Eyebright
Eyebright has been used medicinally for centuries; Theophrastus (c. 372-287 B.C.) and Dioscorides (l8th Century) prescribed infusions for topical application in the treatment of eye infections. The plant is used in homeopathic remedies to treat conjunctivitis and other ocular inflammations. Major components include a glycoside (aucuboside), a tannin (aucubin), caffeic and ferulic acids, sterols, choline, basic compounds, and a volatile oil. Eyebright also contains vitamins A and C. It’s available in capsules.
Reported uses
Eyebright is used topically in the form of lotions, poultices, and eye baths for ophthalmic disorders, including treatment of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, sties, and eye fatigue. It’s also used internally for coughs, hoarseness, and respiratory infections.
Administration
- Capsules, tablets: 1 to 2 capsules or tablets by mouth three times a day
- Liquid extract (alcohol free): 1 to 2 ml(28 to 56 gtt) by mouth three times a day
- Liquid extract (25% alcohol): 2 to 4 ml (40 to 80 gtt) by mouth three times a day
- Tea (for infusion, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of finely cut herb in 6 oz of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes; for decoction, boil 1 to 2 tsp of finely cut herb in 6 to 8 oz of boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes): Up to three times a day by mouth
- Tincture (45% alcohol): 2 to 6 ml (12 to 1 tsp) by mouth three times a day.
Hazards
Side effects may include confusion, cephalgia, insomnia, weakness, sneezing, toothache, hoarseness, stomach upset, polyuria, cough, dyspnea, diaphoresis, yawning, and intense pressure in the eyes with tearing, itching, redness, swelling, photophobia, and changes in vision. Use with disulfiram or metronidazole may precipitate a disulfiram-like reaction. Use with alcohol may lead to enhanced central nervous system effects.
Pregnant and breast-feeding patients and children should avoid use. Patients with ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma should also avoid use.
Safety Risk Ophthalmic use of eyebright is strongly discouraged.
Clinical considerations
- Warn patient not to treat symptoms of ophthalmic disorders with eyebright before seeking appropriate medical evaluation because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.
- Advise patients with glaucoma to avoid use.
- Many tinctures contain between 25% and 45% alcohol and thus shouldn’t be used by alcoholic patients, those with liver disease, or those taking disulfiram, metronidazole, a benzodiazepine or a barbiturate.
- Caution patient not to apply eyebright directly to his eye because the sterility of the products can’t be guaranteed.
- Tell patient that if he has trouble breathing or develops hives, or if his skin is itchy or swollen or breaks out in a rash, to stop taking this herb and contact his health care provider immediately.
- Instruct patient to keep the herb away from children and pets.
- Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
Although many believe that eyebright has antibacterial and astringent properties, none of the chemical components has been associated with a significant therapeutic effect. The German Commission E recommends against the use of eyebright for therapeutic purposes.
Simon Slade is an online auction enthusiast and entrepreneur. In his spare time, Mr. Slade enjoys hiking, sports and fitness.
Tagged under:conjunctivitis dioscorides eye infections eyebright ferulic Herbs hoarseness volatile oil Posted by editor on March 5th, 2008 | Filed under Herbs
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