Limited evidenceGut health

Nux Vomica (Homeopathic)

A homeopathic dilution of the strychnine tree, sold for indigestion and hangover. The only controlled evidence puts it in an arm that did not beat placebo, at very low certainty.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Not better than placebo in the one relevant trial Limited evidence
In the Cochrane review of homeopathy for IBS, the arm combining asafoetida with nux vomica improved global symptoms in 68% (13/19) versus 52% (12/23) on placebo — a non-significant difference, rated very low certainty evidence.
The whole evidence base is four small trials Limited evidence
Cochrane identified only four RCTs (307 participants) of any homeopathic treatment for IBS, with unclear to high risk of bias, and could draw no firm conclusion about effectiveness.
No dose-response to describe Limited evidence
Products at 6C or 30C contain no measurable strychnine or any other original substance, so any reported benefit reflects expectation and the consultation rather than pharmacology.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseLabel directions are typically 3–5 pellets at 6C or 30C, several times daily. There is no meaningful dose-response relationship.

SafetyStandard homeopathic dilutions of 6C and above are chemically inert and essentially risk-free. The real hazard is delayed diagnosis — persistent dyspepsia, weight loss, vomiting or bleeding need medical assessment. Low-dilution 'mother tincture' Strychnos nux-vomica preparations are an entirely different and genuinely toxic product.

Scientific references

Homeopathy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Peckham EJ, Cooper K, Roberts ER — Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2019

Where to buy

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