Eyebright-Bayberry Eye Wash
I was skeptical about using an herbal eye wash.ย Frankly, the thought of putting herbs in my eyes was uncomfortable.ย At first glance, it seemed like getting sand kicked in your eyes would be more pleasant.ย On the other hand, Mr. Joybilee has glaucoma and drops chemicals in his eyes daily.ย Perhaps organic herbs would be more pleasant than chemicals.
I came across an herbal eye formula while I was researching Bayberry.ย The herbalist John Christopher had a bayberry โ eyebright formula for eye troubles.ย I made up a batch for home use but I hesitated to tell you about it right away.ย What if it doesnโt work?ย I needed to test it for a couple months before I shared it.
Mr. Joybilee has used the eyebright formula for about 2 months now. He has seen an improvement in his vision.ย Anecdotal though that is, itโs worth telling you about, in case you wanted to try this herbal eye wash recipe from โDr. Christopherโ.
Note that herbalist John Christopher was not a medical doctor nor did he have any advanced degrees.ย His clients nicknamed him โDr. Christopherโ because they found healing in his recommendations.
Dr. Christopherโs Eye Bright Formula is known to clear the eyes, removing mucus, and brightening vision, while it increases the circulation to the eyes. ย There are testimonials of the healing of cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye problems.
This eyebright formula contains just 5 herbs, chosen for their antimicrobial and stimulating actions on the eye tissues.ย These herbs cleanse, nourish, and rebuild the eyes.ย It’s important to use the formula regularly for best effect, using it as an eye wash and a tea.
In Mr. Joybileeโs case, his low blood pressure was robbing his eyes of normal blood circulation.ย After using the formula for only a week, he noticed that things he had trouble seeing before were suddenly clear, reading was easier, and he didnโt need to squint to read the small print.ย We wonโt know if it is helping his glaucoma though, until he sees his specialist again in the fall.ย In the meantime heโs continuing with the prescription eye drops and using this eye wash once a day.
5 herbs for vision health
John Christopherโs Eyebright Formula contains several herbs, each with a different purpose.
Eyebright herb (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used to heal eye problems since Dioscorides used it for eye problems when he treated soldiers in the Roman Legion. ย Eyebright is first and foremost an eye tonic.ย It is anti-inflammatory and astringent, toning the tissue of the eye and relieving pain and irritation. It has been used as an eyewash to treat pink eye, blood shot eyes, conjunctivitis and other inflammatory conditions of the eyes.ย It is disinfectant.ย It strengthens weakened and strained eyes.ย Eyebright was shown in laboratory studies to have significant antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activity, when used topically and when taken orally.
Bayberry root bark (Myrica pensylvanica, Myrica cerifera) is astringent, drying of mucus membranes. It is antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, and encourages the growth of new, healthy eye tissue.
Red raspberry leaf is the most nutritious part of the raspberry plant. The leaves contain calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, and vitamins A, B, C and E.ย It is tonic, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and encourages the growth of new, healthy eye tissue, while it nourishes.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) contains berberine and is strongly antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and astringent.ย It is used in this formula to kill infections and reduce inflammation.
Cayenne powder (Capsicum annuum) is the fruit of the hot pepper plant.ย ย It increases circulation and acts as a catalyst for other herbs.ย Cayenne powder stimulates the eye tissue and increase the circulation to them.ย The cayenne powder causes this eye wash to sting and burn a bit.ย It is uncomfortable at first. You do get used to it after a while.ย ย If you have very sensitive eyes you can leave it out of the recipe.ย
Because the herbal formula is used as an eye wash I made them into tea bags for ease of use. ย The tea bags filter out most of the solid herb particles, to keep them out of the eye.
Eyebright Herbal Eye Wash
Yield: 60 doses (made into tea bags of 1 tsp. each)
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup eyebright herb
- 1/3 cup bayberry bark
- 1/3 cup red raspberry leaf
- 1/3 cup goldenseal, powdered
- 2 tsp. cayenne, powdered (optional, see note above.)
- 60 small heat-seal tea bags
- 2 glass eye cups
Method:
- Mix all the herbs together in a medium bowl.ย Mix them together thoroughly using a wire whisk, being careful to keep the powders in the bowl.
- Preheat a steam iron to the cotton setting.
- Using a teaspoon measure fill each tea bag with one teaspoon of the eye wash herbs.ย Iron the open edge of the tea bag with the iron.ย This will seal the tea bag closed.ย Check the seal on the tea bag to ensure that it is fully closed before setting it aside.
