Nux vomica - Boericke & Tafel, Nature's Way

Nux vomica, From Nux vomica, the poison nut tree. For the temporary relief of acid indigestion gas or sour stomach.

Characteristics:
You may feel irritable or impatient; sensitive to noise and light. Symptoms often associated with overindulgence of stimulants, alcohol or fatty foods.

The homeopathic remedy is made from the dried, ripe seeds, which contain strychnine, a powerful poison which acts on the central nervous system; in small doses strychnine makes perceptions more vivid and increases production of saliva; in larger doses it causes tetany or muscular spasm, and death from respiratory failure.

Constitutional indications :
Several physical types respond well to Nux, although self-reliance, efficiency and a liking for hard work tend to be common characteristics, which explains why many Nux types are managers, supervisors, or entrepreneurs. Some Nux types are well-groomed, hearty, and full of life, others slouch as if they have been up all night; many are thin, prematurely bald, suffer from indigestion and irascibility, and aspire to the finer things of life; complexion may be dry, lined and sallow, with rings under the eyes.

Mental symptoms alleviated:
Fanatical precision and tidy-ness; irritability; using anger and violence to dominate others; setting high standards which drive others to distraction; craving respect and admiration; pompous, extravagant talk, never expressing worries or doubts; anxiety, hopelessness, weariness; anger and frustration when things go badly; concern for health of others, but not for own; impulsiveness.

Physical symptoms alleviated:
Hangovers from too much alcohol; waking up with a thick head, or a head which feels very fragile, or a headache which feels like a nail being driven in above the eyes; 24-hour flu, with shivering and stiff, aching muscles; insomnia, made worse by overwork or abuse of alcohol or narcotics; tickley nose which causes sneezing; sneezing which stops out of doors; blocked nose at night, runny nose during the day; nose which feels hot and sore; uncomfortably dry mouth and thickly coated tongue; difficulty swallowing (food goes dozen then gets stuck); racking cough, with retching; tickley cough, with pain in larynx; backache relieved by sitting up or turning over in bed; when ill, craving fatty foods and finding bread, meat, coffee and tobacco repugnant; occasional craving for sour foods; a liking for spirits; being very fussy about freshness of food; liking pungent, spicy foods; indigestion and vomiting; in women, early periods which are prolonged and heavy, irregular periods, tendency to faint just before periods, or periods accompanied by urge to pass water and stools; constipation; diarrhoea after easing juicy fruit, vegetables or rice; abdominal cramps, soothed by heat but aggravated by pressure; colic pains which cause nausea but wear off when bowels are opened; piles which make rectal contractions painful and ineffectual.

The above symptoms are generally relieved by warmth, sleep, firm pressure and washing or wet applications; they also tend to abate in the evening and when the person is left alone. Cold, wind, dryness, noise, spices, stimulants, narcotics, eating, getting angry and being touched tend to make symptoms worse; symptoms are also worse in winter and between 3 and 4 a.m.

Antidoting remedies Coffea, Ignatia, Cocculus.

Incompatible/inimical remedy Zinc.

Nux vomica is frequently prescribed by Homeopaths for conditions that occur from too much food, coffee, or alcohol, which can also make the patient irritable.

Nux Vomica was made as a remedy by recognizing the reactions of healthy individuals to undiluted doses. The changes in the individuals were recorded.

When a Homeopath sees a patient with a set of similar symptoms to the recorded ones induced by sulphur, they then prescribe it in an extremely dilute form. In a highly diluted dosage, Nux vomica can eliminate the symptoms that it creates when it is at full strength.

Cautions:

Homeopathic medicines are safe and remarkably free from side effects. Your condition, however may require special care, so please observe the following: Do not take this product for pain for more than 10 days (adults) or 5 days (children) unless directed by a doctor. If pain gets worse, if new symptoms occur, or if redness or swelling is present, consult a doctor because these could be signs of a serious condition. As with any drug, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a health professional before using this product. Warning--Keep out of the reach of children.