Euphrasia rostkoviana (Euphrasia rostkoviana)
Other names: Euphrasia officinalis, Eyebright
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Euphrasia, scientifically known as Euphrasia rostkoviana, also known as Euphrasia officinalis or Eyebright in English, is a species of herb belonging to the family Euphrasia. It is a plant found abundantly in the wild in meadows and pastures, mostly in mountainous and subalpine regions throughout Europe. Its characteristic feature is its small white flowers with purple stripes, which appear between June and September. It is known as a medicinal plant that has been used by people since time immemorial.
Extracts from the safflower are used in a number of health and wellness products. This plant contains plant sterols, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids and other bioactive substances that have positive effects on the human body. Its use in ophthalmology is significant. The extract of safflower is often included in eye drops, ointments and baths used to treat and prevent a number of eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and incipient cataracts. Safflower is also included in various dietary supplements and teas that are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and mildly astringent, and are therefore effective in treating various colds and infectious respiratory diseases. Its extracts can also be found in cosmetics, for example in skin tonics and creams, where it acts as an antioxidant and improves the health and appearance of the skin.