Herb Directory

Eyebright, also known as Euphrasia, has an impressive history of healing.

Native to Europe, it boasts small, scallop-edged white flowers with yellow spots and a black center, resembling bloodshot human eyes. The Doctrine of Signatures, a sixteenth-century theory, associated its appearance with its ability to treat eye problems.

In the 1300s, herbalist Nicholas Culpeper mentioned eyebright, claiming it “straightened the brain.” While scientific evidence for its brain effects is lacking, it gained prominence for treating eye infections, coughs, sinus issues, hay fever, and sore throats. Eyebright was consumed as tea or even in ales called Eyebright Ale.

Today, it remains a topical remedy for redness, inflammation, and itchiness around the eyes.