Eyebright: medicinal properties and contraindications

Medicinal plant eyebright is known throughout Europe and in some Asian countries as a powerful remedy for a number of diseases. It is highly valued because it has a pronounced therapeutic effect in diseases of the eyes, stomach, skin. There are several varieties of this herb, but not all of them are equally useful. To use the healing power of the plant, it is important to know how it looks like, what exactly is useful and how to use it correctly.

Chemical Composition

Austrian scientist R.Wettstein was the first to distinguish the species of eyebright in 1896. But until now this plant is the object of interest of scientists. Practice shows that it has a powerful therapeutic potential, which to this day has not been fully explored. But even that information, which has already been obtained by science, is enough to know the peculiarities of the chemical composition of plant raw materials and their effect on the human body. Through analysis and research, scientists have been able to find out that the herb contains the following components:

• glycosides;
• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• lignans;
• aucubin;
• catalol;
• tannins;
• bitterness;
• anthocyanins;
• coumarins;
• zinc;
• manganese;
• copper;
• iron;
• potassium;
• silicon;
• chromium;
• organic acids.

This list of substances in combination has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, cleanses blood vessels and strengthens them. Due to the synergy effect, the total effect of all components is higher than that of each one separately. Therefore it is such a set of components and their high concentration provides a pronounced therapeutic effect. This allows the use of the herb in the treatment of chronic and acute diseases.

How it looks and where it grows

The species is a member of the genus Leafjack, in the family Zarazichaceae. This species has pronounced medicinal properties and is universally used for the treatment of various diseases. This herbaceous plant has an annual cycle of development, propagated by seeds. Botanical characteristics:

• The maximum height of the plant is up to 20 cm;
• stems are foliated;
• leaves are deep green with serrated edges, small
• inflorescences asymmetrical, axillary, milky white with a yellow core.

After flowering, small seeded fruits are formed. The timing of flowering does not always coincide in different regions. In Russia the plant is widespread in all regions, but in the southern part the flowering phase becomes active in late June, and in the northern part you can admire the unfolded inflorescences and start collecting raw material only in August. Look for eyebright in the fields, on the edges of forests, it proliferates and survives other plant species along paths in plantings and groves.

It is possible to grow eyebright at home, but to do this, it is necessary to collect the seeds in time, when they are well mature. In the middle belt, this occurs around the first half of September. Seeds should be left in a freezer for the winter, where they will undergo stratification and get rid of possible diseases, which infect many wild plants.

Under the cultivation of eyebright should choose a separate site, preferably away from the main plantings. The fact is that this parasitic plant can lead to the destruction of vegetable crops. Moreover, the eyebright sprouts and takes over new territories quite quickly, multiplying by self-sowing. You need to watch out for this and cut the grass in time during the flowering period, before the wind disperses the seeds. It does not require soil, but grows better on loams with neutral acidity.

Collection and storage

Carry out the collection of herbal raw materials should be strictly according to the rules. Failure to take precautions or to meet harvesting deadlines will result in the herb being useless or even dangerous. Here are the basic rules regarding harvesting:

1. It is strictly forbidden to cut plants along trails and industrial facilities, as they accumulate harmful and carcinogenic toxins.
2. The collection should be made in the morning in sunny weather, as soon as the dew has dried on the grass.
3. To harvest the herb you should use only clean containers and work with gloves, because you can not wash the raw material before drying.

The beginning of flowering of eyebright falls in the second half of summer. The best time to collect the raw material is August. In September you can also cut the herb, but you need to choose the most weatherful periods. It is important that before collecting for 5-6 days there was no rain. Here are step by step instructions for harvesting:

1. Cut the above-ground part of the plant, without roots.
2. Put in small bundles and tie with natural wool or cotton thread.
3. Tie the inflorescences down in the attic or under a shed to let the raw material dry.
4. Make sure that the grass is not exposed to direct sunlight and that there is no excessive humidity.

Fully dried herb chop with scissors and put in a dry container for storage. To preserve the healing properties and aroma of the plant, you need to hermetically close the container. Glass and tin cans are good for this purpose. Not desirable to use for storage of plastic and cloth bags. In a synthetic container plant raw materials can absorb toxic substances, and in the tissue it will evaporate essential oils and become less effective for the treatment.

