different nature of origin;
• inflammation of the lacrimal gland or lacrimal ducts;
• mechanical damage to the eyeball;
• increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma, cataract);
• decreased visual acuity for various reasons.

Recipes in each case will be different. Therefore, even if it is decided to treat eye pathologies with the help of alternative medicine, it is still recommended to first visit an ophthalmologist and undergo an examination. This is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Do not forget that eyebright can cause allergic reactions and worsen the patient's condition with individual intolerance. In this case, too, it will not be superfluous to consult with a qualified specialist.

What pharmaceutical preparations contain eyebright

If it is not possible to independently collect and dry eyebright, in phytopharmacies you can purchase ready-made raw materials for preparing decoctions and infusions at home. Dry and crushed eyebright is packaged in plastic bags or in cardboard boxes.

For ease of use, herbal teas are produced in bags with eyebright and other organic components in the composition.

Phytopharmacies offer various packaged teas containing, in addition to the main component, dried blueberries, blackcurrant extract, cedar oil, resin and other organic supplements that are beneficial for the eyes. It is worth paying attention to the products of pharmaceutical companies Horst, Evalar, Altai-Pharm.

And also, without a doctor's prescription, you can buy inexpensive eye drops, which contain eyebright. For example, Nature's Answer's highly concentrated eyebright tincture. The multicomponent preparation "Flavigran eyebright" has proven itself well. It includes, in addition to eyebright grass:

• extract of buckwheat;
• blueberry extract;
• sea ​​buckthorn oils.

According to the instructions for use from the manufacturer, this drug is effective as a means of enhancing the effect of other medications for cataracts and glaucoma, it is also recommended to include it in complex treatment for corneal ulcers, retinal detachment, complex keratoconjunctivitis.

For children, a special alcohol-free tincture Herbs for Kids is produced, containing extracts of eyebright and echinacea

In online stores, you can find a dietary supplement for the eyes of the Now Foods brand. This preparation contains pure eyebright extract in capsules.

How to use grass at home

So, in folk medicine, eyebright is used both internally and externally, in its pure form, in combination with an alcohol component or as part of multicomponent herbal preparations. Below are some of the most popular recipes that are suitable for home cooking and use.

Alcohol tincture

For preparation, you will need 100 g of dried and crushed leaves, stems and flowers of eyebright and 500 ml of purified medical alcohol (70%). The cooking method is as follows:

• put the chopped herb into a bottle with a sealed cork;
• pour alcohol, close the bottle and shake well;
• put the container in a dark, warm place for two weeks;
• shake the tincture every day;
• after 14 days, strain the medicine, pour into a clean bottle with a cork and start using.

Traditional medicine claims that such a remedy can reduce intraocular pressure, stop the development of glaucoma, and also eliminate chronic dry eyes. To get the result, you need to take an alcohol tincture two teaspoons in the morning on an empty stomach. The duration of treatment lasts at least three weeks.

For obvious reasons, this remedy is not suitable for young children, pregnant and lactating women. It can be given to adolescents over 12 years old, but must first be diluted in clean water. Dosage - 20 drops at a time.

For compresses, lotions and washing inflamed eyes, a decoction of eyebright, often supplemented with other medicinal plants, is useful.

Prefabricated infusion with eyebright for lotions and compresses

With irritation in the eyes, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, the mucous membrane and eyelids turn red, swell, and itch a lot. You can relieve discomfort and inflammation with the help of warm compresses and lotions. First you need to prepare the infusion. For this you will need:

• dried eyebright - a tablespoon;
• dry medicinal chamomile - a tablespoon;
• purified water - 300 ml.

The cooking method is as follows:

1. Mix the herbs and place in a fireproof container.
2. To boil water.
3. Pour over the herbs, cover and insist for two hours.
4. Strain the resulting infusion.
5. Transfer the remaining mass to pre-prepared gauze cuts and place on the eyes for a quarter of an hour.

