Evidence supporting the use of: Eyebright
For the health condition: Eye Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has a long history of use in European herbal medicine as a remedy for various eye conditions, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), eye strain, and general eye irritation. The plant's name and traditional applications are largely based on the doctrine of signatures—a historical belief that herbs resembling certain body parts can be used to treat ailments of those parts. Eyebright's small, eye-like flowers contributed to its association with eye health. Historically, it was used as a tea, eye wash, or compress.

However, contemporary scientific research supporting its efficacy for treating eye infections is extremely limited. While some laboratory studies have identified the presence of compounds with anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial activity, these findings have not been substantiated in human clinical trials focused on eye infections. Major medical organizations and regulatory bodies do not endorse Eyebright for this purpose, and there are concerns about the safety and sterility of homemade or commercial eye washes. Overall, its use for eye infections is justified primarily by tradition rather than robust scientific evidence.

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