Nux Vomica

Useful for:

In a nutshell:

Hang-overs and over-indulgence in rich food. People who need this remedy are very chilly. Emotionally they tend to be tense, irritable and over-sensitive. They suffer from digestive complaints and nausea although they feel much better for vomiting, they find it difficult to do so. They often work and play very hard, surviving on a ‘diet’ of coffee, alcohol and tobacco, despite the effect it has on them. For best results take the remedy a few hours before going to bed.

Better: rest; warmth and hot drinks.
Worse: in the morning.

Nux vomica is prescribed for upsets to the digestive tract, especially when related to over-indulgence. It is best known as a hangover remedy, but it is also effective for other ailments where the person feels irritable, nervous and chilly, with sensitivity to light, noise and smells.

Nux vomica is also helpful in cases of chronic constipation or diarrhea from over-eating or drinking too much alcohol. Travel sickness, vomiting, nausea and irritability respond well to this remedy. In case of diarrhea, fluid intake should be increased to keep levels up.

This remedy helps colds and flu where the nose is very runny during the day but blocks up at night, restricting breathing. It effectively treats pent up emotions and the associated symptoms.

For women, Nux Vomica is especially useful for treating cystitis and symptoms of PMS.

It is also used during pregnancy to alleviate exhaustion, leg cramps, constipation, frequent urination, lack of sensitivity in the arms and morning sickness.