The remaining infusion can be taken orally throughout the day as a tea or used for compresses. Use the medicine should be within a day after preparation, otherwise it loses its effectiveness.

To enhance the effect of local procedures, alternative medicine recommends drinking eyebright decoction inside in the form of tea.

A decoction of eyebright

Folk healers claim that this remedy will be useful for any ophthalmic diseases, and it can also be used with a tendency to eye pathologies or severe eye fatigue for preventive purposes.

Brewing grass to get the most effective and useful decoction should be as follows:

1. Put two tablespoons of dry, crushed eyebright into a dry refractory container.
2. Boil 500 ml of purified water separately.
3. Pour boiling water over the grass and put on a slow fire.
4. Cook for ten minutes.
5. Remove from heat, cover and let cool to room temperature.
6. Drain, use as directed.

The use of the resulting medicine is possible in several ways: for instillation (1 drop three times a day), for the preparation of compresses (do in the morning and evening, the duration of the procedure is 10 minutes), for oral administration (take 100 ml of warm broth three times a day for half an hour before taking food).

Wine tincture with honey

This is a complex recipe that uses several different organic ingredients. Such a drug is recommended for use in weak eyes and a tendency to myopia. So, to prepare a healing tincture, you will need to prepare the following components:

• 200 g of pulp from aloe leaves - you need the most fleshy leaves, which are first kept for several days in the refrigerator, and then cut with a knife;
• 500 ml of natural, fresh honey, it is better to take herbs or flower varieties;
• 500 ml of high-quality red wine, table or dry;
• 50 g of dried flowers of cornflower and eyebright.

The recipe for the tincture is as follows:

1. Heat the wine in a saucepan, but do not bring to a boil.
2. Add honey, stir until completely dissolved and the two components are combined.
3. Pour a mixture of herbs into a glass bottle.
4. Pour hot mixture of wine and honey.
5. Seal and shake vigorously to mix all ingredients well.
6. Leave the bottle for three days in a dark place.
7. After three days, pour the mixture into a saucepan, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 45 minutes.
8. Cool, strain, take one tablespoon on an empty stomach.

The course of treatment lasts until complete restoration of vision and elimination of unpleasant symptoms.

The most popular among patients are various dietary supplements, which are an extract of eyebright medicinal in capsules.

In folk medicine, the healing properties of the plant, sometimes called the eye herb, have been known since ancient times. But eyebright is used to treat not only the eyes, but also many other diseases. The rich chemical composition of this herb makes it simply indispensable in eliminating the signs and consequences of many diseases.

Brief eyebright medicinal, photo

This medicinal plant belongs to the Norichnikov family, grows in the forest and forest-steppe zones. Eyebright is a herbaceous plant, annual, with a straight, about 15 cm stem, pubescent with short hairs. Its flowers are small. The ovate leaves are usually glabrous, small, with sharp teeth along the edge.

This grass blooms from early June to mid-September with a pale purple or white color. The fruits of eyebright are small capsules, hairy, with brownish seeds. The plant has no smell, but there is a certain bitter salty taste.

The flowers and leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The substances they contain have a beneficial effect on the body. This:

• fatty and essential oils;
• glycosides;
• tannins;
• coumarins;
• flavonoids;
• anthocyanins.

Eyebright grass contains many different trace elements (zinc, silicon, boron, magnesium, iron, manganese and others).

The use of eyebright

The plant is used in alternative medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Eyebright preparations have the following actions:

• anti-inflammatory;
• enveloping;
• antispasmodic;
• painkiller;
• soothing;
• hypotensive.

Based on this, eyebright medicinal is used to treat the following diseases:

• colds, fever, bronchitis, asthma, cough;
• epilepsy;
• hernia, gout;
• swelling of the glands in the cervical region;
• diseases of the digestive system and problems with the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, constipation, hyperacidity, colitis, catarrh of the colon, etc.);
• liver disease;
• problems with the cardiovascular system, hypertension;
• headaches, hysteria;
• rheumatism;
• tumors, cancer, jaundice;
• sclerosis, absent-mindedness, slowing down of the thinking process;
• eczema and diathesis in children;
• and other skin diseases;
• prostate disease.

