Eyebright, Euphrasia

Elder blossoms are frequently made into a tea, sometimes with eyebright Euphrasia officinalis) and used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis. Elder flowers are mixed with rosewater and applied to the eyes to improve vision. Elder flower tea is a popular "spring tonic," taken first thing in the morning for several weeks. Elder flowers have also been used as a traditional herb in smoking blends. 

Elder blossoms, eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and goldenrod herb make a beneficial infusion to treat hay fever due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Species of eyebright are difficult to distinguish botanically (Harkiss and Timmins 1973). Euphrasia stricta, E. rostikov-iana, and hybrids or mixtures of these species are commonly accepted as eyebright (Wichtl 2004). 

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