Ochanka - medicinal properties and contraindications

Eyebright is a weed that grows everywhere in the steppes of the CIS countries. Among the people, it got its name due to the ability to effectively cure eye diseases and restore lost vision.

However, these are not the only healing properties of eyebright, therefore, the herb is actively used in folk medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. Using herbal preparations for self-treatment, it is important to remember that each plant has its own contraindications and side effects.

Eyebright - a source of rare elements

Universal grass is able to act on various internal systems and organs. The diversity of the eyeball is due to its amazing rare composition:

• essential oils;
• fixed oils;
• coumarins;
• resins;
• bitterness;
• glycosides;
• flavonoids (apigenin, quartzetine and others);
• saponins;
• anthocyanins;
• organic acids (ferulic, coffee and others);
• tanning components;
• macro- and microelements (copper, manganese, chromium, magnesium, silicon, etc.).

Tannins have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, due to which the decoction of the herb is effective for diseases of the mouth and nasopharynx, upper respiratory tract, colds.

Flavonoids tone the heart muscle, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, increase their elasticity. Regular use of eyebright reduces the risk of sclerotic lesions, the formation of cholesterol and atherosclerotic plaques.

Organic acids stimulate the immune system, helping the body fight the pathogenic microflora more effectively. They also reduce inflammation, bind and excrete carcinogens, radionuclides, salts of heavy metals and toxins.

Rare trace elements such as silicon, chromium and copper accelerate the recovery processes, cell regeneration and renewal. They also affect the synthesis of various hormones and enzymes.

Cardiac glycosides quickly lower blood pressure and soothe the pulse. Eyebright extract constricts blood vessels, stabilizes the functioning of the heart muscle.

Healing properties

Medical treatises have accumulated the following information about the properties of euphrasia:

1. Anti-inflammatory (reduces the lesion, redness, itching and pain, hyperemia, edema).
2. Spasmolytic (effectively combats pain of a spasmodic nature, for example, intestinal colic, menstrual and headaches).
3. Enveloping (creates a thin protective film on the mucous membrane and skin, preventing the penetration of harmful microorganisms and infections, reducing the negative impact of the acidic environment).
4. Antihypertensive (effectively reduces blood pressure, producing prophylaxis of hypertension).
5. Sedative (calms and relaxes the nervous system, sets the body to fast falling asleep and prolonged deep sleep).
6. Immunomodulatory (vitamins, antioxidants and organic acids stimulate the production of white blood cells - white blood cells responsible for the immune response).
7. Decongestant (decoction of the eyebright allows you to remove excess fluid from the body, so generalized edema disappears).

Also, a decoction of the eyebright, taken inside, produces the following effects:

• regulates blood flow and high-quality blood composition;
• reduces pressure in the eyeballs;
• treats respiratory diseases (pneumonia, asthma, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, etc.);
• stimulates appetite;
• treats diseases of the digestive tract (enterocolitis, jaundice, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, cirrhosis and others);
• Helps fight rheumatism
• relieves an allergic reaction;
• improves memory and concentration;
• reduces the frequency and severity of seizures in epilepsy;
• effectively fights gout.

Restores the work of the stomach and intestines, fights constipation and diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, reduces the acidity of the stomach.

It alleviates the symptoms of colds (e.g., cough, runny nose, nasopharynx, sore throat, etc.).

Baths, applications and poultices based on eyebright extract promote healing and tissue regeneration in case of skin diseases. Such local therapy allows you to get rid of the following pathologies:

• pustular lesions, furunculosis;
• lesions of the oral mucosa (stomatitis, herpes, candidiasis, glossitis, abscess, periodontal disease);
• diathesis of an allergic nature;
• eczema
• scrofula;
• abscess;
• warts;
• dermatoses, neurodermatitis and acne;
• tuberculosis of the skin and others.

You can also wash your hair with a decoction of the plant to strengthen the hair follicles, stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. From time immemorial, application based on eyebright extract has helped with focal alopecia, seborrhea, dandruff and fungal infections of the scalp.

Eyebright in ophthalmology

From the earliest times, decoction and herb extract was used to reduce inflammation of the eyes and eyelids. Eyebright quickly neutralized the manifestations of conjunctivitis and barley, relieved eye fatigue and reduced intraocular pressure.

Modern pharmacology uses the medicinal properties of the plant to combat such eye diseases:

• inflammation of the lacrimal sacs and glands;
• spots on the cornea, cataract;
• blepharitis;
• dacryocystitis;
• glaucoma;
• trachoma;
• decreased visual acuity (including age-related);
• restoration of the eyeball after mechanical injuries and operations.

For the treatment of eye diseases, the eyeball is used comprehensively. Inside, you need to take powders, teas and infusions from the plant. External use involves the application of compresses and applications from a decoction of eyebright.

Some plants (chamomile, calendula, fennel) reveal and enhance the ophthalmic properties of eyebright. Together they are used to restore visual acuity with myopia and farsightedness.

Features of use and contraindications

After collecting, the raw materials are sorted and dried (protect from sunlight). Dry collection should be stored in a cardboard box or paper away from sources of moisture and heat.

Dried leaves, stems and flowers are used to prepare a decoction, and also ground into a powder, on the basis of which infusion, applications and compresses are made.

As for contraindications, the eyebright contains extractive substances and ethers, which can cause serious harm to health. It is not recommended to use grass in the case of:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• age up to 3 years;
• low pressure;
• exacerbation of systemic diseases;
• kidney and excretory system diseases;
• rehabilitation after a major operation;
• acute food poisoning, toxicosis;
• allergy to eyebright or other medicinal herbs;
• decreased acidity of the stomach.

If the drug eye is used carefully and does not exceed the allowable dosage, then it will reveal its beneficial properties without harming the body. In any case, before starting home herbal medicine, you should consult your doctor.

Video: eyewear