Ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
Ipecacuanha (ipecac root)
Ipecacuanha (Ipecac) is the homeopathic remedy whose great keynote is constant, persistent nausea that is not relieved by vomiting — used for nausea/vomiting, cough with nausea and wheeze, and bright-red bleeding.
This is general information about a homeopathic remedy, not a prescription or dosing advice. In homeopathy the correct remedy and potency are chosen for the whole individual symptom picture by a qualified homeopath — the same remedy is not right for everyone. Do not self-medicate, and consult a qualified homeopathic doctor (and your physician for serious or persistent conditions) before taking any remedy.
What Ipecacuanha is used for
- Persistent nausea not relieved by vomiting
- Vomiting with a clean (uncoated) tongue
- Cough with nausea, gagging or wheeze
- Wheezing, asthmatic, mucus-rattling cough
- Bright-red bleeding (e.g., heavy menses, nosebleed)
Characteristic symptom picture
Homeopaths look for these guiding features when considering Ipecacuanha.
- Constant nausea — the central feature
- Clean tongue despite the nausea
- Cough ending in gagging or vomiting
- Wheezing chest full of mucus
- Worse from warmth and overeating rich food
Potency
Ipecac is commonly used in 30C and 200C; potency selection is a clinical decision for your homeopath.
Conditions where Ipecacuanha is considered
Frequently asked questions
What is Ipecac used for?
Its keynote is constant nausea not relieved by vomiting, with a clean tongue. It is used for nausea/vomiting, cough with nausea and wheeze, and bright-red bleeding. The right remedy depends on your picture.
Is Ipecac good for nausea?
It is one of the most-considered remedies for persistent nausea with a clean tongue, but ongoing vomiting risks dehydration and needs medical care.
Does it help cough or asthma?
It suits a wheezing, mucus-rattling cough with nausea; severe breathing difficulty is a medical emergency.
Can I self-prescribe it?
No — consult a qualified homeopath, and seek care for persistent vomiting or breathing difficulty.
Don’t self-prescribe — get the right remedy for your case
Consult a homeopathy doctor