Strychnos nux vomica, also known as poison nut or Quaker buttons, is a plant found most often in Australia and the southern part of Asia. Although its seeds have come to be associated with strychnine, the toxic property in many rat poisons, you can also find it in herbal remedies of practitioners of traditional European and veterinary medicine, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Such uses of strychnine do not diminish the fact that it is a lethal poison with severe effects that can produce fatal outcomes.
Agitation and Restlessness
Strychnine can get into the body by being inhaled or swallowed and may even be absorbed through the mouth or the eyes. The All Experts website states that strychnine is one of the most bitter substances known, with toxic reactions described as some of the most horrible down through the centuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), side effects of this substance typically manifest anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes after ingesting low to moderate amounts of strychnos nux vomica. Initial side effects of restlessness, agitation and muscle twitching occur; also, jumpiness or hyper-startle reactions are common.
Muscle Spasms and Rigidity
The Centers for Disease Control refers to strychnine as a chemical hazard that targets the nervous system, where it acts as a central nervous system stimulant. Consequently, a major, profound effect is the painful experience of muscle spasms; it blocks or inhibits functioning of chemical messages from the nervous system to muscles, which results in the severe muscle spasms. Specifically, severe muscle contractions tend to start at the head and neck region and spread to other muscles. The face may contort into a fixed and rigid grimace because of the rigidity of the facial muscles.
Arching of Back and Neck
External stimuli such as light and sound tend to increase the contractions since strychnos nux vomica affects the nerve impulses, making them very sensitive to such stimuli. According to the Centers for Disease Control, low or moderate doses can cause the back and neck to arch uncontrollably. Also, the slightest sensation can send the body into convulsions, which may become almost constant. The characteristic back arching can be so extreme that only the head and the heels of the body may touch the floor. The individual typically is aware and in severe pain.
Cardiac and Respiratory Dysfunction
Strychnos nux vomica acts on the part of the brainstem that controls cardiac and respiratory function. The effect of elevated blood pressure due to over-ingestion of the substance may progress to cause a heart attack. Moreover, continued violent muscle convulsions ultimately affect the respiratory muscles and cause disrupted breathing. Specifically, respiratory paralysis and/or complete exhaustion from the convulsions can produce death due to respiratory failure. It is imperative that you consult a doctor if you are considering homeopathic treatments that contain this substance, for it must be kept in mind that, despite its diluted medicinal uses, it is a lethal poison.
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