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Remedy reference

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.

Allergies | Colds & flu

Source

The eyebright plant, a small flowering meadow herb

Kingdom

Plant

Abbreviation

Euphr.

Home acute kit

Usually prescribed by a homeopath

The classic picture

(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)

Eyes water all the time with burning, irritating tears; lids red and swollen

Runny nose that is bland and does not sting, the reverse of Allium cepa

Eyes stuck together in the morning; sensitive to light

Hawking up mucus in the morning, sometimes with a daytime cough

Tends to feel better

Open air

In the dark

Coffee

Tends to feel worse

Evening

Indoors and warmth

Bright light

Warm south winds

How it compares

(remedies that are often confused with Euphrasia)

  • Allium cepa

    (Allium cepa)

    The mirror image: Allium cepa has burning nasal discharge and mild tears, Euphrasia burning tears and a mild nose.

    Read moreCompare side by side

  • Sabadilla

    (Sabadilla officinarum)

    Sabadilla is marked by violent bouts of sneezing; Euphrasia's focus is the streaming, stinging eyes.

    Read moreCompare side by side

  • Arsenicum album

    (Arsenicum album)

    Arsenicum's watery discharges burn too, but come with chilliness, restlessness and anxiety.

    Read more

Side-by-side comparisons

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From the classic texts

“Catarrhal affections of mucous membranes especially of eyes and nose. Profuse acrid lachrymation and bland coryza; worse, evening. Hawking up of offensive mucus.”

William Boericke, Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica (1901)

“The eyes water all the time and are agglutinated in the morning; margins of lids red, swollen, burning.”

Henry C. Allen, Keynotes and Characteristics (1898)

Articles that mention Euphrasia

Natural Allergy Relief: Homeopathy for Hay Fever

Looking for more than a quick remedy?

Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.

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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.