Overview

Eyebright (Euphrasia rostkoviana) is an herb with small white or red flowers. It's traditionally used as medicine in Europe.

Eyebright contains chemicals that might reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

People use eyebright for hay fever, eye strain, common cold, cancer, cough, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse eyebright with clary sage, which is sometimes called clear eye. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for EYEBRIGHT overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Eyebright is commonly consumed in foods. It's used as a food flavoring in Europe. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if eyebright is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Side effects might include headache, nausea, and constipation.

When applied into the eye: Eyebright is possibly unsafe. It can be contaminated and cause eye infections. It might also cause tearing, itching, redness, vision problems, and other side effects.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Eyebright is commonly consumed in foods. It's used as a food flavoring in Europe. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if eyebright is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Side effects might include headache, nausea, and constipation.

When applied into the eye: Eyebright is possibly unsafe. It can be contaminated and cause eye infections. It might also cause tearing, itching, redness, vision problems, and other side effects.


Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if eyebright is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Eyebright might lower blood sugar in some people. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using eyebright at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with EYEBRIGHT

    Eyebright might lower blood sugar levels. Taking eyebright along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Traditionally, eyebright is used dried and as a tea. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of eyebright might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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