Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
syrup, tablet
Ipecac
(Cephaelis ipecacuanha)
Also know as Brazil root
Botanical Information
A small evergreen shrub in the Coffee family native to South America.
Working with Ipecac
Part(s) Used
Root, Rhizome
Herb Forms
Syrup, homeopathic tablet
Ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha), a small shrub native to Central and South America, has long been used in traditional medicine for its emetic (inducing vomiting) properties. In the 18th and 19th centuries, ipecac became popular in Europe and America for treating gastrointestinal issues, such as dysentery, and as an expectorant to clear the lungs in respiratory infections. Its primary active compounds, emetine and cephaeline, are alkaloids that act on the stomach lining to provoke nausea and vomiting.
Modern Clinical Uses
In recent decades, ipecac syrup was used in emergency medicine to induce vomiting after poison ingestion. However, due to safety concerns, it is no longer commonly recommended for home use in poisoning cases; modern poison control protocols favor other methods, such as activated charcoal, due to the risks associated with ipecac-induced vomiting.
Herbalist and Naturopathic Use
Herbalists and naturopaths today sometimes use ipecac in small, controlled doses to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract or, occasionally, as part of homeopathic treatments, where it is used in highly diluted forms that do not induce vomiting. However, its emetic properties mean it is handled with caution.
Chemistry and Pharmacology
The active compounds, emetine and cephaeline, stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain, leading to nausea and vomiting. Emetine also has antiparasitic and antiviral properties, which were researched for use against infections such as amoebiasis. These alkaloids affect muscle and nerve cells, which underlies the strong caution around ipecac’s therapeutic use.
Clinical Trials and Research
There is limited current research on ipecac due to its diminished role in medicine. Some trials in the past examined its effectiveness against intestinal parasites and certain viral infections, but these are not commonly pursued in modern practice. Clinical guidelines now discourage its use as an emetic in poisoning cases, in favor of safer alternatives.
Summary Ipecac has a long history as a treatment for poison ingestion and certain infections, but it is largely obsolete in modern medicine due to safety risks and the development of better alternatives. Its active alkaloids, though pharmacologically significant, are associated with adverse effects that limit its therapeutic application.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
While once used for poison control, ipecac is generally considered unsafe for self-administration. Overdoses can cause serious side effects, including heart toxicity, muscle weakness, and prolonged vomiting. Even in controlled doses, its emetic effect can be intense, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance if misused. Dosage varies by clinical use, with extreme care recommended under professional guidance. Avoid during pregnancy.
Conditions treated with Ipecac
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
emetic
Application
tincture, syrup
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
