Nux Vomica
Strychnos nux-vomica — Poison nut, Quaker buttons
The classic homeopathic remedy for modern lifestyle ailments: hangovers, indigestion, stress, and insomnia.
Overview
Nux Vomica is the quintessential remedy for the overworked, overstressed, overindulgent modern patient. Prepared from the seed of a South Asian tree, in crude form it contains strychnine — but in homeopathic dilution, Nux Vomica becomes one of the most reliable remedies for the ailments of urban life: hangovers from too much alcohol, indigestion from rich food, constipation with ineffectual urging, and insomnia from a racing mind.
The typical Nux Vomica person is irritable, impatient, ambitious, and sedentary — someone who relies on stimulants (coffee, alcohol, tobacco) to push through long work hours and then can't unwind. They are chilly, hypersensitive to noise and light, and wake at 3 AM unable to return to sleep.
Key Uses of Nux Vomica
- ✓Hangover after alcohol or rich food
- ✓Indigestion with bloating and pressure
- ✓Constipation with frequent ineffectual urging
- ✓Insomnia, especially waking at 3–4 AM
- ✓Stress-related headaches
- ✓Morning sickness in pregnancy
- ✓Heartburn and acid reflux
- ✓Nausea from overeating or fatty foods
- ✓Irritability and short temper
- ✓Sensitivity to noise, light, odors, and drafts
Typical Symptom Picture
- •Wakes at 3–4 AM, mind racing with work worries
- •Very chilly, cannot get warm
- •Extremely irritable, snaps at family
- •Hypersensitive to noise, light, odors
- •Craves spicy food, fatty food, stimulants
- •Sour or bitter belching after meals
- •Feeling of a stone in the stomach after eating
- •Ineffectual urging for stool — goes often, passes little
Better from
- • Warmth
- • Hot drinks
- • Sleep (if allowed to continue)
- • Evening (sometimes)
- • Napping
Worse from
- • Morning (especially 3–4 AM)
- • Cold air
- • Drafts
- • Noise, light, odors
- • Stimulants
- • Mental exertion
Dosage & Potency
Dosage: For acute indigestion or hangover: Nux Vomica 30C, 3 pellets under the tongue, repeated every 1–2 hours, tapering as symptoms improve. For chronic issues (insomnia, stress, constipation): 30C or 200C at bedtime for 1–2 weeks, then as needed.
Potency notes: 30C is the go-to for everyday acute issues. 200C for deep-seated chronic patterns, usually once a day or even once a week under practitioner guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Nux Vomica work for a hangover?
Most people report significant relief from hangover symptoms (nausea, headache, irritability) within 30–60 minutes of taking Nux Vomica 30C. Repeat the dose every 1–2 hours until you feel yourself again.
Can I take Nux Vomica daily for constipation?
For short-term relief (1–2 weeks) yes, Nux Vomica 30C taken once in the evening can regularize bowel movements, especially when constipation is driven by sedentary lifestyle, rich food, or overuse of laxatives. For chronic constipation lasting more than a month, consult a homeopath — there may be a better constitutional remedy.
Is Nux Vomica the same as strychnine?
In its crude plant form, yes — Nux Vomica seeds contain strychnine, which is toxic. But homeopathic Nux Vomica is diluted far beyond any pharmacological presence of strychnine, making it completely safe. The 30C potency, for example, contains no molecules of the original substance.
Related Guides
Last updated 2026-04-16. This guide is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. For persistent or serious symptoms, consult a qualified homeopath or physician.