You can also wait until the end of flowering and collect the seeds. They are used to make oil, which is used in cosmetology and treatment of skin diseases. The seeds can be steeped in boiling water and drunk for gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer and flatulence. They accumulate fats and fatty acids that stimulate tissue regeneration and heal wounds. Also, these components help strengthen and restore the nervous system after stress and great emotional or mental stress.

The maximum storage time is 2 years. To preserve all the valuable properties of the herb for such a long period, it is important to organize suitable conditions:

1. Nothing that gives off a pungent odor should be present in the room.
2. Medicinal raw materials should be stored in a warm place, where there are no frequent changes in temperature.
3. It is important to protect the herb from direct sunlight.

Of course, it is worth hiding away harvested raw materials, if there are children or animals in the house. Improper use is fraught with negative consequences for the body and poisoning.

Medicinal properties of eyebright herb

Properly collected and harvested herb has a pronounced therapeutic effect. To get the maximum benefit from its use, it is important to know in what situations it helps to overcome health problems. Listed below are the useful properties of this plant, which to date has managed to identify science.

1. The anti-inflammatory effect is pronounced in both external and internal application. Due to the presence of flavonoids and coumarins, herbal remedies soothe and relieve inflammation in infectious diseases and allergic reactions.
2. The antibacterial effect is only pronounced when applied topically. The herb is effective against skin infections caused by pathogenic microflora. Also when taken orally, the herb infusion destroys Helicobacter (the bacterium that causes gastritis), and some types of intestinal infections.
3. Hypotonic action is used to lower blood pressure in hypertension.
4. Diuretic effect is used to quickly remove excess fluid from the body, as well as to cleanse the kidneys.
5. The diuretic properties of the herb are due to the presence of bitterness in its composition. This feature is used when there is stagnation in the liver and gallbladder.
6. The anti-coughing effect of eyebright is used for acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs. Infusion and tea from the herb liquefies phlegm and speeds up the expulsion.
7. Hepatoprotective effect of eyebright is known even in traditional medicine, so the herb is recommended for use in gatherings with chronic liver diseases. It stimulates the regeneration of hepatocytes (liver cells), normalizes metabolism, prevents the development of cirrhosis in viral hepatitis.
8. Mild laxative effect will help quickly clear the intestines, normalize digestion and flush out of the body of accumulated toxins.
9. Eyebright normalizes the release of enzymes necessary for complete digestion and assimilation of food, so it is used immediately before a meal.
10. Eyebright helps to cope with nicotine addiction and is used for additional purification of the lungs from tar and heavy metals that accumulate in the body over many years of bad habits.
11. Soothing effect of eyebright is also used for inflammation and eye fatigue. The complex of biologically active components helps in the presence of boils, inflammation of the mucous membranes. Moreover, eyebright when applied internally normalizes the function of the optic nerve and muscles, strengthens the eyeball and lens, due to which you can achieve vision restoration.

As you can see, eyebright is a powerful natural remedy that can support the body, stimulate its recovery, as well as provide protection from various diseases.

The use of eyebright in folk medicine

Eyebright is one of the most effective herbs for diseases of the eye, respiratory system and digestive tract. It can be used alone or complemented by other varieties of medicinal plants to enhance the effect. The treatment regimen, recipes, and combinations of the herb with other ingredients are different for different diseases.

Eye diseases

Eyebright is also popularly called "eye herb", as it helps to cope with diseases affecting this part of the body. Important rules of application:

• Make sure that there is no allergic reaction;
• Treat your hands with an antiseptic before use;
• For compresses use only sterile bandages.

Infusion for compresses is prepared in a clean container of 200 ml of water and 1 tablespoon of grass. In case of mucous membrane inflammation, redness and fatigue, cold compresses should be made. If the eyes are affected by a bacterial infection, a warm infusion may be used. The compress is applied for 10 minutes, 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is from 2 to 8 weeks.

To enhance the effect of local application, it is recommended to use tea from eyebright internally, ½ cup 3 times a day. Drops can be prepared to wet and rinse the eyes according to this recipe:

• 1 teaspoon of chamomile;
• A pinch of fennel seeds;
• 1 tablespoon of eyebright;
• 200 ml of boiling water.

Pour the mixture of herbs and infuse under a closed lid until completely cool. Use the liquid to rinse the eyes with a syringe. You can just wipe your eyelids with a cotton pad soaked in the infusion, 4-5 times a day.

