German ipecac
German ipecac

Background

German ipecac is a plant. The leaf, root, and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine.

Despite safety concerns, people take German ipecac for digestion problems, kidney disorders, fluid retention, and snakebite. They also take it to cause vomiting and sweating.

Women take German ipecac to treat painful menstrual periods.

Some people apply German ipecac directly to the skin in a warm compress (poultice) for healing swelling and bruising.
German ipecac might be UNSAFE to take by mouth. It can cause vomiting, breathing problems, paralysis, heart stoppage, and other problems.

There isn’t enough information to know whether it is safe to apply German ipecac directly to the skin.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: German ipecac might be UNSAFE for anyone to take. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, concern for you baby’s health gives you extra reasons not to use it.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
  • Digestive problems.
  • Kidney problems.
  • Painful menstrual periods.
  • Snakebite.
  • Fluid retention.
  • Swelling and bruising, when applied to the skin.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of German ipecac for these uses.

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of German ipecac depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for German ipecac. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if German Ipecac interacts with any medicines. Before taking German Ipecac, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

There isn't enough information to know how German ipecac might work.
Engystol
5.0 (3 pracs)
4.5 (2 clients)
Practitioner product
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This monograph was last reviewed on 07/12/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 17/01/2013 16:45:27. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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