Nux Vomica

12Nov07

Nux Vomica
Strychnos nux-vomica

AKA: False angostura, Poison nut, Quaker buttons

Portrait: Evergreen tree. Native to southeastern Asia and India, particularly in the Malay Archipelago. Small, funnel-shaped, greenish-white flowers give rise to yellow-orange, apple-sized fruit. Five to eight seeds in the shape of flattened disks are contained inside the fruit.

Medicinal Element: Seeds

Herbal Properties: Analgesic, stimulant

Summary: Nux vomica is rarely used internally except in homeopathic medicine where it is mainly prescribed for digestive complaints, cold sensitivity, and nervous irritability. In Chinese herbal medicine, however, herbalists sometimes prescribe nux vomica to treat elderly patients with central nervous system problems related to the aging process. Ground seed preparations applied to the skin are said to soothe generalized muscle and joint pains, reduce some types of benign tumors, and relieve nerve irritation accompanying Bell’s palsy (temporary, one-sided paralysis of the facial muscles). In precise titration, this herb reputedly stimulates the digestive processes and improves blood circulation. Once used as a poison for rodents, nux vomica seeds owe a substantial amount of their effect on the body to its strychnine content. A lethal poison, strychnine overdose is characterized by intense muscle spasms leading to violent seizures and eventual death. Do not attempt to self-medicate with nux vomica. Only use this herb as part of a homeopathic treatment regimen under the guidance of a professional. Do not apply nux vomica to areas with broken skin.

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