With gastritis and colitis.

Diseases of the stomach can be treated with an alcohol or vodka tincture of the herb. The dosage differs depending on the type of remedy:

• on alcohol - 20 drops 3 times a day for 3 weeks;
• on vodka - 30 ml 3 times a day for 1 month.

Receiving the drug is carried out strictly 10-15 minutes before a meal. It is necessary to combine treatment with a diet - avoid sour, fried, spicy and fatty foods.

With hepatitis

Eyebright is effective in viral and toxic hepatitis, but only at those stages when the liver function is fully preserved. Relevant reception with minor liver dysfunction. In the case of acute hepatitis, it is necessary to stop taking it for a while, since there is a risk of worsening of the condition. After achieving remission, treatment can be resumed. For the treatment of hepatitis, a regimen designed for 6 months is used:

1. Three times daily intake of eyebright powder by ½ teaspoonful for 2 months.
2. 1 month break.
3. Twice daily intake of 50 ml of infusion for 2 months.
4. One time intake of 50 ml of water infusion for the remaining 30 days.

Two months after the completion of the first stage it is necessary to undergo diagnostics to determine how the drug works, undergo an ultrasound of the abdominal organs, as well as perform a biochemical blood test.

Hepatitis is a chronic disease with a sluggish inflammatory process, so you should not rely only on the herb. It is necessary to use it in conjunction with the main therapy as an adjuvant.

In diseases of the bronchi and lungs

With chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and lingering cough, decoction is used for inhalations and ingestion. To prepare the broth, you need to take 2 tablespoons of grass and pour 500 ml of cold water. Boil under a closed lid over low heat, when it boils, wait 3 minutes and turn off. Breathe steam infusion 3 times a day, but do not go out after the procedure in the cold air for 2 hours. Therefore, to cure a cough, you need to properly schedule your time.

Inside take the same decoction, but drink it in small portions - 40 ml, every 3-4 hours. During treatment, it is desirable to avoid contact with cold air and be sure to drink plenty of fluids to thin the sputum.

Bronchial asthma is a dangerous condition in which any herbal remedy can cause a severe allergic reaction up to laryngeal edema, which can lead to respiratory failure. It is also dangerous to use the herb in bronchospasm. Eyebright is effective for such conditions, but before using it, you need to test for allergies and consult with your doctor.

In skin diseases

Skin infectious or allergic dermatitis, furunculosis and inflammation are best treated locally. You can use decoction of eyebright for this purpose. There are three types of procedures using this medicinal raw material, which are effective in the treatment of skin diseases:

• wipes;
• compresses;
• baths.

If there is a pronounced, acute inflammation or boils, prolonged contact with moisture is contraindicated, so it is better to use an alcoholic tincture or to wipe with an aqueous decoction. If there are long unhealed sores, irritation and mild inflammation, you can take a bath with an infusion of the herb - 100 grams per 3 liters of water.

When nicotine addiction.

Due to the ability to influence the human nervous system, the herb can be used by those who want to quit smoking. But it is important to understand that it is not a panacea. Eyebright only helps to normalize the state in the period of refusal and cope with the compulsive desire to return to the addiction.

To treat smoking addiction, a strong infusion of eyebright in pure form is used, it cannot be diluted with water. Prepare an infusion of 250 ml of boiling water and 3 tablespoons of herbs. You need to drink it 1 tablespoon before meals for 3 weeks. During this time, the body will be cleansed, and the desire to smoke will pass.

To achieve the maximum effect, you can use a mixture of two herbs:

• Thyme (inflorescences);
• eyebright.

Mix herbal raw materials in equal proportions, brew in the same concentration - for 250 ml 3 tablespoons. Infuse and strain, store in the refrigerator. Drink for 3-4 weeks. It is also important during the treatment to avoid temptation and not to contact with smoking people. If during the day there is a strong desire to smoke a cigarette, it is worth chewing a pinch of dry herbal powder.

Cosmetic Uses

The abilities of eyebright have been known to women since antiquity. In the old days, there were not a lot of caring cosmetics for the beauty of skin and hair, so our ancestors had to use only the power of nature. The eyebright herb can still help you look attractive today if you use it to care for your appearance. This herb can solve problems such as:

• Acne, acne;
• Scaling and inflammation of the skin;
• enlarged and clogged pores;
• Loss of skin elasticity;
• dandruff;
• baldness;
• weakening of the hair follicle;
• Slow hair growth;
• couperose.