This plant by its action strengthens the body, tones the skin well, improves blood flow in the human brain. In addition, with regular use of eyebright, an increase in appetite is observed, and hair growth is stimulated.

Eyebright medicinal for the eyes

In alternative medicine, this plant is widely used to treat diseases of various etymologies:

• inflammation of the eyes, lacrimal sacs and eyelids;
• spots and clouding on the cornea;
• tumors and abscesses;
• rhinitis, barley, conjunctivitis;
• trachoma, glaucoma, cataract.

In addition, eyebright helps to cope with age-related changes in vision. Reviews of patients of the elderly category indicate its ability to perfectly eliminate eye fatigue. It should also be noted that this plant is prescribed as a therapy in the postoperative period, for the treatment of eye injuries.

Treatment of diseases with eyebright. Recipes

Various methods are used to treat diseases with the help of this plant. Eye diseases are treated with eyebright compresses or washings, powders and poultices are made for panaritiums, abscesses, cancer, warts, scrofula, dermatoses. In the case of theodermia, patients are prescribed eyebright baths. In cardiovascular diseases, to eliminate tobacco addiction, to increase appetite, it is recommended to use infusions from the plant internally.

Some eyebright recipes:

1. For the treatment of eye diseases: it is necessary to apply compresses to sore eyes. For this, 5 tbsp. l. without a slide, dry grass is steamed in a liter of boiling water. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to drink a glass of fresh milk daily along with lotions, where add about two grams of plant powder.
2. For the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract: in half a liter of boiling water, insist 3 tbsp. l. dry chopped eyebright. It is recommended to take such an infusion (strained) every 6 hours, 50 ml each.
3. Quit smoking helps rinsing the mouth three times a day with a tincture of the plant (50 g of dry grass is taken per liter of boiling water).
4. In case of impaired digestion and increased appetite, a special infusion helps very well, which is done as follows: 10 g of dry eyebright is infused in a glass of boiled water for about three hours. It is desirable to use the infusion in the morning, at lunchtime and before going to bed for half a glass (be sure to strain).
5. The following infusion remarkably relieves eye fatigue: in a glass container, it is necessary to brew about 50 g of ground dry leaves of the plant with 220 ml of alcohol (it is advisable to take 70%). It is infused for a week and a half, always in a cool place without sunlight. The infusion should be applied to cotton swabs and lightly wipe the eyes with them. The shelf life of such a medicine is about five years, if stored in the refrigerator.

Eyebright: collection and harvesting

The flowers and leaves of the plant are ideal for medicine. Harvesting them is carried out during the flowering period, that is, from June to early autumn (mid-September).

It is advisable to store the harvested eyebright grass in tightly closed jars, always in a dry place. It should be remembered that humidity has a negative effect on the dry raw materials of eyebright. You can also store the dried plant in paper bags.

The shelf life of such a medicinal preparation is no more than one year.

Contraindications to the use of the plant for medicinal purposes

Medicinal herb eyebright is not used for the treatment of diseases in the following cases:

• with individual intolerance to the body of this plant;
• when observing signs of hypotension, since the eyebright narrows the capillaries (water extract of the herb);
• with hypertension, the use of alcoholic tincture of eyebright is contraindicated;
• during pregnancy;
• with symptoms of anacid gastritis;
• with low acidity of the stomach, you should not take tinctures from the plant inside.

Eyebright is an excellent and effective remedy for combating many diseases. But it should be noted that it is still not advisable to prescribe it for the treatment of diseases on your own, without consulting a doctor. Only as part of complex therapy on the recommendation of a doctor, this plant will bring maximum benefit to the body.