Strychnos nux-vomica L., commonly known as the Strychnine tree or Poison Nut, has been compiled based on the provided information and relevant search results. It is crucial to emphasize that this plant, particularly its seeds, is extremely toxic due to the presence of alkaloids like strychnine and brucine, and should never be used without strict medical or Ayurvedic/traditional supervision and proper detoxification (Shodhana).
Herb's Introduction
Strychnos nux-vomica L. is a medium-sized, perennial deciduous tree belonging to the family Loganiaceae. It is native to India and Southeast Asia, growing in open habitats, and is famously known as the natural source of the highly poisonous compound, strychnine. Despite its toxicity, particularly from the seeds (known as Nux vomica), it holds a significant place in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Chinese medicine after rigorous detoxification processes (Shodhana in Ayurveda) to mitigate its toxic effects and harness its potent therapeutic properties, primarily as a central nervous system stimulant and potent bitter tonic.
Name in Different Countries
Language/Country Common Name(s) Scientific Name Strychnos nux-vomica L. Family Loganiaceae English Strychnine tree, Nux vomica, Poison Nut, Quaker buttons, Semen strychnos, Crow-fig, Snake-wood. Sanskrit (San) विषमुष्टि (Vishamusti), Kupilu, Visatendu. Hindi कुचिला (Kuchila), Kajra, Jahar, Mainphal. Malayalam കാഞ്ഞിരം (Kanjiram/Kanjeram). Telugu ముష్టి (Mushti), ఉసిడి (Usidi), ముసిడి కాయ (Musidi Kaya). Tamil எட்டி மரம் (Etti Maram), Etti, Kagodi, Kanjirai. Odia ବିଷମୁଷ୍ଟି (Bishamushti), କୋଚିଲା (Kochila), କୁଚେଳକ (Kuchelaka). Kannada ಕಾಸರಕ (Kasaraka), ಮುಷ್ಟಿ ಮರ (Mushti Mara). Marathi (Mar) Jharkhatchura, कुचला. Punjabi ਕੁਚਲਾ (Kuchla). Urdu کچلا (Kuchala). Chinese 马钱子 (Mǎqiánzǐ). Swedish rävkaketräd. Russian ĕilibucha, рвотный орецх (rvotny orekh - "vomiting nut"). Tibetan ཀོ་བྱི་ལ (ko-byi-la). Export to Sheets
Terminology
The term "Nux vomica" translates from Latin to "vomiting nut" (nux meaning 'nut' and vomica referring to vomiting), directly reflecting one of the toxic effects of ingesting the raw seeds. The plant is botanically classified as: Kingdom: Plantae Order: Gentianales Family: Loganiaceae Genus: Strychnos Species: S. nux-vomica In traditional Indian systems like Ayurveda, it is often referred to by its Sanskrit name, Kupilu or Vishamusti (meaning 'poisonous fist/nut'), and is categorized as an Upa Visha (semi-poisonous drug) which mandates the essential process of Shodhana (purification or detoxification) before internal therapeutic use.
Availability
Strychnos nux-vomica is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of China, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It is often found in wet deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, typically up to 500 meters above mean sea level. In the context of Nepal, the plant is listed in the Annotated Checklist of the Flowering Plants of Nepal. While the tree itself may be present (likely introduced or in specific geographical niches), the use of its products, particularly in the form of highly diluted homeopathic remedies (e.g., Nux Vomica 30CH, 1M), is commercially available in Nepal through various online and physical pharmacies. The seeds and crude drug material for traditional purification and formulations may also be procured, but its primary distribution and large-scale harvesting are typically in India and other native regions.
External Look
Habit: A medium to large-sized deciduous tree, reaching up to 25 meters (66 feet) in height, with an irregular branching pattern. Trunk & Bark: The trunk is short and thick. The bark is relatively thin, grey, and can be smooth or rough with lenticels. The wood is dense, hard, and white. Leaves: They are opposite, short-stalked, broadly elliptic or ovate, 5–18 cm long, and 4–12.5 cm wide. They are papery, shiny and glabrous (smooth) on the upper side, with 3–5 prominent basal veins. Flowers: Small, pale greenish-white to white, and funnel-shaped, often appearing in terminal or axillary clusters (thyrses) during the spring/summer. They possess a somewhat foul smell. Fruit (Berry): Globose, about 2–4 cm in diameter (size of a large apple), with a smooth and hard shell. It ripens to a mild orange colour. The flesh inside is soft, white, and jelly-like. Seeds (Nux Vomica): Highly characteristic. There are 1–4 seeds per fruit. They are discoid (disc-shaped), much compressed, about 2 cm in diameter, concave on one side and convex on the other. They are covered with very fine, closely pressed, silky grey hairs radiating from the center, giving them a satiny sheen. The seeds are very hard, with a bitter taste but no odor.
