FEATURED HERB 2 OF 2 FEB 2014: EYEBRIGHT

Eyebright is an herb that we use the “whole above ground part” medicinally.  Eyebright is taken by mouth to treat swollen (inflamed) nasal passages, allergies, hay fever, common cold, bronchial conditions and inflamed sinuses (sinusitis).  It is also used for cancer, coughs, pink eye (conjunctivitis), earaches, epilepsy, headaches, hoarseness, inflammation, jaundice, runny nose, skin ailments and sore throat.

The eyes are considered the Windows of the Soul, and it is the liver that opens into the eyes. The Liver is like a “General of an Army” because it maintains evenness and harmony of movement throughout the body. When the Liver is harmonized and receives blood properly and plentifully, the eyes can see; many eye and vision disorders are liver-related. (Infertility is often an imbalance of the liver as well.) During physical activity the Liver allows the blood to move freely outward when the body needs blood for nourishment. During rest or inactivity the blood returns to and is stored in the Liver. When we have difficulty sleeping, or restless sleep, or wake unrested, it may partially be due to our Liver being out of balance and is unable to do its job fully. (Inquire about our Liver-Giver formula to remedy this.)

Eyebright can be applied directly to the eye in the form of a lotion, poultice, or eye bath to treat a variety of conditions including inflammation of the eyelids at the edge of the lashes (blepharitis), eye fatigue, inflammation of the blood vessels, and for "glued " and inflamed eyes.

Eyebright aids in stimulating the liver to clear the blood and relieve those conditions that affect clarity of vision and thought. In a formula, it should be taken liberally on a daily basis to treat all eye problems. For conjunctivitis, eye weakness, dry or tearing eyes, ophthalmia and other eye disease, the tea can be used as an eyewash and combined with goldenseal, rue or fennel.

Other herbs that invigorate and restore balance to the eyes: red raspberry, jaborandi (glaucoma), yellow marigold (c. officinalis) (glaucoma).

Some herbs that restore balance to the liver include: Burdock, Chaparral, Dandelion, Yellow Dock, Gentian, Prickly Ash Bark and Sassafras.  

You may have your favorite herbs for the eye irritation or dryness. Feel free to share, and if you want I'll post them.