Nux Vomica consists of the dried ripe seeds of Strychnos Nux-vomica (Fam. Loganiaceae), a small tree indigenous to Indo-Asia. It owes its activity principally to the alkaloid strychnine, of which it contains about 2.5%.

Properties:

Mux Vomica:

Strych. Sulph.:

Appearance ........................................................................................

Appearance .......................................................................................

Color .........................................................................................................

Color .........................................................................................................

Odor............................................................................................................

Odor............................................................................................................

Taste .........................................................................................................

Taste ....................................................................................................

Sol.: H20........................................................................................

Sol.: H2O ..........................................................................................

Incompatibilities: To Tincture Nux Vomica add

An hydroxide ........................................................................................

An iodide .................................................................................................

A carbonate .........................................................................................

Ac. Tannic .................................................................

A bromide ..............................................................................................

Test for Strychnine: In 1 mil H2SO4 place 0.05 Gm. Strychnine; then drop in a small fragment of K2CrO7; five sequent color changes should be noted:...................

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Nux Vomica is used as a bitters. Dose, 0.06 Gm. Strychnine is used to heighten the excitability of the spinal reflexes. Dose, of Strychnine or of the Nitrate or Sulphate, 0.0015 Gm.

Official preparations are: the Extract, the Fluidextract, and the Tincture.