Nux Vomica (Poison Nut)

A primary plant polychrest in classical homeopathy, prepared from seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica, traditionally indicated for digestive dysmotility, nervous hypersensitivity, and over-stimulation.

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Quick Reference Facts

Latin NameStrychnos nux-vomica
Common NamePoison Nut
Source KingdomVegetable (Loganiaceae family)
Thermal StateChilly (Aggravated by dry cold)
High-Yield Clinical Pearl

"Classical Materia Medica characterizes Nux Vomica as highly suited to patients showing hypersensitivity to all stimuli—noise, light, and smells—coupled with an ineffectual urge for stool."

Botanical Source Path & Neuro-Digestive Action Vector

Strychnos nux-vomicaSeeds containing StrychnineSpinal Cord & CNSHyper-reflexia & SensitivenessPortal / Gastric SystemSpasmodic urges & CongestionClinical KeynotesIneffectual stool urges

Phytotherapeutic alkaloids map to nerve synapses, explaining classical keynote symptoms of sensory over-reactivity and spasmodic visceral constriction.

Latin NameStrychnos nux-vomica
Common NamePoison Nut / Nux Vomica
KingdomPlant
Remedy TypePolychrest

Clinical Description

Nux Vomica is a fundamental polychrest in classical homeopathy, traditionally described for nervous, irritable, sedentary individuals suffering from gastrointestinal dysmotility, acid reflux, constipation with ineffectual urging, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

Guiding Keynotes

  • Ineffectual urging for stool ('passes small quantity, leaves feeling of un-cleared bowel')
  • Hypersensitivity to external stimuli: noise, light, odors, drafts, and touch
  • Thermal state: extremely chilly, sensitive to cold drafts and uncovering
  • Morning aggravation: wakes early (3 AM), falls into un-refreshing sleep at dawn, wakes irritable
  • Digestive distress after dietary over-indulgence, stimulants, coffee, or alcohol

Mental-Emotional Symptoms

  • Irritable, fiery temperament; impatient, ambitious, and easily offended
  • Mental strain from sedentary office work, business anxieties, and late-night studying
  • Over-sensitivity to criticism or contradiction; intolerance of noise and light

Physical / Particular Indicators

  • Spasmodic gastrointestinal contractions, epigastric pressure, and acid eructations
  • Constipation with frequent, unsuccessful desire for stool
  • Chills on moving or uncovering; backache requiring sitting up to turn in bed

Modalities

Aggravation (Worse)

  • Early morning (3 AM - 4 AM)
  • Cold dry air and drafts
  • Uncovering even a hand or foot
  • Mental exertion and dietary stimulants
  • Touch and noise

Amelioration (Better)

  • Warmth and wrapping up head/body
  • Restful quiet environment
  • Lying on side
  • Damp warm air

Constitutional Mappings

Generalities

Nux Vomica patients display extreme chilliness and nervous hyper-reflexia. Symptoms are strongly aggravated in the early morning, by cold dry air, and after over-indulgence in coffee, alcohol, or rich food.

Constitutional Type

Suited to thin, quick-tempered, ambitious, sedentary individuals who consume excessive stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, spices) and suffer from stress-induced digestive spasms.

Therapeutic Affinities

Organ Affinity
Cerebrospinal nervous system and spinal reflex arcsGastrointestinal tract (stomach, colon, liver)Autonomic neuromuscular junctions
Miasmatic Affinity
PsoraSycosis
Common Potencies
6C30C200C1M

Clinical Safety & Potency Guidance

CRUDE Strychnos nux-vomica seeds contain poisonous alkaloids (strychnine and brucine). Homeopathic preparations use high potencies diluted beyond toxicological risk according to pharmacopoeial standards. Un-diluted crude plant material is toxic and strictly prohibited. Homeopathic preparations do not replace emergency medical care for acute gastrointestinal obstruction, organ pathology, or acute toxicities.

Reference Citations & Evidence Sources

Classical Homeopathic Literature
  • CIT-0007Hahnemann S.. "The Chronic Diseases: Their Peculiar Nature and Their Homoeopathic Cure." Adolph Arnold (1828).
Materia Medica & Keynotes
  • CIT-0004Hahnemann S.. "Materia Medica Pura." Adolph Arnold (1811).
  • CIT-0005Kent J. T.. "Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica." Boericke & Tafel (1905).
  • CIT-0006Boericke W.. "Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica." Boericke & Runyon (1901).
Clinical Reviews & Textbooks
  • CIT-0023National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "Homeopathy: What You Need To Know." National Institutes of Health (2021).

AI & Generative Search Citation Block

Entity IDR0002
Entity Typeremedy
Content Versionv1.1.0
Last Reviewed DateJul 30, 2026
Evidence LevelTraditional-Literature
Suggested Academic/LLM Citation format (AMA Style)

Dr. Narayan Jethwani. "Nux Vomica (Poison Nut)." Homeo Healthcare Clinical Platform. Version 1.1.0. Reviewed: 2026-07-30T12:00:00Z. Available at: https://homeo.healthcare/knowledge/remedies/nux-vomica

Clinical Connections

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