Its Greek name « euphoros » means happiness. This small, annual plant grows in sunny fields, forest clearings and marshes. Its pretty, white, corolla-shaped flowers are streaked in violet, each with a yellow mark making them look like eyes. This similarity may explain why in traditional medicine, Euphraisa is used to treat conjunctivitis and eyestrain, earning the nickname of "eye delight" or "eyebright". The presence of tannins with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties are the real reason why Euphrasia is used to treat not only eye disorders but also the common cold. In cosmetics, it is used to reduce redness and to smooth the eye contour area.