Euphrasia rostkoviana – Euphrasia officinalis, Eyebright, Eyewort, Large-Flowered Sticky Eyebright, Comf

Description

Height: 50 – 60 cm
Brightness: full sun, partial shading

Flowering: white and lilac

Euphrasia rostkoviana (synonym euphrasia officinalis), is a semi-parasitic plant (it contains chlorophyll, but obtains water and minerals from its host) in grasses and other plants, its common name refers to the use of the plant in the treatment of eye infections, which it usually comes in the form of a compress and eye drops.

The species generally grows in alpine and sub-alpine meadows and, together with grasses

The name euphrasia is derived from the Greek euphrosyne, who was one of the goddesses of the three destinations and was known for her joy and youthfulness. Although known to the ancient Greeks, it was only in the 14th century that it was then mentioned as a cure for all ills of the eye. It is then considered one of the main plants used in eye disorders in general and mainly to relieve conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

Its medicinal properties are reported far beyond vision, such as astringent, analgesic, anesthetic, antiallergic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, treatment of sinusitis and ear congestion, healing, among others.

The parts of the plant used include the leaves, the stem and the flowers. The leaves are also used in cooking.

Its flowers have the lower petal in the shape of a lip and are white, dotted with lilac and the yellow brush strokes act as a guide for pollinating insects.