Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright)

A cardinal ophthalmic botanical remedy in classical homeopathic materia medica, historically described for acrid burning eye lachrymation with swollen lids, bland nasal coryza (opposite of Allium Cepa), and allergic conjunctival irritation.

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Quick Reference Facts

Latin NameEuphrasia officinalis
Common NameEyebright
Source KingdomPlant (Orobanchaceae family)
Thermal StateChilly (Aggravated by bright light & wind)
High-Yield Clinical Pearl

"Euphrasia is described in traditional materia medica for acrid scalding eye lachrymation with swollen lids and bland nasal discharge, in contrast to Allium Cepa."

Latin NameEuphrasia officinalis
Common NameEyebright
KingdomPlant
Remedy TypePolychrest

Clinical Description

Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) is a major botanical remedy proved by Samuel Hahnemann. In classical homeopathic texts, it is celebrated for its specific tropism for the conjunctival mucosa and lacrimal apparatus. Key features recorded in materia medica include profuse, acrid, scalding eye lachrymation that burns and excoriates the cheeks and eyelids, paired with profuse, bland (non-irritating) nasal discharge—representing the exact polar diagnostic contrast to Allium Cepa (which has acrid nasal discharge and bland eye tears).

Guiding Keynotes

  • Historically described for profuse, acrid, burning eye lachrymation that excoriates eyelids and cheeks
  • Profuse, bland, non-irritating nasal discharge occurring concurrently with acrid eye discharge (opposite Allium Cepa)
  • Conjunctival redness, photophobia (intolerance to light), and sensation of dust or sand under eyelids
  • Frequent involuntary winking caused by burning irritation of conjunctiva and margins of lids
  • Cough with profuse expectoration of mucus, classically described as relieved by lying down and night rest
  • Profuse fluent coryza in morning with violent sneezing and lachrymation

Mental-Emotional Symptoms

  • Indolent, taciturn, and melancholic; disinclined to talk or work
  • Irritable and sensitive to light and surroundings
  • Dullness of mind during acute allergic coryza

Physical / Particular Indicators

  • Allergic conjunctivitis, hay fever, phlyctenular ophthalmia, and blepharitis
  • Rheumatic iritis with burning scalding tears
  • Measles eruption preceded by severe acrid eye lachrymation and cough

Modalities

Aggravation (Worse)

  • Sunlight, bright artificial light, and exposure to wind
  • Warm room and evening
  • Touch and pressure on eyes

Amelioration (Better)

  • Darkened room and resting eyes
  • Lying down (cough relief)
  • Coffee and open air

Constitutional Mappings

Generalities

Chilly patient. Strongly aggravated by sunlight, bright light, wind, evening, and indoor warmth. Ameliorated by dark room, coffee, and lying down (cough).

Constitutional Type

Suited to individuals prone to acute seasonal allergies, conjunctival inflammation, and catarrhal eye disorders.

Therapeutic Affinities

Organ Affinity
Conjunctiva, lacrimal glands, and eyelidsNasal mucosa and upper respiratory tractRespiratory bronchi and lungs
Miasmatic Affinity
PsoraSycosis
Common Potencies
6C30C200C1M

Clinical Safety & Potency Guidance

A homeopathic dilution label does not by itself guarantee composition, quality, safety, or effectiveness. Sudden vision change, severe eye pain, trauma, chemical exposure, corneal clouding, or marked purulent discharge requires immediate conventional eye assessment; this traditional profile must not delay urgent ophthalmic care.

Reference Citations & Evidence Sources

Classical Homeopathic Literature
  • CIT-0007Hahnemann S.. "The Chronic Diseases: Their Peculiar Nature and Their Homoeopathic Cure." Adolph Arnold (1828).
Materia Medica & Keynotes
  • CIT-0004Hahnemann S.. "Materia Medica Pura." Adolph Arnold (1811).
  • CIT-0005Kent J. T.. "Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica." Boericke & Tafel (1905).
  • CIT-0006Boericke W.. "Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica." Boericke & Runyon (1901).
Clinical Reviews & Textbooks
  • CIT-0023National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "Homeopathy: What You Need To Know." National Institutes of Health (2021).

AI & Generative Search Citation Block

Entity IDR0042
Entity Typeremedy
Content Versionv1.1.0
Last Reviewed DateAug 1, 2026
Evidence LevelTraditional-Literature
Suggested Academic/LLM Citation format (AMA Style)

Dr. Narayan Jethwani. "Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright)." Homeo Healthcare Clinical Platform. Version 1.1.0. Reviewed: 2026-08-01T12:00:00Z. Available at: https://homeo.healthcare/knowledge/remedies/euphrasia

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