Indications
Nux vomica is a preparation made from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree. In Bangladesh it is mostly sold as a homeopathic remedy (very dilute) and sometimes in herbal or Ayurvedic products. Traditionally it is used for:
- Indigestion, heartburn, bloating and nausea, including after heavy meals or alcohol
- Constipation
- Irritability, stress and poor sleep
- Cold symptoms such as a blocked nose
There is no reliable scientific evidence that it works for these conditions. It should not replace medical treatment for serious or long-lasting symptoms.
How It Works
Homeopathic preparations are diluted many times, so they contain little or none of the original seed. How they might work is not explained by current science. The raw seed itself contains strychnine and brucine, which are highly poisonous because they over-stimulate the nerves and muscles.
Dosage and Administration
Use only as directed on the product label or by a registered homeopathic or herbal practitioner. Homeopathic tablets, globules or drops are usually placed under the tongue, away from food, drink and strong flavours such as mint. Never use the raw seed, powder or strong low-dilution tinctures (mother tincture) without qualified advice. Children should use it only on a practitioner’s advice.
Interactions
Highly diluted homeopathic forms are unlikely to interact with other medicines. Tinctures may contain alcohol, which should not be taken with medicines such as Metronidazole. Tell your doctor about any homeopathic or herbal products you use.
Contraindications
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product
- Raw seed, powder or strong tinctures in children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, epilepsy, liver disease or heart disease
Side Effects
Highly diluted homeopathic forms usually cause no side effects. Stronger preparations can cause restlessness, anxiety, muscle twitching or stiffness.
Get urgent medical help if there is muscle stiffness or spasms, jaw tightness, jerking of the body, fits or difficulty breathing. Also see a doctor promptly for vomiting blood, black stools, severe or persistent belly pain, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms lasting more than a week, rather than continuing self-treatment.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor. Raw seed, powder and strong tinctures must never be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Check that the product is a properly labelled homeopathic dilution from a reliable source.
- Do not delay seeing a doctor for serious, worsening or long-lasting symptoms.
- Tinctures may contain alcohol; take care in liver disease and with children.
- Keep strong preparations well away from children.
Overdose
Swallowing the raw seed, powder or a strong tincture can cause strychnine poisoning: severe muscle spasms, arching of the back, jaw stiffness, fits and breathing failure, which can be fatal. This is an emergency; go to hospital straight away and take the product with you.
Therapeutic Class
Homeopathic and herbal preparation.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from sunlight and strong smells, with the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.