Ipecacuanha
(Cephaelis ipecacuanha · Ipecac root)
The remedy of constant nausea. In the materia medica, Ipecacuanha is associated with persistent nausea that vomiting does not relieve, a clean tongue, and wheezing or rattling coughs that end in gagging.
Source
The dried root of the ipecac plant, a small South American shrub
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Ip.
Home acute kit
Usually prescribed by a homeopath
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
Constant, persistent nausea, not relieved by vomiting
Tongue clean despite the nausea, with plenty of saliva
Chest feels full of rattling mucus that will not come up; coughs to the point of gagging
Bright-red bleeding, such as nosebleeds, together with nausea
Tends to feel better
Keeping still
Open air
Tends to feel worse
Warm, moist weather
The slightest motion
Lying down
Rich or indigestible food
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Ipecacuanha)
-
Antimonium tartaricum
(Antimonium tartaricum)
Both have chests full of rattling mucus; Antimonium tartaricum is drowsy and weak, Ipecac nauseated with a clean tongue.
Read moreCompare side by side -
Nux vomica
(Strychnos nux-vomica)
Nux vomica's nausea comes with a coated tongue and irritability, and vomiting tends to bring relief.
Read more -
Arsenicum album
(Arsenicum album)
Arsenicum's stomach upset comes with burning, chilliness and anxious restlessness.
Read more
Side-by-side comparisons
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From the classic texts
“The principal feature of Ipecacuanha is its persistent nausea and vomiting, which form the chief guiding symptoms. Indicated after indigestible food, raisins, cakes, etc.”
“Adapted to cases where the gastric symptoms predominate (Ant. c., Puls.); tongue clean or slightly coated. In all diseases with constant and continual nausea.”
Articles that mention Ipecacuanha
Looking for more than a quick remedy?
Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.
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