Eyebright: What It Is and How to Use It

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is a small flowering plant with delicate white-and-purple blossoms, native to Europe. Its name comes straight from its traditional use: herbalists have long associated eyebright with eye comfort. You can find it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, in our bulk herb section.

Available in Bulk

We carry eyebright in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try as a tea, to a full bag for your herbal collection. Our staff can help you find it and answer questions about how it is typically prepared.

What We Carry

• Eyebright herb cut and sifted — the dried above-ground parts, the traditional form for teas.
• Eyebright herb powder — finely ground herb, for those who prefer a powdered form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called eyebright?

The name is a direct clue to its traditional use: since the Middle Ages, herbalists have used eyebright in preparations associated with eye comfort. The 16th-century herbalist John Gerard wrote about it, and its reputation in folk tradition is centuries old.

How is eyebright traditionally used?

Traditionally, eyebright is prepared as a tea for internal use, and it also appears in traditional herbal eyewash preparations. Because anything used near the eyes must be sterile, modern herbalists generally recommend enjoying it as a tea rather than attempting homemade eyewashes.

What does eyebright tea taste like?

It brews into a mild, slightly bitter, grassy tea — not unpleasant, but not a flavor herb either. It is most often blended with other herbs like chamomile or peppermint for a more pleasant cup.

Is eyebright related to any common garden plants?

It is in the same broad family as snapdragons and foxglove (the figwort family). In the wild it is a semi-parasitic plant, meaning it draws some nutrients from the roots of neighboring grasses — one reason it is tricky to cultivate and is usually wild-harvested.

Did you know? Eyebright's Latin genus name, Euphrasia, comes from Euphrosyne, one of the Three Graces of Greek mythology — a nod to the brightness and cheer the herb was said to bring (source: botanical etymology references).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find eyebright in the bulk herb section.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.