Eye bright

The ancients warmly recommended eyebright for its restorative powers on the eyesight it prescribed compresses outwardly and tea taken inwardly. They also made a distilled water and a wine which they highly praised. They also claimed it effective for improving failing memory and one source even pronounces it a cure for epilepsy. However, later herbalists have dropped these claims. Today it is chiefly used for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which make it useful in cases of watery and exceedingly runny mucous discharges. It is particularly recommended in cases where the catarrhal infection is affecting the eyes and tear ducts as well as the ears. It is sometimes included in formulations for hayfever since that is often characterised by thin runny mucous and inflamed eyes. It can be taken internally as a tea or used externally as a compress for red, weak, gooey or watery eyes.

How to prepare:

1. Add 1 tablespoon of the Eyebright to 1 cup (250 ml) of boiled spring water. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain with the cheesecloth.

2. Use/rinse an Eye Cup thoroughly and pour the strained Eyebright into the Eye cup until it is half full.

3. Look downwards and place the Eye cup over your eye. Then put your head back up while holding the Eye Cup firmly to your eye, then tilt your head backward. Keep your eye open for 30 seconds.

4. Repeat this process twice for each eye, three times a day. First thing in the morning, middle of the day, and right before bed. Wash the Eye Cup thoroughly before each use to avoid cross-contamination.