Eyebright

Habitat & Origin

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) grows in poor grasslands, mountain meadows, and light heathlands in cool regions of Europe and West Asia. As a hemi-parasite, the plant lives in interaction with the roots of surrounding grasses, reinforcing its delicate structure. For infusions, harvesting takes place during full bloom, after which the aerial parts are carefully dried to retain color and clarity. Maison Tisane selects light, clean batches with minimal lignification and a dry, fresh herbal nose.

Active compounds

Eyebright contains a fine network of iridoids, light bitters, tannins, and flavonoids. These compounds give the herb its dry, precise herbal structure and the subtle, green-floral leafiness in the cup. The soft astringent tone makes the aftertaste clean and clear, without becoming heavy. In infusions, eyebright acts as a discrete refiner that outlines blends just a bit sharper and adds a quiet, mountain-meadow-like lightness.

Ayurvedic approach

Eyebright has a cool, dry lightness that mainly soothes Pitta and refines Kapha, while Vata is approached with mildness. In European alpine regions, it was seen as a 'mountain herb of clarity', less for function than for its miniature flowers that seemed to look towards the light. Energetically, eyebright feels like highland wind over grass slopes: fresh, quiet, precise, and subtly clarifying.

Flavour profile & Blending