vs
Allium cepa vs Arsenicum album
(Allium cepa · Arsenicum album)
Both have a burning, watery nose in colds and hay fever.
In short
Allium cepa is a streaming cold that's better outdoors; Arsenicum adds chilliness, anxiety and restlessness.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Allium cepa |
Arsenicum album |
|---|---|---|
| Nose | Profuse, burning discharge | Thin, burning discharge |
| Eyes | Watery but bland | Burning tears |
| Temperature | Worse in warm rooms, better outdoors | Very chilly; wants warmth |
| Mood | Not a key feature | Anxious, restless, wants company |
| Typical situation | Hay fever, onion-like streaming cold | Colds with chill and exhaustion |
Allium cepa
Better
Open air, Cool rooms
Worse
Warm rooms, Evening
Arsenicum album
Better
Heat and warm applications, Warm drinks, Head raised, Company
Worse
After midnight, Cold food and drink, Wet weather, Being alone
From the classic texts
“A picture of coryza, with acrid nasal discharge and laryngeal symptoms, eye secretion bland; singers' cold, worse in warm room and toward evening; better in open air…”
“A profoundly acting remedy on every organ and tissue.”
Read the full profiles
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Allium cepa
(Allium cepa · Red onion)
Anyone who has chopped an onion knows this picture: streaming eyes and a running nose. Allium cepa is associated with colds and hay fever where the nasal discharge burns and the tears do not.
Read more -
Arsenicum album
(Arsenicum album · Arsenic trioxide)
Anxious, chilly and restless. Arsenicum album is associated with people who need order and reassurance, and with complaints that burn yet feel better for warmth.
Read more
Articles that discuss both
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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Homeopathy is complementary care, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical provider. Seek medical care for severe, worsening or emergency symptoms. Please view our Disclaimer.