- Repeat until all of the herbal mixture has been transferred to the tea bags.
- Keep the eye wash tea bags in a closed glass jar.
To Use:
- Place an herbal eye wash tea bag in a heat proof mug.ย Pour boiling water over the tea bag.ย Cover the mug with a lid.ย Allow this to steep for 15 minutes.ย Remove the tea bag.ย Allow the eye wash to cool to room temperature before using. ย Do not use this eye wash until it has cooled to room temperature.
- Fill a sanitized glass eye cup half full of the eye wash.ย Place the eye cup over the eye and tilt the head backward, so that the eye wash covers the eye.ย Blink several times as if swimming under water.ย Try to keep the eye wash over the eye for one minute.ย Empty the eye cup.ย Repeat on the second eye using a clean eye cup.ย Use this eye wash once a day in both eyes.
Cayenne burns
The cayenne may cause a slight burning sensation on the eye in sensitive individuals.ย John Christopher told his clients, โYou will notice a slight burning sensation when you first apply the tea. This results from the cayenne in the combination. Do not be alarmed for this is a perfectly normal reaction and is harmless.โย Your eyes will get used to the burning sensation and it will become easier to wash your eyes with the herbal formula with time.ย If you are very sensitive, you can make the eye wash without the cayenne.ย I used the cayenne in my own tea bags because the increase in circulation that it offers was important in our circumstances, and worth the mild discomfort.
When you are finished using the eye wash, the remaining eye wash can be drunk like a cooled tea.ย Internal use of the eye wash is also helpful for the eyes.
Making vision health tea
The eyebright tea bags can also be used to make tea.ย The formula is effective both internally and topically.ย Make the tea in the same way you would make the eye wash, by steeping the tea bag in a covered mug for 15 minutes.ย The tea can be drunk hot or cold.
More herbal remedies for vision health
Vision Health Tincture for Healthier Eyes
Where to buy the herbs and tea bags?
I bought the herbs I used in this recipe from Mountain Rose Herbs, Amazon, and Starwest Botanicals.
References:
Pavel Novy, Hana Davidova, Cecilia Suqued Serrano-Rojero, Johana Rondevaldova, Josef Pulkrabek, and Ladislav Kokoska, โComposition and Antimicrobial Activity of Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne Essential Oil,โ Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2015, Article ID 734101, 5 pages, 2015. doi:10.1155/2015/734101ย http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/734101
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I’m surprised no one else has pointed this out previously, considering this post has been up for a few years now –
Herb’s are not sold by the cup. They are sold by the ounce.
Is there any way you could provide the recipe with the amount of herbs designated in ounces, so I might know how much to buy of each…?
Thx…
Thank you for the helpful article.
I recently bought Dr. Christooherโs Herbal Eye Formula (liquid)) from Amazon and have been using it as an eye wash twice a day (2 drops in each eye wash cup), for about 10 days.
I would like to know if anyone has successfully dissolved their cataracts using this eye wash?
While reading the reviews on Amazon, I saw a review that said cayenne can cause harm to the cornea, and they refer to a study. And one reviewer stated they developed cataracts while using this eye wash snd another one stated it made their cataracts worse.
I really want to dissolve my cataracts naturally as I only have one good eye, and the cataracts are in both the eyes.
Its always a good idea to get personal professional advice when dealing with a serious health concern.
Will I be able to replace a herb or two with bilberry and calendula?
Eat the bilberry, don’t wash your eyes with it.
Hello, could one simply use the formula as eye drops, when made? Thank you!
It stings. You wouldn’t want to leave it in your eyes.
Hi, if I use the eyebright powder, would I use a smaller measurement than if I used the dried herb?
Usually, the molecular chemistry of herbs and fruits change when they are dried. My guess would be best to use the dry herb, if that is what the recipe calls for.
Thank you for this wonderful article. Have you, or any of your readers reported that this blend also helps with dry eye problems?
I have one dry eye because my eye lid no completely longer closes due to a traumatic brain injury. I hate using the ones from the drug store that are stored in a thick plastic case that holds enough for a single use. I’d prefer to find something more natural that doesn’t cause just one more source of plastic pollution.
Thank you for any information you can share.