To use the power of this herb, you can adopt several classic recipes and methods of application.

1. With acne, it is useful to use decoction of eyebright to wipe the face every 4-5 hours. For the duration of the treatment, you need to give up decorative cosmetics.
2. Flaky skin and tendency to inflammation is better treated with an oil ointment from eyebright. You need to infuse 3 tablespoons of raw materials in olive oil for 21 days, and then strain and apply twice a day.
3. If pores are clogged, you should steam your face with an infusion of the herb, and then wipe with a cotton pad soaked in alcoholic tincture. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a week.
4. There are two ways to restore healthy skin turgor. Wipe your face twice a day with ice cubes made from a strong infusion of the herb. Instead of ice, you can use just a chilled liquid, applying it to the skin with a cotton pad.
5. From dandruff infusion is used to rinse hair. It must be prepared immediately before use - take 2 tablespoons of raw materials for 1 liter of boiling water and insist for 30 minutes. Use every evening for 2 weeks.
6. You can stop hair loss with a mask of 1 tablespoon of honey, the same amount of castor oil and 30 drops of alcohol tincture. Sustain the mask for 1 hour, repeat every 3 days. The same recipe is effective for weakened hair follicles, to treat dull and damaged hair.
7. To stimulate hair growth and make it healthier, you need to use the following mask: 1 teaspoon of turmeric, egg yolk, 30 drops of infusion, 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Rub into the roots of the hair and leave for 20 minutes, repeat every other day.
8. When couperose effective use cold compresses of the infusion. You need to apply a bandage soaked in broth water for 10-15 minutes every evening for 30 days.

All these recipes are equally good, but only if a person is not allergic to the plant or other components of medicines. Otherwise, they will only harm health, appearance and create additional problems that are not always easy to eliminate.

Types of herbal preparations with eyebright

It is possible to prepare medicines from eyebright at home. To do this, you need to know the basic recipes and proportions. Otherwise the remedies will be too strong or will not have the right concentration of active ingredients. Do not experiment with your health, it is better to choose for the preparation of therapeutic compositions classic recipes, time-tested and proven to be safe and effective.

Infusion

Aqueous infusion - a liquid dosage form, which contains up to 40-50% of the active components from plant raw materials. In this form, it can be taken by absolutely everyone, even those who have been diagnosed with liver disease (in the presence of such problems, the use of alcohol and vodka tinctures is strictly contraindicated).

The recipe for cooking is simple and fast - brew a cup of boiling water with 1 teaspoon (with a slide) of plant raw materials, cover the container with a lid. The cooking time of such a remedy - 30 minutes. After that, take a fine sieve or gauze, strain the liquid so that there is no residue of raw materials, and divide the resulting medicine into 3 portions. Prepare this infusion daily, and store it for a day in the refrigerator. Before using, bring the liquid to room temperature. The infusion helps with such pathologies:

• Fatty liver disease (a course of 21 days together with a diet);
• Psoriasis (3 courses and a half weeks with a break for 2-3 days);
• Allergic skin reactions - topically for rubbing and compresses for 2-3 times a day;
• gastritis (for 7-10 days before each meal, 50 ml;)
• Eye inflammation (compresses 2 times a day).

Infusion can be prepared in a thermos. The proportions must be observed - to take 1 teaspoon of grass in a cup of 200 ml. That is, if the thermos is 0.5 liters, you need to pour into it 2.5 teaspoons of raw materials.

Tincture

Alcoholic tincture is a type of medicine, in which it is possible to extract the maximum of valuable substances from the raw material, up to 80%. Alcohol is an organic solvent that breaks down the constituents of the herb on a molecular level, so for the treatment of severe diseases that require an increased dosage of active substances, it is best to use an alcoholic tincture.

Here is what is needed to prepare this type of medicine:

• 200 ml of medical alcohol;
• 2 tablespoons of medicinal dry raw materials;
• A dark glass bottle with an airtight lid.

Pour the herb into a container, pour the alcohol and leave in a dark place for 2 weeks, shaken every 3 days. After this herbal raw material has nothing useful left, so the tincture must be filtered into a clean container and cover. Drink 20 drops before each meal, but the course should not be longer than 30 days. Such a tincture can be stored no longer than 2 years, but if in the process of use a sediment appears, you need to stand the liquid and gently filter it through several layers of gauze or a cotton filter.

