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Irish Eyebright

Euphrasia salisburgensis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Orobanchaceae (Broomrape)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
12 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, grassland, rocky places, sand dunes, sea cliffs, seaside.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
2 lipped flowers with purple streaks and a yellow centre.
Fruit:
A dry fruit, splitting open when ripe. The fruits are almost hairless, unlike most other Eyebright species.
Leaves:
Small oval leaves which are deeply toothed and appear along the stems in opposite pairs. The leaves and stems are bronze-tinged. Irish Eyebright can be found growing close to Wild Thyme (Thymus polytrichus) on which the plant is semi-parasitic. Annual.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Euphrasia salisburgensis is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to the alpine regions of Central Europe, including Salzburg, Austria, from which it gets its name. The plant is a perennial herb with small, violet-colored flowers that bloom in the summer. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including eye infections, colds, and respiratory problems.

Blog

Irish Eyebright: The Healing Herb

Irish Eyebright, also known as Euphrasia salisburgensis, is a small, delicate herb that has been used for centuries to treat various eye conditions. The plant, which is native to the meadows and pastures of Europe and Asia, has earned its reputation as a natural remedy for eye problems due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

The herb gets its name from the traditional belief that it could help improve vision and treat eye infections and irritations. Historically, Irish Eyebright was often mixed with other ingredients to make eye drops or was used to make a tea that was applied to the eyes. In the past, people also believed that the herb could cure eye problems caused by witchcraft or evil spirits.

The active compounds in Irish Eyebright include tannins, flavonoids, and iridoid glycosides. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, making the herb an effective treatment for a wide range of eye problems, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and styes.

In addition to its benefits for the eyes, Irish Eyebright is also used to treat other health problems, such as headaches, sinusitis, and respiratory infections. The herb is also believed to have a calming effect and has been used to treat anxiety and depression.

It is important to note that while Irish Eyebright is considered safe for most people, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. People who are allergic to plants in the same family as Irish Eyebright, such as ragweed or daisies, may also experience an allergic reaction to the herb.

Irish Eyebright is a powerful and versatile herb that has been used for centuries to treat various eye problems and other health conditions. Whether used as a tea, eye drop, or in other forms, Irish Eyebright has the potential to provide natural relief and promote overall health and wellness. If you are looking for a natural remedy for eye problems or other health conditions, consider giving Irish Eyebright a try.

Another benefit of Irish Eyebright is its ability to help improve visual acuity. This herb has been used for centuries to help improve eyesight and reduce the symptoms of nearsightedness and farsightedness. Some studies have shown that the iridoid glycosides found in Irish Eyebright can help improve the blood flow to the eyes, which in turn can improve visual acuity and reduce eye strain.

Irish Eyebright is also commonly used as a natural remedy for dry eye syndrome. This condition is caused by a lack of tear production or tear evaporation, leading to dry and itchy eyes. The anti-inflammatory properties of Irish Eyebright can help soothe and lubricate the eyes, reducing the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

If you are interested in using Irish Eyebright as a natural remedy for your eye problems, there are several different forms that you can use. The herb is available in teas, tinctures, and supplements, as well as eye drops. Before using any form of Irish Eyebright, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.

In addition to its benefits for the eyes, Irish Eyebright is also used to help improve overall health and wellness. The herb is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have a positive impact on the immune system, helping to protect against disease and infection. The flavonoids in Irish Eyebright are also believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation throughout the body and promoting overall health.

Irish Eyebright is a versatile and powerful herb that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of eye problems and other health conditions. With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Irish Eyebright has the potential to provide natural relief and improve overall health and wellness. Whether you are looking for a natural remedy for dry eye syndrome, visual acuity problems, or other health conditions, consider giving Irish Eyebright a try.

Another important aspect to consider when using Irish Eyebright is how to harvest and prepare the herb. Irish Eyebright grows in meadows and pastures, and the best time to harvest the herb is during the summer months when it is in full bloom. When harvesting Irish Eyebright, it is important to only take what you need and to leave some of the plant intact so that it can continue to grow and thrive.

To prepare Irish Eyebright, you can use the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To make a tea, simply steep a handful of fresh or dried Irish Eyebright in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. The tea can then be applied directly to the eyes as a compress, or it can be consumed orally to help with other health problems.

If you prefer to use Irish Eyebright in supplement form, you can find it in tinctures, capsules, and tablets. These supplements are typically standardized to contain a specific amount of the active compounds in the herb, making it easier to get the desired benefits.

It is important to note that while Irish Eyebright is generally considered safe for most people, there have been some reports of adverse side effects, such as skin irritation, when using the herb in high doses. It is also not recommended for use in individuals with allergies to plants in the same family, such as ragweed or daisies.

In conclusion, Irish Eyebright is a powerful and versatile herb that has been used for centuries to treat various eye problems and other health conditions. With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Irish Eyebright has the potential to provide natural relief and promote overall health and wellness. Whether you choose to use Irish Eyebright as a tea, tincture, or supplement, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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