Eyeroot

/ˈaɪˌrut/ noun

Definition

A plant or herb traditionally believed to have healing properties for the eyes, or used in folk medicine as an eye remedy.

Etymology

Compound of 'eye' and 'root' (from Old English 'wyrt'). Folk medicinal term combining the body part with plant source material.

Kelly Says

Plants like eyebright (Euphrasia) have been called eyeroots for centuries—their tiny flowers resemble bloodshot eyes, so medieval herbalists assumed they'd treat eye problems (they didn't, but the name stuck).

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