Nux vomica, which is also known as "poison nut," "quaker buttons" and "kuchla," is a plant. The seed from the nux vomica plant is used to make homeopathic medicines that are said to help with a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders and flu. It works by affecting contractions of the brain and muscle.
History
A 1940 article by R.A. McIntosh in the Canadian Journal of Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Science traces the use of nux vomica back to the 17th century. It was then used in veterinary medicine to destroy animals that were not needed. As research discovered the physiological actions of the drug, it was used more in both veterinary and human medicine. McIntosh noted the study of the effects of nux vomica on the spinal cord, motor tracts and stimulation of senses.
Considerations
According to the National Center for Homeopathy, the big difference in homeopathic medicine when compared to traditional medicine is that the physician doesn't necessarily need to know the cause of the patient's illness. Homeopathic remedies like nux vomica treat symptoms--obtained by interviewing the patient--not the actual illness. Nux vomica is not a cure for a disease. It will just lessen symptoms.
Genus Epidemicus
During an epidemic, patients have a common set of symptoms. Influenza, also known as the flu, is an epidemic disease with symptoms that include fever and chills. Dr. Paul Herscu, an author and diplomate of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians, conducted studies documenting the effects of nux vomica on flu outbreaks. The National Center for Homeopathy acknowledged that these studies determined nux vomica as influenza's genus epidemicus--a homeopathic remedy for an epidemic, since it treats the group of symptoms that falls within that disease.
Interesting Facts
The Strychnos nux vomica plant is found in Australia and southern Asia. While nux vomica may be considered a homeopathic remedy, the seeds from the plant also have traces of strychnine. Strychnine is used as a rat poison, pesticide and a mixer for street drugs like cocaine, heroin and LSD. The United States Centers for Disease Control warns that it can be a health hazard, even when inhaled in the air, causing symptoms of the central nervous system.
Availability
Nux vomica is produced by a number of different companies and can be purchased in health and wellness stores in person or on the Internet. A doctor's prescription is not needed. Nux vomica comes in drops, tablets and pellets.
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