Herb
Eyebright
A small meadow flower, used as a cooled, strained eyewash or tea, traditionally for irritated, watery, itchy eyes.
📊 How it ranks (our editor score)
🥄 How to use it
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried eyebright in hot water for 10 minutes, strain very thoroughly through a fine filter, cool fully, and use as a compressA cloth soaked in warm or cold liquid, held on the skin. How to make a compress → on closed eyes — or sip as a teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea → for eye-related allergy symptoms.
How much: A common amount is 1 teaspoon dried herbA plant, or part of one, used for flavor, food, or gentle health support. More → per cup, well strained and cooled, used as a compressA cloth soaked in warm or cold liquid, held on the skin. How to make a compress → or sipped as a teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea → a few times daily.
Show full details & how to prepare it
Eyebright is a tiny meadow flower whose very name tells its traditional use: easing irritated, itchy, watering eyes, especially the kind that come with hay fever and colds. It's used both as a cooled, well-strained compressA cloth soaked in warm or cold liquid, held on the skin. How to make a compress → laid over closed lids and as a gentle teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea →.
Cleanliness is everything when anything goes near the eyes — the liquid must be strained spotlessly and fully cooled, and a compressA cloth soaked in warm or cold liquid, held on the skin. How to make a compress → on closed eyes is safer than homemade drops. Any eye pain, discharge, or change in vision is a sign to see an eye doctor rather than treat at home.
Ways to prepare it
⚖️ Cautions
- Any liquid used near the eyes must be strained spotlessly clean and cooled; when in doubt, use it only as a compress on closed lids, not as drops.
- Those with a ragweed or daisy-family allergy may react.
- See an eye doctor for eye pain, vision changes, discharge, or symptoms that don't quickly settle.
📚 Why we trust it
- A traditional remedy for irritated, watering eyes
- Long used as a gentle eye compress and allergy tea
🔎 Learn more
Reputable, independent sources for further reading. These open in a new tab.
🕊️ A word of encouragement
Clear sight is a mercy we rarely thank for. Tend your eyes gently, and look for the good that's near.
💬 Ask Remy about Eyebright
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
Source endorsement totals come from books and studies (+7 per book, +5 per article). In this preview your vote is saved on your device only.
💬 Comments & experiences
Share what worked for you. Comments are reviewed before they appear publicly, to keep things safe and honest. Please don't make medical claims.