Herb comparison
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) vs Eyebright (Euphrasia spp)
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 1 of the same condition, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
- About
- Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is an annual or biennial plant reaching about 3 ft (90 cm). It has multiple branching stems, a rosette of lower leaves, and striking sky-blue flower heads that bloom in summer. Historically, cornflower gained a reputation for treating eye conditions (the infusion was strained and used as an eyewash), though modern evidence of its efficacy is limited. It is sometimes used as a mild bitter tonic to support digestion.Creeping semi-parasitic annual growing to 20 in (50 cm). Has tiny oval leaves and small scallop-edged white flowers with yellow spots and a black center, somewhat resembling an eye. Eyebright relieves inflammation and tightens mucous membranes and finds specific use in the treatment of conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Its ability to counter mucus means that it is often used for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and nasal passages. Eyebright counters liquid mucus, but it should be used guardedly for dry and stuffy congestion, which tends to be made worse by the plant’s astringency.
- Safety & precautions
- Potential Irritation: As with any herb, discontinue use if irritation occurs.Eyebright tinctures used as eye drops can cause increased eye pressure, redness, watering, and swelling; when using eyebright topically, use the tea.
Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.