Ipecac

Useful properties and applications of ipecac

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Description of ipecac

Ipecac is a gorgeous evergreen shrub of the family Rubiaceae. Its average height does not exceed 20 cm are rare instances of plants up to 40 cm, one-piece elongated leaves are opposite form with stipules. Small flowers are white-cream color located directly on the tops of erect stems. Such a peculiar capitate inflorescence makes the plant very attractive. Beautiful tubular flowers do not grow more than 6 mm in length.

Ipecac has a thin smooth rhizome with numerous roots exhaust ringed type. Plants grow in the rain forests of Brazil or by the banks of the Amazon river. Recently, it began to be cultivated in Indonesia and India. Ipecac often settles whole colonies in humus-rich soil. A simple stem not branched at base woody. Stipules on the stems are deeply lobed on special subulate lobes.

Fruit syrup of ipecac is a fleshy ovoid drupe. Red-purple fruit has small seeds inside. Collection of roots for medicinal purposes may be carried out at any time of the year except rainy periods. When digging it is necessary to leave a small part of the root in the ground so the plant could continue to develop and grow. The collected roots taste bitter, and the smell is very tart and sharp.

Useful properties of syrup of ipecac

Pharmacological action of the plant thanks to the unique composition. The roots are found many different alkaloids. These include netamin, cefalin, protiein and psychotrine. Ipecac also contains saponins, malic acid, citric acid, phytosterol and choline. With proper use of various tools show excellent expectorant action. Due to the special ability to reflexively reinforce an important secretory function of the lungs and bronchial glands, liquefies phlegm significantly and easily displayed.

Long-term use of the drug the activity of the villi, a unique all ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract is significantly improved. However, it should be mentioned that large doses of any drug on the basis of ipecac causes nausea and severe irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach. This inevitably leads to uncontrollable vomiting.

In ancient times, healers knew about this characteristic of the plant, and was often appointed such roots, if necessary, purification of the stomach. Todaysame day ipecac is used only as a miracle cure against cough, to facilitate expectoration. There are special preparations made on the basis of ipecac and syrup of marshmallow. To tame the cough and sputum output assigned to different infusions and powders. They are also effective in amoebic dysentery.

The use of syrup of ipecac

The main indications are acute and serious chronic diseases and inflammation of the different nature of the respiratory tract. Many drugs on the basis of ipecac are recommended for quite difficult expectoration of viscous sputum. Widely used for use of syrup of ipecac in homeopathy. For getting rid of mucus in the bronchi is assigned a particular drug in low dilutions. For a quick solution to problems with the gastrointestinal tract shows a higher dilution.

Various infusions, syrups and powders of ipecac is effective for many inflammatory processes. When the number of dry roots in the product it turns into an emetic on the basis of which is made a medicine against the threat of amoebic dysentery. Powder easily soluble in water, it has an unpleasant smell and a bitter astringent taste.

Syrup of ipecac

Unique ipecac syrup can be prepared at home. This will require the infusion of the plant and sugar syrup. These two ingredients should be mixed in a ratio of 1:10. Usually adults appoint not more than two grams per dose. Low concentration in small doses, alkaloids, enhance the secretion of bronchial glands. Whereby there is an increased thinning mucus and ciliated excitation channel responsible for free breathing.

This drug has a special advantage over apomorphine, as it is absorbed more slowly, and thus guaranteed long-lasting effect in the treatment.

Contraindications of ipecac

In the use of ipecac - some people have allergic reactions, nausea and in extremely rare cases, vomiting. In case of hypersensitivity to the components of the presented medicines, the treatment should stop. In large doses the roots irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.