Ipecac

Carapichea ipecacuanha

Physical Characteristics

Carapichea ipecacuanha is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador; through Central America to Nicaragua.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Dysentery Emetic Expectorant Febrifuge Homeopathy The roots of ipecac contain a number of medically active constituents including isoquinoline alkaloids, tannins and glycosides[ 254 ]. They have a violently irritant action, stimulating the gastric and bronchial systems, lowering fevers and preventing cyst formation in amoebic dysentery[ 238 ]. The roots are used internally in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough and amoebic dysentery[ 238 , 254 ]. One of the surest of emetics, even moderate doses will induce vomiting until the contents of the stomach have been voided making it especially useful in the treatment of drug overdoses[ 254 ]. It is used in a syrup to induce vomiting in children who have ingested toxins[ 238 ]. Smaller doses are strongly expectorant and it is a common ingredient in patent cough medicines[ 254 ]. The plant needs to be used with caution since excess causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea[ 238 ]. The roots are harvested, usually when about 3 years old and the plants are in flower, and are dried for later use[ 238 , 254 ]. The plants are replanted after partial removal of the roots[ 238 ]. The plant is used in homeopathy in the treatment of nausea[ 238 ].

Known Hazards

The plant can be toxic in doses larger than recommended for medicinal use[ 254 ].