Eyebright, scientifically called Euphrasia Rostkovinia, is a medicinal plant used mainly to treat conjunctivitis or what is commonly known as “pinkeye”. It grows mostly in the European region with some species spread out to both Western and Northern Asia and North America.
Eyebright is semi-parasitic, meaning it needs to live off the roots of other plants to survive. In medieval medicine, a plant’s appearance specifies which particular ailments it can treat. Since Eyebright closely resembles a bloodshot eye because of its black center and its scallop edge flowers, medieval herbalists deduced that it can treat ailments of the eye.
More recent studies however, presents evidence that Eyebright alone is not responsible for curing eye ailments; its effectiveness is still not scientifically proven. Despite this, both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds in Eyebright is proven abundant.
Aside from being a treatment for conjunctivitis, Eyebright was also considered as an oral treatment for respiratory problems such as sinus infections, bronchitis, allergies and colds.
A word of caution for people who wants to apply Eyebright directly to the eyes – Eyebright is known to cause infection when applied directly to the eye in lotion, eye bath, or poultice form.
Using Eyebright (Euphrasia rostkoviana) to treat anal fissure seems to be a good option, mainly due to the plant’s astringent and anti-bacterial properties. Anal fissures are anorectal conditions wherein the lining of the anal sphincter has an open cut or tear. Anal fissures, although common and may only last for 2-7 days, may go chronic. Chronic anal fissures have a much larger anal lining tear or opening that results to increased anal bleeding when passing hard and dry stool.
Further anal complications may arise when the blood flow to the anorectal region is impeded by inflammation. Common causes of inflammation include Crohn’s Disease or infection brought about by fecal matter coming in contact with an open tear on the anal mucosa.
Crohn’s Disease is a type of disorder where the gastro-intestinal tract becomes inflamed, from the mouth to the anus. During these instances, surgery is usually recommended by the physician. When it comes to infection brought about by waste coming in contact with the fissure, most physicians prescribe anti-bacterial zinc oxide creams. Due to Eyebright’s anti-bacterial properties, it may also be a viable option to remove any infection in the anorectal area.
It may be used to alleviate irritations and abrasions brought about by the anal fissure. In conjunction with this, it is also recommended that the patient sit on a warm water for about 10-15 minutes, twice a day for two days. This will relax your sphincter muscles, reduce inflammation in the anorectal area and in turn increase blood flow. This increase blood flow will facilitate the delivery of oxygenated blood which aids in cell development and regeneration; both are essential for self-healing.
After treating the anal fissure with Eyebright, a patient afflicted with anal fissure may then take stool softeners or laxatives to ensure that no hard stool may pass and further widen the anal fissure. Using Eyebright (Euphrasia rostkoviana) to treat anal fissure is indeed viable, and therefore, this will facilitate painless bowel movement.
Please Share
