Spigelia is a homeopathic remedy made from the pinkroot plant. In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with sharp, stitching nerve pains, especially left-sided facial neuralgia and headaches settling over the left eye, along with sensitive palpitations and a marked fear of pointed objects.
This page covers the plant it comes from, the complaints it has traditionally been linked to, the symptom picture that points to it, and the forms and potencies you are likely to meet.
The short version: A pinkroot remedy classically linked with sharp left-sided nerve pain, eye-centred headaches and sensitive palpitations.
What is Spigelia and where does it come from?
Spigelia is prepared from Spigelia anthelmia (pinkroot or annual wormgrass), a plant native to the Americas that was historically used for intestinal worms. The dried plant is used to make the homeopathic remedy, which is then diluted and succussed.
In homeopathy its picture centres on the nerves and the heart, with a distinctly left-sided emphasis.
What is Spigelia traditionally used for?
The whole picture guides the choice. Spigelia is traditionally associated with:
- Sharp, stitching, shooting nerve pains, often on the left side of the face.
- Headaches settling over and behind the left eye, sometimes moving with the sun.
- Sensitive palpitations that can be felt strongly and are worse from motion.
- Pains worse from touch, movement and cold, damp weather.
- A marked dread of sharp, pointed objects such as pins and needles.
Who typically reaches for it?
The classic Spigelia picture is someone with sharp, electric, stitching pains, often on the left of the face or centred around the left eye, made worse by the slightest touch or movement. Palpitations that feel violent and audible, and an unusual fear of needles and pins, round out the picture.
Symptoms are typically worse from touch, motion, jarring and cold, damp weather, and better from lying still on the right side with the head high.
Where does it fit in a home kit?
This remedy is one of the classical single remedies many households like to keep on hand for acute, self-limiting complaints. It is often chosen when the overall symptom picture matches, rather than for a named condition.
You can explore the wider range of homeopathic remedies and combination formulas across our full collection to see what fits your kit.
Common questions
What plant is Spigelia made from?
It is made from pinkroot (Spigelia anthelmia), a plant native to the Americas, prepared homeopathically by dilution and succussion.
What is Spigelia best known for?
Traditionally, sharp left-sided facial nerve pains and headaches around the left eye, plus sensitive palpitations.
What potency is common?
Low to medium potencies such as 6C or 30C are typical for home use; a homeopath may advise otherwise.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a long tradition of self-care; they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, or if you are unsure, please speak to a qualified health professional.