Evidence supporting the use of: Colocynth
For the health condition: Nausea and Vomiting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis), also known as bitter apple, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional Arabic medicine. Historically, it has been used for a variety of gastrointestinal complaints, including constipation, indigestion, and sometimes for "purging" the system. There are anecdotal and some herbal texts referencing its emetic (vomit-inducing) properties, which have occasionally resulted in its use for severe nausea or to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning. However, this use is primarily based on traditional practices rather than modern clinical evidence. Scientific studies on the efficacy and safety of colocynth for treating nausea and vomiting are lacking, and its known toxicity—including severe gastrointestinal irritation, hepatotoxicity, and potential for fatal poisoning—make it a dangerous remedy. Therefore, while there is some traditional precedent for its use in this context, the supporting evidence is extremely weak, and contemporary medical guidance does not recommend colocynth for nausea or vomiting due to safety concerns.
Other ingredients used for Nausea and Vomiting
allspicebamboo
myrobalan
benegut perilla (proprietary)
betel
black pepper
chamomile
chen pi
Coptis chinensis
fennel
fenugreek
ginger
gooseberry
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lovage
mint
orange
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
sage
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
watermelon
chickweed
tangerine
typhonium
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
anise
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
root tuber
chrysanthemum
flowering quince
dogwood
dioscorea
sweetgums
caraway
camphor oil
yerba mate
peach
horehound
Sichuan pepper
soursop
sea salt
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Agrimonia pilosa
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Buttermilk
Blue Flag
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Balsam
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
black salt
Black Nightshade
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
banana
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Bottle gourd
Cumin
Centaury
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Citron
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Cubeb
Chirata
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Colocynth
cola nut
Dill
Doxylamine succinate
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Goldthread
Lotus
Little ironweed
Quince
Rose
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Colocynth
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Backache
Burning Feet or Hands
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Malaria
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)