vs
Allium cepa vs Euphrasia
(Allium cepa · Euphrasia officinalis)
Both are reached for when the eyes stream and the nose runs, as with a cold or hay fever.
In short
Allium cepa is a burning nose with mild tears; Euphrasia is burning tears with a mild nose.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Allium cepa |
Euphrasia |
|---|---|---|
| Nose | Burning, watery; reddens the upper lip | Bland and doesn't sting |
| Eyes | Watery, but tears are mild | Stinging tears; lids red and swollen |
| Sneezing | Frequent, set off by warm rooms | Less marked |
| Light | Not especially sensitive | Bothered by bright light |
| Cough | Tickling, hoarse cough may follow | Mucus hawked up in the morning |
Allium cepa
Better
Open air, Cool rooms
Worse
Warm rooms, Evening
Euphrasia
Better
Open air, In the dark, Coffee
Worse
Evening, Indoors and warmth, Bright light, Warm south winds
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…”
“Catarrhal affections of mucous membranes especially of eyes and nose. Profuse acrid lachrymation and bland coryza; worse, evening. Hawking up of offensive mucus.”
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 -
Euphrasia
(Euphrasia officinalis · Eyebright)
The remedy of streaming, burning eyes. In the materia medica, Euphrasia is associated with eyes that water constantly and sting, together with a mild, non-irritating runny nose.
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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.