Decoction

Decoction can be prepared at once for 3 days, if there is a need for regular intake. But you need to know how to prepare it correctly, so as not to spoil the raw material. The fact is that the composition of the herb includes such substances that quickly volatilize with the evaporation of liquid. Therefore, the decoction should be prepared strictly under a closed lid and insist the same way. Decoction is stored in the refrigerator in a closed bottle. Do not use it if there was an unpleasant smell. The maximum storage period - 4-5 days.

Tea

From the herb you can also prepare an aromatic tea, which has a subtle flavor and aroma. This is the safest kind of medicine, since the concentration of active substances is quite low. The duration of treatment with tea is from 10 days to 2 months. This dosage form is effective for the following diseases:

• chronic bronchitis;
• sore throat;
• ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS;
• pneumonia;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• hypertension;
• edema;
• cholecystitis.

Tea is made from ½ spoon of raw materials, which should be poured over boiling water and infused for 3-5 minutes. You can boil herbal raw materials. Tea for colds, viral and bacterial infections can be taken with honey, lemon and grated ginger root to enhance the effect. The rules of tea use:

• quantity - 150 ml at 1 reception;
• Time - 15 minutes before a meal;
• Frequency of use - 3-5 times a day.

It is important to combine the reception of tea with plenty of fluids, because it has a pronounced diuretic effect. Loss of fluid in diseases is dangerous to the body, because homeostasis and water-salt balance is disturbed, toxins accumulate in the body.

Drugs based on eyebright

For decades, the pharmaceutical industry has been using extracts of eyebright extracts as the main ingredient for drugs.

1. Bilberry-F is a remedy for eyesight restoration, in which extracts of two medicinal plants are combined. Blueberry complements the properties of eyebright.
2. Eyebright in capsules - a drug that is designed for long-term treatment of eye diseases, helps restore vision for myopia.
3. Faurin - eye drops used for conjunctivitis and infectious eye disease.
4. Star Eyebright - capsules in which the herb extract is supplemented with vitamins that restore vision.

Any eye medication should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Self-treatment is dangerous and fraught with negative consequences for the whole body. Before using pharmaceuticals, it is necessary to study the instructions in detail and pay attention to the list of contraindications - each drug has different ones, since auxiliary components are used.

Contraindications to use

If you use incorrectly herbal remedies or pharmacy preparations on the basis of eyebright, you can harm your health. Therefore, it is important to know in which cases the use of this herb is contraindicated.

1. Pregnancy is a period when it is better to refrain from taking internal preparations and remedies based on the herb. Outwardly, you can use the plant, but only with the permission of a doctor.
2. Breastfeeding - this is one of the stages when it is better to completely exclude the use of herbal raw materials and preparations of eyebright. The fact is that the active components included in the herb are able to penetrate into the mother's milk, and along with it in the body of the child. This is dangerous for severe allergic reactions and other negative consequences.
3. If gastritis with reduced acidity is detected, this is also a reason to refuse to take oral remedies based on the herb. It further depresses the secretion of gastric juice, due to which there may be failures in digestion and painful sensations.
4. Hypotension is another categorical contraindication. The use of medicines or home remedies, which include eyebright, can sharply lower blood pressure, which can even provoke a disturbance of heart activity and fainting.
5. Exacerbation of cholelithiasis, accompanied by blockage of the bile ducts, is also a reason to cancel the intake of herbs. The fact is that the components of the plant stimulate the secretion of bile, and if the ducts are blocked, it can not come out normally, which is dangerous for bladder rupture and peritonitis.
6. Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to herbal raw materials is also a reason to refuse to use them. To identify the presence of an allergy, it is sufficient to test the herbal remedies on an area of sensitive skin on the wrist - apply and wait 30-40 minutes. If the skin turns red or itching occurs - you can not use such medicines.

It is also forbidden to use Eyebright in pediatric patients under the age of three. Older children can use products based on eyebright, but only after consulting with a pediatrician and a specialist in phytotherapy.

Eyebright is a medicinal plant for many diseases. If you use it correctly, in the absence of contraindications, you can significantly speed up the process of recovery of the body and protect it from the negative consequences of diseases.

Photo of eyebright