Guardian of your eyes |
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Legend says that eyebright got its Latin name of Euphrasia from the Greek grace Euphrosyne (whose name means "joy"), as it brings overall happiness through its power of healing the eyes.
Traditionally, it is also called "eyes of the Mother of God", due to its being confirmed as an ideal natural remedy for eye problems, through many-centuries long tradition.
People have been using it for thousands of years. The alchemist Arnoldus Vllanovanus even dedicated a song of praise entitled "Vini Euphrasiati tantopere celebrati" to it, claiming it had restored sight to those long without it.
The scientist Hildamus believed it could improve eyesight even in those over 70 or 80 years old.
Eyebright is today an available and effective medicine for all those suffering from eye-related ailments and diseases, whether the matter in question is old age, infection or another cause.
Makeup and medicinal properties of eyebright
Eyebright contains glycoside rinantin, vitamin C, essential oils, resins, bitter substances and the acid eufrastan.
Traditional medicine recognized it a remedy which can aid in healing serious eye problems.
It soothes eye infections, accelerates healing, acts against viruses and bacteria in the eye, helps fight dry eye and eye pain.
It is effective against eye pressure and fatigue experienced after long periods spent behind a computer screen, in a drafty area or in a smoke-filled interior.
It brings relief and represents a natural alternative to conventional eye drops and other substances which are used in the treatment of eye problems.
It can also be effective against the following issues:
- eye infection
- allergic reactions
- iritis (inflammation of the iris)
- blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid)
- keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
- inflammation of the eyelids
- inflammation of the tear ducts
- short-sightedness
- dry eye or eye fatigue
- irritation - smoke, smog, eye fatigue due to prolonged computer use
- glaucoma and high eye pressure.
This medicinal plant, used by traditional medicine for centuries, is also applied in homeopathic approaches.
Homeopathy uses it in a water-based solution containing eyebright Euphrasia c30, for healing a watery eye discharge often accompanied by feelings of burning and pain after exposure to bright light.
Improves eyesight with tea and compresses
For the treatment of any and all eye-related problems, you have at your disposal the plant’s fresh juice or the dried eyebright variant.
The fresh juice can be used to make natural eye drops or as a compress.
The natural drops can be made in the following way: dilute fresh eyebright juice with distilled water and administer two drops to each eye.
The second way is to prepare a "tea bath" for rinsing out the eye, or as a compress.
Pour 2 dcl of boiling water over half a teaspoon of dried eyebright and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
Strain, and use the lukewarm tea to rinse your eye 2-3 times a day.
The lukewarm tea can also be used to make compresses. Leave them on your eye for approximately 5 minutes, or until you notice the compress has dried.
During nighttime, you may also leave the compress in place for longer. Always use freshly prepared tea.
If you have very sensitive eyes, dilute the tea with boiled, lukewarm water.
For the treatment of more severe infections, you may mix eyebright with marigold, chamomile or fennel, which will aid in the alleviation of symptoms and a quicker recovery.
In addition to this treatment, for the strengthening of the optical nerve, it is recommended to take a pinch (that which fits on the top of a knife blade) of ground dried eyebright 1-2 times a day orally (such as added to soup, perhaps).
Compresses for treating stye
Pour 250 ml of hot water over three spoonfuls of the plant and leave to sit for ten minutes, then strain.
Wrap the strained plants in gauze and place against the stye. Keep the compress in place for 5-7 minutes.
The warmth will help to clear the stye and accelerate the eye’s recovery.
Tea for enhancing eyesight
Pour 2 dcl of boiling water over two teaspoons of the dried plant and leave to sit, covered, for fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain.
Drink a cup of tea 3 times daily, making sure it’s always freshly brewed and unsweetened.
Effective against other health issues
Although it is most well-known for its treatment of eye-related ailments, eyebright also helps with respiratory problems such as bronchitis, rhinitis and the flu.
It helps with stomach pain and alleviates digestive issues. It is also recommended as a hay fever treatment, as it reduces eye watering, as well as burning and redness of the eyes.
It is effective against headaches, insomnia and anxiety. Eyebright’s effectiveness in the treatment of nicotine or alcohol poisoning, in which it alleviates the effect of toxins in the body, is not well known.
Caution
Eyebright should not be consumed in very large quantities, and it is thus important to adhere to recommended dosages and preparation advice.
When dealing with more severe ailments, certainly consult with a physician-phytotherapist before use.
Orally ingesting eyebright should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women, and those with gallbladder issues, acute stomach or duodenum ulcers, or liver disease.
Where to buy
Eyebright in tea-form can be found in our Alternative Webshop.
Sources used for this article include:
[url=http://www.val-znanje.com]http://www.val-znanje.com[/url]
[url=http://www.botanical.com]http://www.botanical.com[/url]
[url=http://www.dijetamesecevemene.com]http://www.dijetamesecevemene.com[/url]
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