Asclépiade Blanche, Asclepias vincetoxicum, Cynanchum vincetoxicum, Dompte-Venin, Dompte-Venin Officinal, Swallow Wort, Vencetósigo, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, Vincetoxicum officinale.
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.
How does it work?
There isn't enough information to know how German ipecac might work.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Digestive problems.
- Kidney problems.
- Painful menstrual periods.
- Fluid retention.
- Swelling and bruising, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.