THE FOLKLORE OF PLANTS: Eyebright

Lisa Karen Miller

          If they wished to determine if their companions were telling the truth, the Scots used to carry a sprig of eyebright, Euphrasia officinalis, in their pockets. In addition to this admirable ability, this semiparasitic annual, which extracts nutrients from the roots of certain grasses in poor meadowlands, has served as a folk cure for eye ailments for centuries.

          An infusion made with either the entire plant or freshly crushed stems is a general eye tonic, treating strain and infections. It was also used as a popular cosmetic wash; it gave a sparkle to the eyes. It reduces inflammation and phlegm, so was a treatment for hay fever and sinusitis.

          Eyebright is the original example that explains the Doctrine of Signatures – the belief that plants give outward signs of their intended uses. From July to September, its tiny white or purplish flowers with a yellow eye and a black pupil are easy to spot amidst the grass. The petals’ veins even resemble eyelashes.

          The plant gets its name from Euphrosyne, the Greek goddess of gladness and good cheer. According to legend, the linnet first used it to clear the sight of its blind young, then passed the knowledge to the Greeks. Gervase Markham, in his 1616 Countrey Farme, recommends taking eyebright wine each day to maintain general health.

          And good cheer, of course.

          Nicholas Culpeper declared it a flower of the sun, bringing light and clear vision. “If the flower was as much used as it is neglected it would spoil the spectacle maker’s trade,” he declared. In France, it is known as “casse-lunette” (spectacle breaker).

          John Milton, in Paradise Lost, has the archangel Michael apply it to Adam’s eyes, to restore the vision of our original ancestor:

“Then purged with euphrasy and rue

His visual orbs, for he had much to see.”

Eyebright also symbolizes cheer, while rue signals regret.  In addition to helping him regain sight, perhaps it was a reminder to Adam that mankind would experience plenty of both.

          Of course, the great poet Milton was himself blind.

          The many varieties of this plant have the common names of Fairy Flax, Christ’s Eyes, Birdseye, and Joy Flower. Native to Europe, it has become naturalized in North America.  It’s another of those plants whose seeds hitched a ride with early emigrants to a new world. Preparations also can be bought in natural health stores.

© Copyright 2023 Lisa Karen Miller