Always sensitive eyes since a kid to light and airborne allergens. Very dry from using portable oxygen unit & cpap machine at night – don’t like ideas of “fillers” in drops to moisten eyes – so don’t use any… result is headaches & migraines often…. Had irridectomy for narrow angle glaucoma 2 1/2 yrs ago to “save sight” and immediately started seeing starbursts with headlights, streetlights, etc. Now told I need cataract surgery which I am opposed to & friend suggested Dr Christopher’s eye wash to help eyesight and get rid of cataracts naturally… Since most traditional eye drs will not know about these herbs and eye wash formula – is there any info you can tell me about how this works so “I” can make an educated decision about using it – my only trepidation is that before the irridectomy I had very high eye pressure – now normal, but since cataracts developed have trouble seeing sheetmusic on screen on wall and always squinting alot using computer, eye pain and dr told me today he cannnot improve my eyesight with new prescription glasses -I never used anyway cuz the script was so slight & glasses hurt my bridge of nose sensitive from injury to nose in pase…and even after IF I remove cataracts – will still need glasses – so I’m usually opposed to all surgeries. So reading all the comments I saw reference to high & low BLOOD pressure – but nothing about pressure of the eye… not too fond of the idea of cayenne pepper but since it is harmless & get used to it since helpful to circulation… think I can tough it out… SECOND QUESTION -Amazon online has good & bad reviews for glass eye cups and plastic – BOTH saying they don’t fit the eye right and will drip and leak. In my mind glass in healthier, plastic can leach and herbal eye wash instructions talked about boiling water first, then put in drops – so how do you do that with a plastic cup. ANY INPUT ON THE CUP SITUATION? Thanks so much.
You may want to speak to a clinical herbalist about your specific concerns. We only use glass eye cups. The water is boiled before it is put in the eye cup and the tea is made in a mug, cooled, and transferred to the eye cup. The tea is also drunk, not just used as an eye wash.
Try Etsy for the glass eye cup….I got mine there and it fits perfect.
Hello again,your reply to my last question was that I can purchase the Dr.Christopher’s formula on Amazon.I wonder is his formula all I will need and how safe it is to use if I have had cataract surgery and also laser surgery for glaucoma in the past.Right now I use three prescriptions for glaucoma,not working as well as I would like,so decided to try the herbal eyewash.
CeCe, you’ll need to check with a professional herbalist or your primary care provider about your personal health. There’s a lot of factors to take into consideration including drug interactions.
Can the prepared wash be safely stored in the fridge? For example, the tea made in the morning for use at that time and the remaining liquid stored in the fridge for use that same evening. Made fresh daily of course.
What kind of water do you use to make this?
What kind of water did you use to make the tea?
Filtered, boiled water. We have an artesian spring. The tea is cooled completely before using it as an eye wash. This is just what we do. You are free to use a different water if your water source is not safe.
Hi, I was wondering if I can use liquid Bayberry by Herb Pharm, cannot find the dry Bayberry herb, in my area, if so, can I just go by the number of drops to use on label, I have all of the other dry herbs.Was reading about Dr. John Christopher’s eyewash formula, decided to see if it will help my glaucoma pressure.
You can purchase the Dr. Christopher’s formula on Amazon.
Does anyone sell bulk eyebright?
Starwest Botanicals has it in bulk.
Hi, I would love to buy this in tea bags already made, since this level of diy skills isn’t in working order for me. I couldn’t find it to buy anywhere on the links, can you help? I don’t like the premade formula in the bottle because it has alcohol and I think it’s drying out my eyes.
I don’t know anyone that sells this. It’s my personal recipe that I make for my husband. You could perhaps ask a local herbalist to make it for you. Or get the ingredients yourself and get a friend to help you.
hello, has it been helping mr. joybilee? can you give us an update?
Yes. The update: in August 2018 he saw the eye doctor again. His vision improved 2 steps and he need new glasses to compensate. He is no longer on the glaucoma eye drops. His vision quadrant that was affected by the diagnosed glaucoma was improved in the last two eye doctor visits (Doctor said that there must be some mistake). His glaucoma was not caused by high pressure in the eye though. It was caused by lack of circulation due to low blood pressure. His pressure was always low-normal. Prescription drops had no effect.
Hello i bought the Christopher eye wash in the bottle ,could you tell me how much drops i should add to the water to wash my eyes, or can i use the drops without water ,thanks for you respond.
My email address is simplette52@yahoo.com.
Follow the manufacturers recommendation.
