- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (South and Southeast Asia), Oceania (Northern Australia)
- Sanskrit
- Kupilu
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 557
Strychnos nux-vomica
Herb · Asia
Nux vomica
Strychnos nux-vomica
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the nerves, stomachic, tonic, aphrodisiac, stimulates the spinal cord, breathing and heart.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Highly poisonous (strychnine). Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Highly poisonous (strychnine). Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Chinese materia medica: Contains strychnine: even small amounts are fatal. Do not use yourself, not even externally.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Kupilu. The seeds contain strychnine. In Ayurveda (kupilu) and Chinese medicine (ma qian zi) they are used only after purification, for example in milk or ghee, for paralysis and rheumatism. In the 19th century strychnine was used as rat poison and as a doping agent; poisonings are fatal.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Strengthens the nerves, stomachic, tonic, aphrodisiac, stimulates the spinal cord, breathing and heart; for indigestion, nervous diseases, chronic dysentery, loose diarrhoea, paralysis and nerve pain, epilepsy, constipation, gout, rheumatism, impotence, morning sickness, bedwetting in children.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tincture, powder, compress, extract.
Caution: Highly poisonous (strychnine). Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- bitter, cold, toxic
- Meridians
- liver, spleen
Attributed effects
Ma qian zi was used externally as a powder or paste for injury, swelling, fractures and sprains, and for abscesses, ulcers and rheumatic pain with cramp and numbness.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
Caution: Contains strychnine: even small amounts are fatal. Do not use yourself, not even externally.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- TinctureCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen