Eyebright by Herbalist & Alchemist

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Although there has been interest in using oral eyebright for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of eyebright for this purpose.
• Asthenopia (eye strain). Although there has been interest in using topical eyebright for asthenopia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of eyebright for this purpose.
• Blepharitis. Although there has been interest in using topical eyebright for blepharitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of eyebright for this purpose.
• Cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral eyebright for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of eyebright for this purpose.
• Common cold. Although there has been interest in using oral eyebright for the common cold, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of eyebright for this purpose.
• Conjunctivitis. It is unclear if topical eyebright eye drops are beneficial in patients with conjunctivitis. Details: A small observational study shows that applying one drop of eyebright eye drops (WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Eck-walden/Bad Boll) up to five times daily results in complete recovery in about 82% of patients with conjunctivitis after two weeks of treatment (49391). However, due to the lack of a comparator group, it is not clear if this improvement is due to eyebright or to the natural resolution of conjunctivitis symptoms.
• Cough. Although there has been interest in using oral eyebright for cough, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of eyebright for this purpose.
• Pharyngitis. Although there has been interest in using oral eyebright for pharyngitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of eyebright for this purpose.
• Rhinosinusitis. Although there has been interest in using oral eyebright for rhinosinusitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of eyebright for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate eyebright for these uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Eyebright is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavoring (4).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when applied into the eyes. Avoid using due to hygienic concerns; eyebright ophthalmic products may be subject to contamination (8,11). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of eyebright when used orally in medicinal amounts.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, eyebright might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Animal research suggests that eyebright lowers blood glucose levels (49393).

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General ...Orally, eyebright is generally well tolerated when used in food amounts. Topically, eyebright might be unsafe due to the potential for contamination.

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, eyebright has been reported to cause nausea and constipation (4).

Genitourinary ...Orally, eyebright has been reported to cause polyuria (4).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, eyebright has been reported to cause confusion and headache (4).

Ocular/Otic ...Topically, eyebright has been reported to cause increased ocular pressure, lacrimation, pruritus, redness, swelling of eyelid margins, vision changes, and photophobia when applied to the eyes (4). Ophthalmic eyebright products should be used with caution due to the potential for contamination (8,11).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, eyebright has been reported to cause cough, dyspnea, and nasal congestion (4).

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