Eyebright
What is eyebright?
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is a herbaceous plant from the summer root family. It grows mainly in the northern hemisphere and flowers from June to September. The small white or purple flowers have a dark spot and look like an eye.
The name eyebright comes from the traditional use of the plant for eye complaints. As early as the Middle Ages, it was used as a tea or poultice to soothe irritated or inflamed eyes.
How does eyebright work in dogs?
Eyebright can also help to promote eye health in dogs. The plant contains tannins, flavonoids and essential oils that have an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent effect.
Eyebright can be used for various dog eye problems, such as
- conjunctivitis
- eyelid margin inflammation
- bags under the eyes
- Allergic reactions
- Foreign bodies in the eye
How is eyebright used in dogs?
There are various ways in which you can administer eyebright to your dog. The most common are:
- As a tea: You can pour 250 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried or fresh eyebright flowers and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. You can then dab the cooled tea onto your dog's closed eyes with a cotton pad or gauze bandage or gently wash it out.
- As a tincture: You can also get an alcohol-free tincture from the pharmacy and dilute it with water (1:10). You can also use this to clean or dab the dog's eyes.
- As a finished product: There are also special eye cleaners for dogs based on eyebright. These usually have a pH value that is adapted to the dog's tear fluid and contain few preservatives.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of eyebright for dogs?
The advantages of eyebright for dogs are:
- It is a natural and gentle alternative to chemical medications.
- It has no known side effects or interactions with other medications.
- It is easy to use and inexpensive.
The disadvantages of eyebright for dogs are:
- It can't fix all causes of dog eye problems. For example, if your dog has a serious infection or a foreign body in the eye, you should definitely consult a vet.
- It can trigger allergic reactions. If your dog is sensitive to plants or shows redness, swelling or itching after using eyebright, you should stop using it and consult a vet if necessary.
Eyebright is a medicinal plant for dogs' eyes that can help with various ailments. You can use it as a tea, tincture or finished product.
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If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊
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