Eyebright
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Botanical Name |
Euphrasia officinalis |
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Family |
Scrophulariaceae |
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Other Names: |
Euphrosyne, meadow eyebright, red eyebright, |
|
Habitat |
Grasslands, sand dunes, downs, heaths, moors, mountains |
|
Description |
Annual 5-20cm/2-8in. Stems branched Leaves toothed, lanced shaped, hairy, opposite near base, alternate higher. Numerous white or lilac flowers two lipped, four yellow stamens June-September. Semi-parasitic |
|
Native to |
Europe, Asia |
|
Cultivation |
Chalky soil |
|
Part Used |
Whole plant |
|
Harvesting |
July-August. Whilst in bloom |
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Preserving |
Dry in airy place |
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Classification |
Astringent |
|
Actions |
Alterative, antibacterial, anti-catarrh, anti-inflammatory, astringent, tonic |
|
Constituents |
Iridoid glycosides including aucubin, geniposide, catalpol, luproside, adroxoside, eurostoside, euphroside, ixoroside, veronicoside, verproside. Ligans –coniferyl glucosides, eukovoside. Tannins and polyphenolic acids –gallic caffeic, ferulic acids Flavonoids, resins, volatile oil |
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Combines with |
Golden rod, elder flower, golden seal |
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Respiratory |
Eyes, hay fever, catarrh |
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Other Notes |
The generic name is derived from the Greek word euphrosyne meaning gladness |