Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an herb that commonly grows in Europe, Asia, and North America. The Greek name for Eyebright is Euphrasia, which means gladness, referring to how you may feel if the herb restores your eye health. Eyebright is an herb with a long history of medicinal use, particularly for eye ailments. It's available as a tea, dietary supplement, and eye drops. Though preliminary evidence suggests that eyebright may benefit inflamed, irritated eyes, more high-quality human studies are needed. A test-tube study found that an eye drop containing eyebright and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helped protect cornea cells from sun-related inflammation and damage.
- Support skin health.
- Lower blood sugar.
- Soothe colds and coughs.
- Fight harmful bacteria.
- Protect the liver.
Don’t use homemade, topical eye treatments made with eyebright, as they’re not sterile. Eyebright should be used with caution if you have diabetes, as combining the herb with diabetes medication may result in low blood sugar.