Eyebright Herb Cut

Botanical Name: Euphrasia Officinalis

Common Name:

• English: 
• Also, known as: Bright-eye, Birds-eye, Augentrost, Casselunettes, Oogentroost, Eufrasia, Adhil.

Habitat: Europe, Northern and Western Asia and North America  

Origin: Bulgaria

Harvested: Wild or Cultivated

Parts Used: Entire plant                                                              

General Information:

Euphrasia Officinalis is an annual plant, grows two to eight inches tall. This is a very small plant that grows anywhere from ten to thirty cm. The stem is erect and wiry, either unbranched in smaller plants, or with several opposite branches in the taller plants. This little elegant plant, with deep cut leaves and white or purple blooms that have yellow variegations. The leaves, also, are sometimes almost round, and at other times pointed and narrow, their margins, however, always deeply cut into teeth. There are opposite branches on an erect stem with leaves that will be up to 1/2 an inch long.

Flowers are on terminal spokes with a two-lipped corolla. The flowers have a black center and purple streaks on the petals with a central yellow spot. Eyebright flowers are primarily white, or lilac with purple-veins. The corolla is two-lipped, its lower, tube-like portion being enclosed in a green calyx, tipped with four teeth. The upper lip is two-lobed and arches over the stamens forming a shelter-like structure. The lower lip is spreading and three-lobed, each lobe being notched. The seeds are in tiny flat capsules.

Eyebright is a semi-parasitic plant, meaning that it is nourished by the roots of other plants and that’s why needs to grow near grass. It is a member of the Figwort family of plants. Eyebright is a genus of about 450 species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Orobanchaceae.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
• You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.