Overview

Nux vomica is a tree. The seed is used to make medicine. Nux vomica contains strychnine and brucine, two toxic chemicals.

People use nux vomica for erectile dysfunction (ED), swelling of the stomach, constipation, anxiety, migraine, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Nux vomica is also unsafe.

How does it work ?

Nux vomica contains strychnine and other chemicals that affect the brain and cause muscle contractions. This can lead to convulsions and death. Strychnine in amounts that are too small to produce symptoms can still be a serious problem. Small amounts of strychnine build up in the body with continued use, especially in people with liver disease. This can cause death in a period of weeks. Strychnine poisoning can be detected with laboratory tests.

Nux vomica contains strychnine and other chemicals that affect the brain and cause muscle contractions. This can lead to convulsions and death. Strychnine in amounts that are too small to produce symptoms can still be a serious problem. Small amounts of strychnine build up in the body with continued use, especially in people with liver disease. This can cause death in a period of weeks. Strychnine poisoning can be detected with laboratory tests.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of nux vomica for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Nux vomica is UNSAFE. Nux vomica contains strychnine, which is a poison. Taking 1-2 grams of nux vomica containing 60-90 mg of strychnine can be fatal. Even lower amounts of nux vomica (30-50 mg) can cause serious side effects including restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, neck and back stiffness, spasms of jaw and neck muscles, convulsions, seizures, breathing problems, liver failure, and death.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Nux vomica is UNSAFE. Nux vomica contains strychnine, which is a poison. Taking 1-2 grams of nux vomica containing 60-90 mg of strychnine can be fatal. Even lower amounts of nux vomica (30-50 mg) can cause serious side effects including restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, neck and back stiffness, spasms of jaw and neck muscles, convulsions, seizures, breathing problems, liver failure, and death. No one should take nux vomica, but certain people are especially at risk for toxic side effects. These side effects are especially dangerous if you have any of the following conditions:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Nux vomica is UNSAFE and can harm both mother and child. Don't use it.

Liver disease: The strychnine in nux vomica can cause liver damage or make liver disease worse. Don't use it.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for NUX VOMICA overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of nux vomica depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for nux vomica. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.