Popularly, ipecac is also called dysentery root. Its Portuguese trivial name is Ipecacuanha, which is derived from the botanical name of the plant. The root is used in homeopathy and folk medicine, among other applications.
Occurrence and cultivation of ipecac root.
Native to the vomit root is in Central and South America. It is found in lowland rainforests from Nicaragua to Brazil. It is also found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama. The ipecac is a plant species that belongs to the redbud family (Rubiaceae). In botany, it is known as Carapichea ipecacuanha. The shrub of the vomitwort grows up to half a meter tall, forming many roots surrounded by bark on its rhizome. Leafy is the thick, short trunk only in the upper part. The leaves are arranged opposite and divided into petiole and leaf blade. In addition, the shrub has two white stipules at the base of each pair of leaves. The inflorescences of the plant are terminal and head-shaped. The flowers are surrounded by ovate bracts and are themselves rather dainty and small. They are funnel-shaped and hermaphroditic. Their color is white. In addition, the carpels and stamens of the vomer are dimorphic. In some flowers the stamens are long and the pistil is short – in others it is the other way around. The plant produces fleshy drupes, which are red at first, but later turn a blue-black color. The plant is native to Central and South America. It is found in lowland rainforests from Nicaragua to Brazil. It is also found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama. As a slow growing plant, it is less suitable as a crop for plantations. The ipecac is evergreen and highly poisonous. Therefore, caution is advised when using it in folk medicine and it should only be used in very small amounts.
Effect and application
In medicine, the active ingredients of ipecac are used as natural remedies. The main components are alkaloids such as emetine and cephaeline, iridoids, glycosides and various plant acids. Although the effect of the plant has not been proven by clinical studies, it is still used to treat a wide variety of ailments. It is mainly the root itself that is processed. Preparations of the plant are available on prescription. The alkaloids contained irritate the gastric mucosa, which leads to an increase in bronichal secretions. Medicine makes use of this effect. However, if the plant is dosed too high, it triggers strong nausea. And not only that. It irritates the respiratory system and affects the nerves and blood vessels. If the dosage is incorrect, bloody diarrhea, nausea, pain, and an inflamed, coated tongue can result. In addition, there is often reluctance to eat and vomiting of food, drink and blood. In the respiratory tract, ipecac can cause severe coughing with rattling of mucus. Additionally, it can cause shortness of breath and prolonged bleeding. Mild fever is also possible. Seizures have also been observed, especially in children. Therefore, it is particularly important to pay attention to the correct amount of active ingredients. In adapted quantities, the ipecac is processed, for example, in globules. Its main field of application is also the treatment of digestive problems and diseases of the respiratory organs. Diluted, it has a positive effect on health and can help alleviate discomfort. In addition to its processing into globules, ipecac is also found in syrup, which is used for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In addition, preparations in tablet or drop form as well as liquid injections can also be found. Different varieties of the root are offered on the market. The differences in appearance and color are due to the age and watering of the plant.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The uses of ipecac in homeopathy are many. It is effective against tracheal, gastric or intestinal catarrh, whooping cough or asthma. It is also used to treat flue fever. The remedy is sometimes used as an expectorant and emetic. Other applications are the treatment of dizziness, flu-like infections and stomach problems. Especially for people with a sensitive stomach and difficulties with stomach pain, the use of preparations with ipecac is recommended.Another main application is the use of plant preparations with ipecac to – as the name suggests – induce nausea. This is the case, for example, if the person concerned should vomit due to orally ingested poisons. Thus, most of the ingested poison can be removed from the body before other therapeutic steps are taken. In addition, ipecac is occasionally used to treat amoebic dysentery. In the past, the use of ipecac was also found in the treatment of bronchitis, although there are now far more effective medicines for this purpose. In homeopathy, the plant is also used to treat migraines, travel sickness, conjunctivitis, and menstrual cramps. On the psyche it is said to have a positive and brightening effect on restlessness and mild irritability. In addition, it is also classified as obstetric and used against bleeding in the uterine area. For teething children, the plant is also said to help against teething discomfort. However, this is not recommended, as the effect of the plant on children is not clear. It may cause discomfort. Similarly, people who are sensitive to any of the active ingredients contained. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also refrain from taking ipecac preparations. The side effects could be too severe and cause damage. Irritation and contact allergies are possible with external contact with the ipecac plant.
