Goals: Eyes, Antioxidants, Inflammation and Antihistamine Properties, Heart Health
History: Eyebright has a rich history dating back centuries. Greek philosopher Theophrastus (371-287 BC) and physician Dioscorides (AD 40-90) both recognized its potential for treating eye infections. In traditional African American herbal medicine, eyebright was valued, and it has been used in homeopathy to address conjunctivitis and other ocular inflammations. Even in the Elizabethan era, an “eyebright ale” was described, and it was part of British “herbal tobacco” smoked for bronchial conditions and colds.
Daily Intake: 3 grams per day consider safe.
Supplementation: Eyebright’s primary role is to support eye health. It helps soothe irritated eyes, reduce inflammation, and refresh tired vision, making it a valuable natural remedy for eye strain. It is rich in flavonoids, including luteolin and quercetin. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The antihistamine properties of luteolin and quercetin may explain why eyebright has been traditionally used for seasonal allergies and hay fever. Among these compounds, aucubin stands out. Aucubin has been studied for its potential to minimize scarring of heart tissue after damage, such as a heart attack. It reduces oxidative damage caused by free radicals.