Ipeca, scientific name Cephaelis ipecacuanha , is a shrubby plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It can also be known as ipecacuanha, cagosanga, cinnamon-da-minor, vine-emetic, ipe-caa-coene, ipecapoaie, gray poiaia, among others.
There are, however, many species of this plant, and the one with the most qualities for alternative medicine is the one mentioned in this article ( Cephaelis ipecacuanha) . Its name has indigenous origin, and is native to Brazilian forests, although it is currently also cultivated in India and Malaysia. The root can reach approximately 40 centimeters.
Its parts used for medicinal purposes are the ground powdered roots, and it can be found in health food stores, both online and physical.
Index
properties
It has emetic, expectorant and amebicide properties, in addition to the active principles that are saponins, emetin – and other alkaloids –, flavonoids, glycosides and resins.
Benefits
It can be used in the treatment of intoxication when gastric lavage cannot be done, as it acts in the emptying of the stomach. And also in the treatment of dysentery, bronchitis, acute cough and whooping cough.
Its use is also beneficial in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, such as lung and bronchial diseases. It stimulates gastric systems, lowers fever and prevents the formation of cysts.
How to make tea?
The tea should be made with the proportion of two tablespoons of powder from the roots to each liter of water.
Place the two ingredients in a container and bring to the fire. When it starts to boil, time it for ten minutes, then turn off and cover. Let stand for another ten minutes, then strain and consume. The recommended dose is between two and three cups a day.
Another form of consumption is in the dose of 8 grams of root powder for each glass of water to stimulate vomiting, and 5 grams for each liter of water as an expectorant.
Contraindications and precautions
Consumption is contraindicated when in high doses, as they become toxic. The powder is irritating to the skin and, therefore, can cause dermatitis and asthma for those who have frequent contact with the plant.
In case of overdose, seek medical attention. Symptoms are seizures, shock, coma, impaired respiratory function, arrhythmia, tachycardia, drop in blood pressure, erosion of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, diarrhea, severe vomiting, among others.
Attention: do not consume the ipecac plant, regardless of the amount, without medical guidance and monitoring, as even natural medicines have contraindications and side effects, in addition to drug interactions.