All Healing Herbs

Used since the Middle Ages primarily for treatment of the eyes and vision; also an herbal antibacterial related to chamomile and goldenseal but less potent; use internally and externally; make a tea of 1 teaspoon of herb to a cup of boiled water, use the strained cooled-to-body-temperature tea as an eyewash and drink the rest; eyebright tea bags—cooled to body temperature—can be used as an eye poultice; strengthens sight, aids weakness of the eyes, eyestrain, all eye irritations and swellings, sties, conjunctivitis, blepharitis (inflamed eyelids), redness, watery eyes, oversensitivity to light, aging eyes, and all eye discomforts; said to restore vision; often mixed with goldenseal for eyewashes; use three to four times a day; use also for upper respiratory system colds and infections, irritation of upper respiratory mucous membranes, bronchitis, coughs (can be smoked), sinusitis, nose, throat, esophagus, allergies, and hay fever; reduces mucus, tightens mucous membranes, reduces runny nose, aids headaches, strengthens memory and thinking ability; also use for herpes sores, running eczema sores, skin wounds. Antibacterial, antioxidant, antimucus, anti-inflammatory, astringent. Side effects include confusion, nausea, sweating, pressure in the eye, itchy eyes, tearing, light sensitivity, swollen eyelids, vision changes; some people who are allergic to ragweed may be allergic to eyebright; preparations for use in the eye should be made and kept as sterile as possible; not recommended after eye surgeries; no known drug interactions.