Nux Vomica

Seeds of the Indian strychnine tree, one of homoeopathy's best-known remedies for indigestion, acidity and irritability from a hectic lifestyle.

Nux vomica comes from the strychnine tree, a medium-sized deciduous tree of the Loganiaceae family native to India and South East Asia. Its round fruits hold flat, grey, button-like seeds, known in Hindi as kuchla. The seeds contain strychnine and are highly poisonous; homoeopathy uses them only in specially prepared form.

It is one of homoeopathy's most widely used remedies. Homoeopaths traditionally turn to it for complaints linked with modern living: overwork, late nights, rich food, coffee and alcohol. Its picture includes heartburn, bloating, nausea, constipation with repeated urging, and an irritable, chilly person easily upset by noise and light.

• Indigestion and acidity
• Bloating and nausea
• Constipation with urging
• Effects of overindulgence
• Irritability from stress