Eyebright

EYEBRIGHT | EUFRASIA

Eyebright, also known as Euphrasia, eufrasia, or that dainty little wildflower with a name that sounds like a spell. This modest meadow herb has been used for centuries across Europe and beyond to support eye health, mental clarity, and spiritual insight. And while it’s delicate in appearance, its impact is sharp- this is a plant of clear vision, focused energy, and luminous awareness.

Eyebright’s name gives it away. The genus Euphrasia comes from the Greek word euphrosyne, meaning joy or gladness, and was also the name of a Greek goddess of mirth- because seeing clearly, in every sense, brings lightness to the spirit. In medieval European herbalism, eyebright was revered as a remedy for eye strain, inflammation, and poor vision, earning it nicknames like “eye-brightening herb” and “clear eye.” Its use was so widespread that by the 14th century, it was commonly prescribed by monastic healers, village wise women, and apothecaries across Britain, Germany, and Italy.

Eyebright was often used in the form of infusions, compresses, and washes- applied directly to tired, red, or weepy eyes. In some folk traditions, it was believed to restore failing eyesight, especially when vision problems were related to overwork, grief, or internal fog. It was also steeped in symbolic medicine- used to promote “inner vision,” clarity of thought, and spiritual perception. Think of it as a third-eye remedy, just as much as a physical one.

The famed 16th-century physician Nicholas Culpeper wrote about eyebright with high praise, noting its value for the eyes and aligning it astrologically with the sun- a plant that brings brightness and lucidity. In some traditions, it was also combined with herbs like fennel, goldenseal, or chamomile to create soothing blends for the eyes and sinuses.

Eyebright made its way into homeopathy and Western naturopathic traditions as well. Homeopaths still use Euphrasia for watery eyes, seasonal allergies, and mild conjunctivitis. In Spanish-language herbalism and Latin American traditions, eufrasia is included in digestive, liver, and vision-supportive formulas, sometimes used alongside herbs like yerba del sapo or manzanilla to restore balance after long periods of stress or eye strain.

Today, eyebright remains a popular herb for eye health, allergy relief, and mental focus. It's found in herbal eyewashes, teas, capsules, and homeopathic remedies. And while research on its effectiveness is still emerging, traditional use, passed down through generations, holds powerful insight- eyebright isn’t just about physical eyesight, it’s about perception, lightness, and the ability to see clearly in complex times. A reminder that healing doesn’t always shout—sometimes it just helps you see what was already there.

Medicinal Uses of Eyebright / Eufrasia

Reduces Eye Inflammation

• Used topically as an eyewash, compress, or infused rinse to soothe redness, swelling, and irritation

Relieves Eye Strain and Fatigue

• Traditionally used for tired, overworked eyes—especially from screen time, reading, or bright light exposure

Supports Conjunctivitis Relief

• Used as a natural remedy for pink eye or mild eye infections, particularly in the form of cooled tea compresses

Watery, Itchy, or Dry Eyes

• Helps balance tear production in cases of dry eyes or excessive tearing, especially when triggered by allergies

Natural Antihistamine-Like Action

• Reduces seasonal allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and sinus congestion

• Often used in formulas for hay fever and environmental allergies

Relieves Sinus Pressure and Mucus

• Mild astringent and anti-inflammatory properties help clear sinus congestion, especially when combined with herbs like goldenseal or chamomile

Supports Focus and Mental Clarity

• Folk herbalists use eyebright to "clear mental fog" and support alertness, especially when the mind feels heavy or distracted

• Sometimes used in tea blends for study support or during meditation

Promotes Inner Vision and Insight

• In symbolic herbalism, eyebright is associated with intuition, discernment, and the ability to "see clearly" during confusion or emotional overwhelm

• Included in spiritual teas and energetic cleanses

Common Preparations

• Eyewash or compress: Cooled infusion of the herb used topically for eye irritation

• Tea (infusion): For allergies, sinus issues, and focus

• Tincture or glycerite: Taken internally for long-term allergy or eye support

• Homeopathic Euphrasia: Often used in pellets or eye drops for allergies and mild conjunctivitis