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What’s this
The nux vomica is a homeopathic remedy obtained from the seeds of nux vomica (Strychnos nux-vomica), a modestly sized tree belonging to the Loganiaceae family and native to South East Asia. L’nux vomica tree or nux vomica has a grayish bark and sometimes thorny branches. The leaves are whole and oval, arranged opposite. The flowers of the nux vomica are greenish-white and develop into umbrella-like terminal buds. The fruit it is a rounded berry, orange on the outside and white on the inside, where there are three to eight seeds with a flattened shape.
The seeds of nux vomica represent the drug of this plant and are characterized by high toxicity. In fact, they contain from 1 to 5% indole alkaloids, the most abundant of which is strychnine, followed by derivatives of this molecule and other alkaloids. There strychnine is a medullary and bulbar stimulant from action very toxic. It was once used in low doses in galenic preparations with tonic and stimulating properties. Today, however, it is used in homeopathic medicines and as rat poison.
What is it for
Nux vomica seeds contain, as we have seen, indole alkaloids including strychnine. There strychnine it has a very toxic action on the central nervous system: by binding to receptors on the spine it causes convulsions and asphyxia, caused by tetanic contractions of the diaphragm. The lethal dose for an adult man is about 100 grams. Strychnine is currently used as a rat poison and poison for other unwanted animals, including moles. In the medical field, strychnine can be used in very low doses to stimulate appetite and as a tonic for the body.
In homeopathy nux vomica is instead used to counteract various ailments. According to homeopathic medicine, nux vomica is able to treat nervous disorders, promote digestive function by acting on the stomach, intestines and liver, improve mood and much more. The nux vomica is therefore available in homeopathic granules either in homeopathic drops, in decimal dilutions (indicated with D followed by a number on the product label) or centesimal (indicated with the initials CH, always accompanied by a number indicating the degree of dilution). Nux vomica homeopathic remedies are indicated in case of:
- changes in the gastric mucosa
- dyspepsia
- feeling of excessive fullness
- sleepiness after meals
- stomach acid
- nausea and vomit
- gastritis
- irritable bowel syndrome
- gastrointestinal spasms
- meteorism
- constipation
- hyperactivity and hyperexcitability
- sensitivity of the senses (hyperesthesia)
- nervousness
- insomnia
- anger and bad mood
- hemorrhoids
- hypertension
- alcohol abuse
- nicotine addiction
- food disorders
- joint pain, low back pain, sciatica
Generally the dosage recommended varies according to the dilution and the type of symptom, whether it occurs in acute or chronic form. Eg, in the acute phases it is recommended to take two to three granules every hour or every two hours, while if the symptoms are chronic it is recommended to take about five granules three times a day, between meals. As for homeopathic products in drops based on nux vomica, the dosage is about ten drops a day three times a day, for chronic symptoms. The dose can be increased in the acute phase, for example by taking ten drops every quarter of an hour for two or three hours, continuing until the symptoms disappear. In any case, homeopathic remedies are prescribed by the homeopath, therefore it is necessary to refer to his indications. The nux vomica granules – as for any homeopathic granule – should be taken by dissolving them under the tongue; the drops must be diluted in a little water and the solution obtained must be kept a little in the mouth before being swallowed. According to homeopathic medicine, in this way the active ingredients are absorbed effectively.
It should be emphasized that homeopathic preparations are preparations obtained from very diluted active ingredients – which can be of vegetable, animal or mineral origin. There dilution takes place in a solution of distilled water and alcohol and is carried out several times: after a first dilution, a part of the solution is taken and further diluted, until the desired dilution is reached. Each time the solution is diluted, proceed with the dynamization: the solution is practically stirred to give it energy. Homeopathy is therefore not based on the content of active ingredient, practically absent in homeopathic preparations, but on the energy given to the preparation. To date, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies and many argue that the benefits of homeopathic granules and drops perceived by those who use them are the result of the placebo effect.
Contraindications
As we have seen, the seeds of nux vomica contain strychnine, a very toxic and lethal alkaloid even at low doses. As for homeopathic preparations, however, these do not have any known contraindications or side effects and can be taken by anyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and children.
