Ipecacuanha

Ipecacuanha is a well-known homeopathic remedy that is also known as 'Cephaelis ipecacuanha' and simply as 'Ipecac'.

The homeopathic remedy ipecacuanha is most associated with treatment of nausea, regardless of the cause of the nausea.

Examples of situations in which this homeopathic remedy is used include:

• asthma together with nausea
• coughs accompanied by nausea
• morning sickness (in pregnancy)
• persistent nausea that is not alleviated by vomiting

Homeopathy textbooks describe cephaelis ipecacuanha as having most effect on the digestive and respiratory systems.

More about the substance used to prepare ipecacuanha homeopathic remedy:

Cephaelis ipecacuanha is a small shrub native to South America.

A sketch of berries on this shrub is belowon the left. Some of the berries shown are the ripe (red) colour while others are at an earlier stage of development.

The remedy is prepared using the roots of this plant.

Homeopathic preparations are usually supplied in either liquid or pill form. Regardless of the physical form in which the remedy is taken, its preparation will have involved a series of dilutions during which the original substance was repeatedly diluted and succussed (shaken) in a solvent such as water and/or alcohol.