Healing Properties
The primary active principles responsible for the therapeutic and toxic effects are the indole alkaloids, mainly strychnine (highly poisonous and bitter) and brucine. The seeds, after proper purification, are traditionally attributed with the following properties (Rasa Panchaka in Ayurveda and general actions): Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent). The bitterness is intense due to strychnine. Guna (Qualities): Ruksha (Dry), Laghu (Light), Teekshana (Sharp). Virya (Potency): Ushana (Hot Potency/Heating). Vipaka (Post-Digestion): Katu (Pungent). Actions: Nervine Stimulant: Acts as a powerful central nervous system stimulant, strengthening nerves (due to strychnine's action as an antagonist to the inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine). Spinal, Respiratory, and Cardiac Stimulant: Due to its central stimulation effect, it aids in stimulating these systems. Digestive/Stomachic/Appetiser: Promotes appetite and stimulates peristalsis, useful in chronic constipation due to atony of the bowel. Tonic/Aphrodisiac: Considered a general tonic and an aphrodisiac, alleviating general exhaustion. Antispasmodic/Anti-inflammatory/Analgesic: Used to alleviate spasms, pain, and inflammation. Febrifuge/Antiperiodic: Used to combat intermittent fevers. Depurative/Diuretic/Diaphoretic.
Advantages
The chief advantages of using (the purified form of) Strychnos nux-vomica stem from its potent stimulating and tonic effects: Nervous System Support: It is traditionally used to address neurological and paralytic affections, including facial paralysis, sciatica, and limb weakness, by stimulating and strengthening nerves. Gastrointestinal Health: It is highly effective as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite, improve digestion (stomachic), and stimulate bowel movements in cases of chronic atonic constipation. Circulatory and Respiratory Function: Its stimulating properties are utilized to support weak cardiac and respiratory function. Traditional Formulary: It is a key ingredient (after purification) in over 60 Ayurvedic formulations, particularly those addressing Vata disorders (nervous system and musculoskeletal issues).
Uses
Different parts of the plant are used for various applications, though the seeds are the most valued (and most poisonous) part. Seeds (Purified): Traditional Medicine: Used in emotional disorders, insomnia, hysteria, epilepsy, paralytic and neurological affections, impotence, general exhaustion, and as an antidote to alcoholism. Also for GIT disorders like dyspepsia, atonic diarrhea, and chronic dysentery. Topical: Paste applied for vitiligo, snakebite, scorpion stings, and facial paralysis (in Chinese medicine). Sensory: Historically used to treat amblyopia and increase the ability to discriminate colors/illumination in eye diseases. Bark: Internal: Juice given in acute dysentery, diarrhea, and colic; infusion for epilepsy. Used as a bitter tonic and febrifuge. External: Applied to ulcers and leprous conditions. Leaves: External: Paste applied all over the body against fever; poultice applied to sloughing wounds or ulcers. Allelopathic: Possesses strong allelopathic and insecticidal properties (extracts used as a pesticide). Fruit: Used to treat inflammation, sore throat, and stomach complaints. Wood: Cures fever, snakebite, ulcer, acne, syphilis, and chickenpox. Used as a stomach tonic. Poison: Unprocessed seeds and sap were historically used as deadly arrow poison, fish poison, and to kill wild animals.
Using Way
Crucial Warning: The seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica are deadly poisonous and must never be consumed in their raw, unprocessed state. Ingestion of even a single raw seed can cause severe symptoms—tremors, hyperreflexia, tonic spasms, risus sardonicus (characteristic grin), and ultimately death from medullary paralysis/asphyxia. The only safe way for internal use is through: Ayurvedic/Unani Purification (Shodhana): The seeds must undergo a rigorous detoxification process (Shodhana) described in classical texts. This typically involves soaking in Cow's urine or Kanji (sour gruel), boiling in milk, and then frying in Cow's ghee. This process is believed to reduce the toxicity (alkaloid content) and enhance the therapeutic efficacy. Only a qualified traditional practitioner can administer this. Homeopathic Preparations: Used in extremely diluted forms (e.g., 30CH, 1M potencies) where the original toxic material is virtually non-existent, making it safe for use in conditions like gastritis, digestive issues, and stress-related symptoms, under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor. Topical Use: Pastes of seeds or leaves are applied externally for localized conditions like pain, inflammation, or skin disorders. Even for external use, caution is advised due to potential absorption of alkaloids. The processed/purified drug is typically administered as a powder, tablet, or part of a complex formulation, strictly adhering to a minimal, calculated dosage regimen.
Conclusion
Strychnos nux-vomica, the Strychnine tree, stands as a profound example of a double-edged sword in the plant kingdom—a source of lethal poisons (strychnine and brucine) and a reservoir of potent therapeutic agents. Its power to stimulate the nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems, coupled with its use in treating paralytic and inflammatory conditions, has cemented its place in traditional medicine for centuries. However, its immense toxicity necessitates a critical understanding and rigorous application of traditional purification techniques (Shodhana). In the modern context, its use is largely confined to highly diluted homeopathic remedies or strictly controlled, purified traditional formulations. Any consumption of the raw plant material is an extreme danger, and its use in any form must always be under the direct supervision of a qualified, experienced practitioner.
