Overview

Eyebright is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Eyebright is taken by mouth for swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis), allergies, hay fever, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Despite serious risk of infection, some people apply eyebright directly to the eye for conjunctivitis, eyelid swelling (blepharitis), and eye fatigue.

In foods, eyebright is used as a flavoring ingredient.

How does it work ?

The chemicals in eyebright might act as astringents and kill bacteria.

The chemicals in eyebright might act as astringents and kill bacteria.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Pink eye (conjunctivitis). Early research shows that about 82% of people with pink eye who use eyebright eye drops have symptoms resolve within 2 weeks. But pink eye usually resolves on its own within 2 weeks. So, it's unclear if eyebright has added benefit.
  • Allergies.
  • Colds.
  • Coughs.
  • Earaches.
  • Headache.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis).
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of eyebright for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Eyebright is LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts found in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if eyebright is safe when taken in amounts found in medicines. It might cause confusion, headache, nausea, constipation, cough, trouble breathing, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and other side effects.

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 LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts found in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if eyebright is safe when taken in amounts found in medicines. It might cause confusion, headache, nausea, constipation, cough, trouble breathing, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and other side effects.

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.

Diabetes: Eyebright might lower blood sugar in some people. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use eyebright.

Surgery: Eyebright might lower blood sugar in some people. In theory, eyebright might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. 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 in some people. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking eyebright with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

    Some medications for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of eyebright depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for eyebright. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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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 provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. 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.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.