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Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an annual plant that grows wild in meadows, grassy areas, in northern and western Asia, North America, and Europe (Britain). It belongs to the Scrophulariaceae plant family, which also includes the foxglove plant.

 Health Benefits

Eyebright contains vitamins A, C, D, and B complex; iron; silicon; and traces of iodine, copper, and zinc. Other components of eyebright include tannins, iridoid glycosides, the flavonoids rutin and quercetin, essential fatty acids, choline, and volatile oil.

During disorders such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis of the eyes, the eyebright seems to be able to reduce inflammation in the eyes due to its ability in tightening the mucous membranes around the eyes.

For this reason, the herbal remedies made from the eyebright are often used in the treatment of infectious and allergic reactions affecting the eye as its ability to counter the mucus accumulations enables it to help in reducing inflammation. The remedies made from the eyebright are used in the treatment of conditions affecting the eyes, problems affecting the middle ear, disorders in the sinuses, and in treating mucous accumulations in the nasal passages of patients.

  Side Effects

Side effects of topical eyebright may include itchiness, increased sensitivity to light, swollen eyelids, changes in vision, watery eyes, or changes in eye pressure. Nausea, sweating and confusion have also been reported with oral eyebright use.