Euphrasia
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 Euphrasia rostkoviana
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Euphrasia (eyebright) is a genus of about 451 species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Orobanchaceae (formerly treated in the family Scrophulariaceae), with a cosmopolitan distribution. They are semi-parasitic on grasses.
Many species are found in alpine or sub-alpine meadows where snow is common. Flowers usually are borne terminally, are zygomorphic, and have a lower petal shaped like a lip. The most common flower colours are purple, blue-white, and violet. Some species have yellow markings on the lower petal to act as a guide to pollinating insects.
Ethnobotany The common name Eyebright refers to the plant's use in treating eye conditions. An extract of the plant is used in herbal and homeopathic remedies for conjunctivitis.
Medicinal Use:
Also known as Euphrasia officinalis, Augentrostkraut, Euphraisiae herba, Euphrasia, Euphrasia officinalis. Eurphrasia rostkoviana, Herbed Euphraise.
Parts used include the leaf, the stem, and small pieces of the flowers.
Typical Preparations Warm compress or tea. Also convenient as an extract or capsule.
Summary Herbalists use eyebright as a poultice with or with concurrent administration of a tea for the redness, swelling, and visual disturbances caused by blepharitis and conjunctivitis. The herb is also used for eyestrain and to relieve inflammation caused by colds, coughs, sinus infections, and sore throats.
Precautions The safety of this herb during pregnancy and lactation is not proven.
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