I made this, and have used it a few days. Since I wanted to use is immediately, and had none of the iron/seal tea bags, I just used a one serving tea pot and strainer, then used a coffee filter to strain the powdered herbs out. I only used half the amount of cayenne, and it still burns a bit! I also put the herbs to be blended into a clip jar, and then just shook it. When I tied to simply blend with a whisk, the powders just swirled out in puffs of smoke, no matter how carefully I tried!
I haven’t used it long enough to see its benefits, but hope to soon. My eyes do seem to feel better after the stinging stops, though.
One question: do you use the steam setting (with water) or just dry, when using the cotton setting on the iron?
We just use the iron dry when sealing the tea bags.
Hi again! I was also wondering: Could you sub Oregon Grape Root for the Goldenseal? As Goldenseal is a threatened species, I know that Oregon Grape has been used instead to protect the Goldenseal herb from extinction: “But what makes the Oregon grape root a lot more popular nowadays is that it is more readily available than goldenseal, another plant that is well-known for its anti-bacterial properties. Goldenseal is one of the wild flowers in the United States that is heavily harvested, which is why it is now considered as an endangered plant. Experts have been recommending some alternatives instead of goldenseal and one of those is Oregon grape root. Based on the ancient uses of Oregon grape, it has been used similarly to goldenseal.”
Just wondering!
While both contain berberine as the antibacterial constituent, they do have some differences in action. Goldenseal is recommended for anything that is eye related. Oregon grape root is the recommended berberine for anything that is skin related. You can source farm raised goldenseal from Mountain Rose Herbs (where I get mine). It’s a little pricey but you only need a tiny amount so very worth it.
Hello. I was just wondering if you mean the powdered version of Eyebright? I can’t seem to find the unpowdered (cut & sifted) version. I need to make this soon, but can’t get the main ingredient! MRH is out of stock, and the others only carry the powdered.
Thanks!
Use what you can get. Powdered herbs have a shorter shelf life than dried cut herbs so order less if you won’t use it up in 6 months. Dried and cut herbs should last at least a year.
I was wondering if I can purchase the formula already made in the teas bags?
Nature’s answer eyebright says not to put in eye, even the alcohol free one, . Can u please explain y they said that? Thanks.
You’d need to ask the manufacturer.
I remember when I read the reviews on that product (the alcohol free one), several people mentioned that they put a few drops in their eyebath. I also use it like that so I guess it is ok.
What heat units of Cayanne should be used
Nothing stronger than regular cayenne pepper. Not the very hot peppers.
Help! I have all the herbs for the eyewash to improve eyesight but the eyebright herb. Can I use 400 milligram caps to make the wash? Or do you have a resource where I can get eyebright herb?
I found eyebright on Amazon from Starwest Botanicals (here: http://amzn.to/2y2wT5Y) and also Mountain Rose Herbs. It’s a key ingredient so I wouldn’t leave it out.
Hello I have been reading about Dr. Christopher’s eyewash and bought some off Amazon but I am wondering if the grain alcohol in his eyewash is corn or not. I am gluten intolerant and hope it is corn and not barley or rye. Do you know? I had high pressures and want to try this before my next appointment.
All grain alcohols are gluten free because of the distillation process unless there Ian add back at the end like in some scotch whiskey. Itโs probable that in a tincture they have used everclear or vodka which even if it was made with gluten wouldnt make it so the end result because of distillation.
I think whether it is a concern or not depends on if it’s an allergy or celiacs or a preference. Always check with your doctor for advice in your own personal circumstances.
I am so interested to hear the update now that I’ve read your story!
Hi, Was wondering if anyone has a source for a GLASS eye cup specifically for using an eyewash.
I bought mine off Amazon.com. The brand is Wholistic Botanicals.
How much water should be used with one tea bag? I’m assuming 1 cup?
Yes, one cup, but it’s a folk recipe not a prescription. So you don’t have to be too exact, a few ounces either way is fine.
Is there a place I can purchase this eye tea already made ? Without Cayenne? Not for glaucoma. Nancy Atkins
Not that I know of.
Where does one get glass eye cups?
This is the one we bought http://amzn.to/2jPx0e0 from Amazon.
I did not want to buy any eye glass cups, so I just used 2 shot glasses that I had in the cupboard. Worked like a charm!
I wonder if this would work for my dad’s eye issues. I think he’s been having a lot of dry eye problems lately. Whatever is going on, his doctor prescribed eye drops to put in a few times a day.
Try it without the cayenne. It might work. But I think the cayenne makes it less likely that people will want to use it, unless they understand the benefits of increasing circulation to the eyes.